Pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles and slow vehicles

Key points

1. Always yield to blind pedestrians with a white or red tipped cane or a guide dog.

   Source: Handbook p. 103

   “Always yield to blind pedestrians carrying a white, metallic, red tipped white cane or using a guide dog.”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 103

2. Bicyclists must ride on the right side of the road in the same direction as traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 105

   “Bicyclists are required to travel on the right hand side of the road and travel in the same direction as vehicles.”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 105

3. When passing a bicyclist going your way, pass slowly and leave at least 3 feet.

   Source: Handbook p. 63

   “When passing and overtaking a bicyclist proceeding in the same direction, do so slowly and leave at least a distance between you and the bicycle of not less than 3 feet.”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 63

4. At night, do not use high beams when you see an oncoming bicycle rider.

   Source: Handbook p. 105

   “At night, do not use high beams when you see an oncoming bicycle rider.”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 105

5. A red or orange pennant flag on a bike means the rider has impaired hearing, so slow down.

   Source: Handbook p. 106

   “If you see a bicyclist with a red or orange pennant flag on the antennae attached to the bike, slow down: this is a common symbol to indicate the rider has impaired hearing.”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 106

6. Two thirds of car and motorcycle collisions are caused by the driver who turned in front of the motorcycle.

   Source: Handbook p. 107

   “Research shows that two-thirds of car-motorcycle collisions are caused, not by the motorcyclist, but by the driver who turned in front of the motorcycle.”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 107

7. Never try to share a lane with a motorcycle.

   Source: Handbook p. 107

   “You must never try to share a lane with a motorcycle, and you should always respect the cycle’s space and position in traffic.”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 107

8. Pass a horse at a reasonable speed and distance, and never sound your horn or rev your engine near it.

   Source: Handbook p. 111

   “You must drive at a reasonable speed, and at a reasonable distance away from the horse. Do NOT sound your horn or “rev” your engine loudly when approaching or passing a horse.”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 111

9. An orange triangle emblem must be on the rear of animal drawn vehicles and most farm and construction equipment.

   Source: Handbook p. 111

   “The “slow moving vehicle” emblem, a fluorescent or reflective orange triangle, must be displayed on the rear of vehicles drawn by animals, and most farm vehicles and construction equipment.”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 111

10. Farm machinery usually travels at less than 25 mph.

    Source: Handbook p. 111

    “In most cases, these vehicles will be traveling at less than 25 M.P.H.”
    Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 111

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Tennessee practice test

1. 1. How much clearance must a driver leave when passing a bicyclist traveling in the same direction?

   1. At least 1 foot
   2. At least 3 feet
   3. At least 2 feet
   4. At least 6 feet
   Show answer

   At least 3 feet. When overtaking a bicyclist traveling in the same direction, Tennessee requires the driver to pass slowly and leave at least 3 feet of space. The clearance must continue until the vehicle is safely past the bicycle. One or two feet leaves little room for a wobble or wind effect, while six feet is not the stated minimum. Slow before moving alongside, check for oncoming traffic, and do not force the rider toward parked vehicles.

2. 2. When passing a horseback rider on a Tennessee roadway, a driver should:

   1. Sound the horn repeatedly to warn the horse
   2. Rev the engine so the rider knows the car is nearby
   3. Pass as close as possible before the horse moves
   4. Use a reasonable speed and distance without sounding the horn or revving the engine
   Show answer

   Use a reasonable speed and distance without sounding the horn or revving the engine. Horseback riders are protected by the rules of the road, and horses can react unpredictably to loud sounds or a close vehicle. Approach and pass at a reasonable speed and distance. The horn and a revved engine can startle the animal, while crowding the rider leaves little recovery space if the horse shifts. Slow down before reaching the rider, leave room, and avoid sudden noise until safely past.

3. 3. What does the orange triangle on the rear of a slow-moving vehicle indicate?

   1. The vehicle may be passed without checking traffic
   2. The vehicle has priority to make any sudden lane change
   3. The vehicle is carrying hazardous materials
   4. The vehicle is moving slowly and requires caution from following drivers
   Show answer

   The vehicle is moving slowly and requires caution from following drivers. The fluorescent or reflective orange triangle identifies a slow-moving vehicle, such as farm equipment or construction machinery. It warns following drivers to expect a much lower speed and to prepare early, especially near hills and curves. The emblem grants no special right to turn or change lanes, says nothing about hazardous cargo, and never makes passing automatic. Reduce speed, keep a safe distance, and confirm the operator knows you intend to pass before moving around it.

Source: the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Chapter C-3: Sharing the Road Safely. 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.