Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Permit Practice Test

If you are overtaking a bicycle and an oncoming vehicle is approaching, you must:

1. Speed up to pass both quickly

2. Slow down and let the vehicle pass first

3. Cross into the oncoming lane

4. Honk to alert the vehicle

The correct answer is: Slow down and let the vehicle pass first

When overtaking a bicycle with an approaching vehicle from the opposite direction, the safest and most responsible action is to slow down and allow the oncoming vehicle to pass. This is crucial for maintaining safety for all road users involved, particularly the cyclist. The rationale behind this choice lies in ensuring adequate space and time to safely pass the bicycle without risking a collision. By waiting for the oncoming vehicle to pass, you minimize the potential for an accident, which could occur if you attempted to overtake while another vehicle is approaching. It's important to remember that the law emphasizes giving all road users, especially the more vulnerable ones like cyclists, sufficient room and consideration. The other options, such as speeding up to pass quickly or crossing into the oncoming lane, could create dangerous situations. Speeding up might not allow enough time or space to safely pass the bicycle and avoid the oncoming vehicle. Crossing into the oncoming lane without full assurance that it is clear risks a head-on collision, which is perilous for all parties. Additionally, honking to alert the oncoming vehicle may not be effective in preventing a dangerous situation and could cause confusion instead of resolving the situation safely. Therefore, slowing down to let the oncoming vehicle pass first is the most prudent choice