Motorcycle visibility — Vermont Permit Test

Because of its small size a motorcycle can seem to be moving faster than it really is, and it can look farther away than it is. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection, predict that a motorcycle is closer than it looks.

The eye judges distance from size, and a small object reads as a distant one.

Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.

A motorcycle is easily hidden by objects inside or outside a car, such as door posts, mirrors, passengers, bushes, parked cars and bridges. Take an extra moment to check traffic before changing lanes or turning.

A whole motorcycle fits behind a windshield pillar, and it stays there as you both move.

a motorcycle can be easily hidden by objects inside or outside a car (door posts, mirrors, passengers, bushes, trees, parked cars, fences, bridges, blind spots, etc)

Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult, so allow more following distance behind one.

A bike has two contact patches instead of four, and on a wet road that is what runs out first.

Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult.

Carrying a passenger makes balance harder for a rider, lengthens stopping distance and cuts maneuverability, so predict more problems when you see two on a motorcycle.

Two people on a bike change how it behaves, and the rider is working harder for the same result.

Carrying a passenger complicates a motorcyclist’s task. Balance is more difficult. Stopping distance is increased. Maneuverability is reduced.

Keep at least a four second space cushion when following a motorcyclist, and remember that the mirrors on a motorcycle are smaller and usually convex, so you look farther back than you are.

A convex mirror shrinks you, and the rider decides how much room they have from that picture.

This gives the motorcyclist a smaller image of you and makes you appear farther back than you actually are.

What should a driver assume about the distance to an oncoming motorcycle?

That it is closer than it looks. The eye judges distance from size, and a small object reads as a distant one. 2025 Vermont Driver's Manual, p.42: “Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.”