Bicycles, motorcycles, trucks and other road users

Key points

1. Pass bicyclists with at least 3 feet of clearance, and change lanes if the lane is too narrow.

   Source: Handbook p. 20

   “State law requires motorists to pass cyclists with at least three feet of clearance. If the lane is not wide enough to allow for a threefoot clearance, the motorist must change lanes to pass safely.”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 20

2. Motor vehicles may not use marked bicycle lanes, even to pass.

   Source: Handbook p. 20

   “Using marked bicycle lanes is prohibited by motor vehicles, including while passing.”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 20

3. Look twice for motorcycles; in more than half of motorcycle and car crashes, the driver did not see the motorcycle in time.

   Source: Handbook p. 20

   “In more than half of all crashes involving motorcycles and automobiles, the other driver didn’t see the motorcycle until it was too late.”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 20

4. Add an extra second of following distance behind a motorcycle, and double it in bad weather.

   Source: Handbook p. 20

   “Allow yourself plenty of braking distance by adding an extra second to the following distance rule. In inclement weather, double this distance.”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 20

5. Never drive beside a motorcycle in the same lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 20

   “Expect the motorcycle to make sudden moves within the lane. Never drive beside a motorcycle in the same lane.”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 20

6. If you cannot see a truck driver's face in the side mirror, the driver cannot see you.

   Source: Handbook p. 21

   “If you can’t see the driver’s face in his side view mirror, then he can’t see you.”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 21

7. Trucks, buses and RVs need nearly twice the time and room to stop as cars.

   Source: Handbook p. 21

   “These vehicles need nearly twice the time and room to stop as cars.”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 21

8. A truck and trailer may be 65 feet long, and passing one may take more than half a mile of clear road.

   Source: Handbook p. 21

   “A truck and its trailer may be as long as 65 feet and it may take you more than half a mile of clear road to pass.”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 21

9. Low speed vehicles go 21 to 25 mph and may only use roads with limits of 35 mph or less.

   Source: Handbook p. 21

   “These electrically- or gas-powered four-wheel vehicles have a maximum speed ranging from 21 to 25 MPH. Low speed vehicles may be operated on public roads with speed limits of 35 MPH or less”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 21

10. When a light turns green while a pedestrian is still crossing, let the pedestrian finish before you turn.

    Source: Handbook p. 6

    “If a traffic light changes from red to green while a pedestrian is in the street, allow the pedestrian to cross the street before turning.”
    Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 6

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Virginia practice test

1. 1. When passing a person riding a bicycle, how much clearance must a Virginia driver provide?

   1. At least three feet to the left
   2. Exactly six inches from the bicycle
   3. At least one foot to the right
   4. No clearance if the driver signals first
   Show answer

   At least three feet to the left. Virginia requires a driver approaching or passing a person on a bicycle, moped, or similar device to reduce speed and pass at least three feet to the left. One foot is too little room for a wobble, wind, or a pavement hazard. Six inches is plainly unsafe, and a turn signal does not replace the required lateral space. Wait for a safe opening, check the full passing path, and return only when clear. The concrete cue is to picture a three foot buffer between the vehicle and the rider.

2. 2. How long can a truck and trailer be in Virginia, and how much clear road may passing it require?

   1. As long as 65 feet, needing more than half a mile of clear road to pass
   2. About 100 feet, needing one mile
   3. About 30 feet, needing 500 feet to pass
   4. There is no length limit
   Show answer

   As long as 65 feet, needing more than half a mile of clear road to pass. A truck and its trailer may be as long as 65 feet, and it may take you more than half a mile of clear road to pass. Large vehicles need nearly twice the time and room to stop as cars, so never cut in and brake in front of one. When passing, look for the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror before pulling in, then maintain your speed.

3. 3. You have a green light, but a pedestrian is still in the intersection. What must you do before turning?

   1. Turn first because the green light gives absolute priority
   2. Allow the pedestrian to cross before turning
   3. Drive around the pedestrian in the adjacent lane
   4. Sound the horn until the pedestrian stops
   Show answer

   Allow the pedestrian to cross before turning. A green signal permits movement only when the driver can proceed safely. When a pedestrian remains in the street, Virginia directs the driver to allow that person to cross before turning. The signal does not erase the pedestrian's need to finish crossing, and using the horn or driving around the person creates an additional hazard. Check the crosswalk and the full turning path, yield patiently, and complete the turn only after the pedestrian is clear. This same caution applies when a light changes from red to green while someone is already in the street.

Source: the Virginia Driver's Manual, Section 3: Safe Driving. 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.