New York City Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

What lane position should you choose when passing parked cars?

1. Right lane position

2. Middle lane position

3. Left lane position

4. Any lane position

The correct answer is: Left lane position

When passing parked cars, selecting the left lane position is optimal because it provides the safest distance from potential hazards. Parked cars pose certain risks, including the possibility of a door suddenly opening or pedestrians stepping out from behind the vehicle. By choosing a lane position further to the left, you create a greater buffer zone, which minimizes the chances of a collision. In addition, positioning yourself on the left allows for better visibility of the road and any upcoming obstacles. This position can also help in ensuring that you are not in the immediate vicinity of vehicles that might pull out into traffic unexpectedly. The right lane position is closer to the parked cars, thereby decreasing your safety margin. The middle lane position does not fully address the potential risks from the parked vehicles either. Selecting any lane position without considering the specifics of your environment and the parked cars behind you could lead to dangerous situations, as it does not prioritize safety around these hazard zones.