Passing bicycles law — Tennessee Permit Test

When passing a bicyclist going your direction, do so slowly and leave at least 3 feet between your car and the bicycle.

A gust of air from a car close by can knock a rider over. Three feet gives them room to wobble.

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.

Keep the passing clearance until you are safely past the bicycle.

Cutting back early swings your rear end toward the rider you just went around.

Also be sure to maintain this clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle.

Never try to pass between a bicyclist and oncoming vehicles on a two-lane road; slow down and wait.

Squeezing through leaves no room on either side. The rider or the oncoming car takes the hit.

As a driver you should never attempt passing between a bicyclist and oncoming vehicles on a two-lane road.

Never pass a bicycle if the street is too narrow or passing would force the rider too close to parked cars.

A parked car's door can open right into a rider who has been pushed toward it.

NEVER pass a bicycle if the street is too narrow or you would force the bicyclist too close to parked vehicles.

How much space must you leave between your car and a bicycle you are passing?

At least 3 feet. A gust of air from a car close by can knock a rider over. Three feet gives them room to wobble. Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, 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.”