Free Motorcycle License Practice Test

1. Your lane position should __________

• A. increase wind blast from other vehicles.
• B. protect your lane from other drivers.
• C. decrease your ability to see and be seen.
• D. all of the above

Explanation:
In some ways the size of the motorcycle can work to your advantage. Each traffic lane gives a motorcycle three paths of travel. Your lane position should: -Increase your ability to see and be seen. -Avoid others' blind spots. -Avoid surface hazards. -Protect your lane from other drivers. -Communicate your intentions. -Avoid wind blast from other vehicles. -Provide an escape route. Select the appropriate path to maximize your space cushion and make yourself more easily seen by others on the road. In general, there is no single best position for riders to be seen and to maintain a space cushion around the motorcycle. No portion of the lane need be avoided - including the center. Position yourself in the portion of the lane where you are most likely to be seen and you can maintain a space cushion around you. Change position as traffic situations change. Ride in path 2 or 3 if vehicles and other potential problems are on your left only. Remain in path 1 or 2 if hazards are on your right only. If vehicles are being operated on both sides of you, the center of the lane, path 2, is usually your best option. The oily strip in the center portion that collects drippings from cars is usually no more than two feet wide. Unless the road is wet, the average center strip permits adequate traction to ride on safely. You can operate to the left or right of the grease strip and still be within the center portion of the traffic lane. Avoid riding on big buildups of oil and grease usually found at busy intersections or toll booths.

In the handbook:
Ride Within Your Abilities - Keeping Your Distance - Lane Positions

2. When being passed, avoid being hit by __________

• A. the other vehicle.
• B. extended mirrors.
• C. objects thrown from windows.
• D. all of the above

Explanation:
When you are being passed from behind or by an oncoming vehicle, stay in the center portion of your lane. Riding any closer to them could put you in a hazardous situation. Avoid being hit by: -The other vehicle - A slight mistake by you or the passing driver could cause a sideswipe. -Extended mirrors - Some drivers forget that their mirrors hang out farther than their fenders. -Objects thrown from windows - Even if the driver knows you're there, a passenger may not see you and might toss something on you or the road ahead of you. -Blasts of wind from larger vehicles - They can affect your control. You have more room for error if you are in the middle portion when hit by this blast than if you were on either side of the lane. -Do not move into the portion of the lane farthest from the passing vehicle. It might invite the other driver to cut back into your lane too early.

In the handbook:
Ride Within Your Abilities - Keeping Your Distance - Being Passed

3. Your use of __________ at intersections is critical.

• A. EYE
• B. GET
• C. SEE
• D. SAW

Explanation:
The greatest potential for conflict between you and other traffic is at intersections. An intersection can be in the middle of an urban area or at a driveway on a residential street - anywhere traffic may cross your path of travel. Over one-half of motorcycle/car crashes are caused by drivers entering a rider's right-of-way. Cars that turn left in front of you, including cars turning left from the lane to your right, and cars on side streets that pull into your lane, are the biggest dangers. Your use of SEE at intersections is critical.

In the handbook:
Ride Within Your Abilities - Intersections

4. Smaller vehicles __________

• A. can fool other drivers into thinking that they have no time to pull out in front of the motorcyclist.
• B. appear farther away than they actually are.
• C. seem to be traveling faster than they actually are.
• D. all of the above

Explanation:
In crashes with motorcyclists, drivers often say that they never saw the motorcycle. From ahead or behind, a motorcycle's outline is much smaller than a car's. Also, it's hard to see something you are not looking for, and most drivers are not looking for motorcycles. More likely, they are looking through the skinny, two-wheeled silhouette in search of cars that may pose a problem to them. Even if a driver does see you coming, you aren't necessarily safe. Smaller vehicles appear farther away and seem to be traveling slower than they actually are. It is common for drivers to pull out in front of motorcyclists, thinking they have plenty of time. Too often, they are wrong. However, you can do many things to make it easier for others to recognize you and your cycle.

In the handbook:
Ride Within Your Abilities - Increasing Conspicuity

5. Which of the following statements is true?

• A. With a locked rear wheel, you cannot control the motorcycle under any circumstances.
• B. To stop quickly, apply both brakes at the same time.
• C. The front brake provides 30% or more of the potential stopping power.
• D. all of the above

Explanation:
To stop quickly, apply both brakes at the same time. Don't be shy about using the front brake, but don't "grab" it, either. Squeeze the brake lever firmly and progressively. If the front wheel locks, release the front brake immediately, then reapply it firmly. At the same time, press down on the rear brake. If you accidentally lock the rear brake on a good traction surface, keep it locked until you have completely stopped. Even with a locked rear wheel, you can control the motorcycle on a straightaway if it is upright and going in a straight line. Always use both brakes at the same time to stop. The front brake can provide 70% or more of the potential stopping power. If you must stop quickly while turning or riding a curve, the best technique is to straighten the bike upright first and then brake. However, it may not always be possible to straighten the motorcycle and then stop. If you must brake while leaning, apply light brakes and reduce the throttle. As you slow, you can reduce your lean angle and apply more brake pressure until the motorcycle is straight and maximum brake pressure is possible. You should "straighten" the handlebars in the last few feet of stopping. The motorcycle should then be straight up and in balance.

In the handbook:
Ride Within Your Abilities - Crash Avoidance - Quick Stops