Sharing the road: motorcycles, bicycles and blind spots: Illinois SOS written test practice
9 free practice questions on sharing the road: motorcycles, bicycles and blind spots for the Illinois SOS written knowledge test, each with the correct answer and a short explanation. Study them here, then check yourself in the interactive quiz or the exam simulator.
1. Is lane splitting (a motorcycle riding between lanes of traffic) legal in Illinois?
Yes, on any road
Yes, but only on highways
✓ No, it is illegal in Illinois
Only during heavy traffic
Why: Lane splitting is illegal in Illinois. Currently, California is the only state that allows motorcycles to ride between lanes of traffic under specific conditions.
2. At night, a bicycle's headlight must be visible from a distance of:
100 feet
✓ 300 feet
500 feet
1,000 feet
Why: A bicycle's front white light must be visible from at least 300 feet away.
3. A bicycle's rear reflector or taillight must be visible at night from a distance of:
100 feet
200 feet
✓ 500 feet
1,000 feet
Why: The rear red reflector or taillight must be visible from at least 500 feet away.
4. Low-speed electric vehicles (NEV/LSV) are subject to the following speed and road restrictions:
15 mph; prohibited on roads with a speed limit higher than 25 mph
✓ 25 mph; prohibited on roads with a speed limit higher than 35 mph
35 mph; no restrictions
45 mph; prohibited only on highways
Why: NEVs and LSVs are limited to 25 mph and may not be driven on roads with a speed limit higher than 35 mph.
5. Be sure to check your blind spots by turning your head before:
Only when changing lanes on the freeway
✓ Changing lanes, turning, pulling out of a parking space, and backing up
Backing up only
This isn't necessary if the mirrors are working
Why: You should check your blind spots before changing lanes, turning at an intersection, pulling out onto the road, and backing up—mirrors alone aren't enough.
6. Before opening the door of a car parked at the curb, you should:
Just open the door as usual
✓ Check your mirror and blind spot for cyclists or cars
Honk the horn
Turn on your hazard lights and get out immediately
Why: Opening a door into traffic is a common cause of collisions with cyclists; always check your mirror and blind spot before opening the door.
7. Experienced drivers are advised to “scan” the road ahead with their eyes, looking approximately:
1–2 seconds ahead
✓ 10 seconds ahead
30 seconds ahead
Only what's directly in front of the hood
Why: It is recommended that you look ahead about 10 seconds to give yourself enough time to react to any danger.
8. If a faster car is catching up to you and "tailgating" you, the correct response is:
Slam on the brakes to teach them a lesson
✓ Maintain your speed and, if possible, move over to the right to let them pass
Speed up to pull ahead
Repeatedly tap the brake to flash your brake lights at them
Why: The best way to respond to a “tailgater” is to maintain a steady speed and change lanes at the first opportunity, without braking suddenly or accelerating.
9. If an emergency vehicle is approaching from behind with its siren and flashing lights on, you should:
Continue driving as usual
✓ Move close to the right edge and stop, letting it pass
Brake hard while staying in your lane
Speed up to clear the way ahead of time
Why: If you see an emergency vehicle with its siren and flashing lights on, pull over to the right side of the road and stop until it has passed, unless a traffic officer instructs you otherwise.