Key points
Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width. Do not share the lane.
Source: Handbook p. 10-5
“Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width. Do not share the lane.”
South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10-5Do not assume a motorcycle is turning when its signal flashes. It may not self cancel.
Source: Handbook p. 10-7
“Do not assume a motorcycle is turning when you see its turn signal flashing. Motorcycle turn signals may not self-cancel”
South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10-7Allow at least a 4 second following distance behind a motorcycle, more when wet.
Source: Handbook p. 10-7
“When following a motorcyclist allow for a minimum 4 second following distance or more in wet conditions”
South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10-7More than 250,000 collisions between cars and commercial vehicles happen each year.
Source: Handbook p. 10-7
“More than 250,000 collisions occur between cars and commercial vehicles each year.”
South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10-7If you cannot see the truck driver's face in the side mirror, the driver cannot see you.
Source: Handbook p. 10-8
“If you cannot see the driver's face in the side view mirror, he or she cannot see you.”
South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10-8A loaded truck at 55 mph needs at least 335 feet to stop, over 1½ times a car's distance.
Source: Handbook p. 10-9
“traveling at 55 mph, requires a minimum of 335 feet before coming to a complete stop, or greater than 1½ times the stopping distance of a car.”
South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10-9Large vehicles have blind spots directly behind them that extend up to 200 feet.
Source: Handbook p. 10-9
“large vehicles have huge blind spots directly behind them that extend up to 200 feet.”
South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10-9Do not turn until a turning truck or bus has completed its turn.
Source: Handbook p. 10-10
“To avoid a collision, do not turn until the truck or bus has completed its turn.”
South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 10-10
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 4 seconds | minimum following distance behind a motorcycle | Handbook p. 10-7 |
| 250,000 | car and commercial vehicle collisions each year | Handbook p. 10-7 |
| 335 feet at 55 mph; 1½ times | minimum stopping distance of a loaded truck, compared with a car | Handbook p. 10-9 |
| 200 feet | length of a large vehicle's rear blind spot | Handbook p. 10-9 |
3 questions from the South Carolina practice test
1. Why does the South Carolina manual say not to assume a motorcycle is turning when its signal flashes?
- Motorcycles are not required to have signals
- Motorcycle signals are decorative
- Riders signal only for lane changes
- Motorcycle turn signals may not self cancel and the rider may have forgotten them
Show answer
Motorcycle turn signals may not self cancel and the rider may have forgotten them. Do not assume a motorcycle is turning when you see its turn signal flashing. Motorcycle turn signals may not self cancel, and the rider may have forgotten to turn them off, so wait to be sure the rider is going to turn before you proceed. Allow at least a four second following distance behind a motorcycle, more in wet conditions.
2. What minimum stopping distance does the South Carolina manual give for a loaded truck at 55 mph under ideal conditions?
- At least 335 feet, more than 1.5 times a car's stopping distance
- About 200 feet
- About the same as a car
- About 100 feet
Show answer
At least 335 feet, more than 1.5 times a car's stopping distance. A loaded truck with good tires and properly adjusted brakes, under ideal conditions and traveling at 55 mph, requires a minimum of 335 feet to come to a complete stop, greater than one and a half times the stopping distance of a car. It is essential not to enter a roadway or change lanes in front of a large vehicle, and to pass it completely before moving back in.
3. How many collisions occur between cars and commercial vehicles each year, according to the South Carolina manual?
- About 1,000
- More than 250,000
- About 10,000
- About 5 million
Show answer
More than 250,000. More than 250,000 collisions occur between cars and commercial vehicles each year, and many could be avoided by remembering that commercial vehicles are larger, less maneuverable, take longer to stop, and have bigger blind spots than cars. Never enter a roadway or change lanes in front of a large vehicle, and give it room to turn, since trucks swing wide and cannot see cars tucked in close.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with safe driving questions from the free South Carolina practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 10: Sharing the Road. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.