California Motorcycle Test Questions Flashcards

Proper posture includes having the right wrist:

• higher than the knuckles
• lower than the knuckles
• flat or even with the knuckles
• at whatever position is comfortable

The front brake supplies about ___ of total stopping power on a cruiser-type motorcycle

• 30%
• 50%
• 70%
• 100%

On a sport bike, approximately ___ of total stopping power is provided by the rear brake.

• 10%
• 30%
• 50%
• 80%

The average time for adults to process one alcoholic drink is ___.

• 30 minutes
• 1 hour
• 2 hours
• 4 hours

The tachometer on a motorcycle shows_______

• road speed in miles per hour
• gear position
• engine speed in rotations per minute
• miles driven

When riding within a group, the inexperienced rider is usually _____.

• at the tail end of the group
• in front of the group
• in the middle of the group
• behind the leader of the group

It is a good idea to flash your brake light when ______.

• someone is following too closely
• never
• when you need to slow suddenly
• when turning

A good entry speed for a curve is __________.

The best place to find the correct pressure for your tires is _____.

Where do most single-vehicle (motorcycle) crashes occur?

• curve
• steep hill
• an intersection
• none of the above

When riding your motorcycle, where is the most likely place for colliding with another vehicle?

• curve
• steep hill
• an intersection
• none of the above

Stopping quickly in a curve requires the rider to _____.

• applying both brakes hard and fast while leaned
• leaning the opposite direction while braking
• progressively applying both brakes until the bike is upright
• only using the rear brake

How many escape paths should a rider keep open in a collision trap?

• 1
• 2
• 3
• more than 1

When riding in a crosswind, the rider may have to:

• use more hand grip pressure into the wind
• use the rear brake
• go faster
• not carry a passenger

Why does a motorcycle have an engine cut-off switch?

What does the clutch lever do?

Which gear should the rider be in when coming to a stop?

• first
• second
• neutral
• any

Why does a motorcycle rider change gears?

• to stop
• to start out from a stop
• to match engine speed to road speed
• to go around a curve

What is "engine braking"?

Which type of helmet provides the most protection in case of a crash?

Define hypothermia

Which part of the lane is the best lane position for being seen at an intersection?

• the middle part of the lane
• the left part of the lane
• there is no single best lane position
• the right part of the lane

When should you check your motorcycle's tire pressure?

• every time before you ride
• once a week
• once a month
• when it looks low

If you accidentally lock the front wheel when applying the front brakes, you should:

• keep it locked
• release and then reapply with less pressure
• apply more rear brake
• accelerate

Which of the following can affect motorcycle traction?

• acceleration
• deceleration
• tire pressure
• all of the above

Motorcycle helmets should be ______.

• OSHA compliant
• FDA compliant
• DOT compliant
• NFPA compliant

Counterweighting is used.....

• in low-speed turns
• in high-speed turns
• in every turn
• when braking

The main cause of motorcycle accidents is:

• improper braking
• improper cornering
• other drivers
• an interaction of factors

Target fixation means:

• not focusing on the road
• being distracted
• looking at one thing too long
• aiming for something

Threshold braking means:

• barely using the brakes
• only using the front brake
• only using the rear brake
• using both brakes progressively without locking ether wheel

The 3 parts of total stopping distance are:

• perception, reaction, and braking
• reaction, acuity, and braking
• braking, reaction, and traction
• traction, reaction, and braking

Counter-steering in a normal speed turns means:

• Pushing the handlebar forward slightly in the direction you want to go.
• Pushing the handlebar forward slightly in the opposite direction you want to go.
• Pulling the handlebar toward you in the direction you want to go.
• Pulling the handlebar toward you in the opposite direction you want to go.

Why is it important to do a head check when changing lanes?

What is hazardous about starting off up a hill?

• not seeing the other side
• rolling backward
• stalling the motorcycle
• spinning the tire

The "friction zone" on a motorcycle is:

Why should you park your motorcycle in first gear?

Neutral is:

• all the way down
• between 1st and 2nd gear
• all the way up
• between 2nd and 3rd gear

What is hydroplaning?

• going too fast for conditions
• going too slow for conditions
• skidding on the road due to water
• water build up under tread causing loss of traction

What is the rider's torso position during a swerve?

Swerving around an obstacle generally occurs at speeds above:

• 10 mph
• 20 mph
• 30 mph
• 45 mph

Why should you rise up slightly off of the seat when crossing over an obstacle?

Which of the following actions should be avoided while swerving?

• braking
• accelerating
• body leaning
• all of the above

What can a beginner rider do to help with stability when taking off from a stop?

• take a few "power-walking" steps while building up speed
• keep head and eyes up and looking ahead
• easing the clutch out (not popping it)
• all of the above

The "middle" part of the curve is called the _______.

• entry
• apex
• exit
• end

What do you do about a tailgating driver?

• throw objects at him
• brake check him
• increase distance from vehicles ahead
• speed up

Why is riding a motorcycle more dangerous than driving a car?

• less visibility
• less protection
• less stability
• all of the above

Why is hearing loss a concern when riding a motorcycle?

• wind noise
• motor noise
• loud pipes
• vehicles honking

When is riding in the rain the most hazardous?

• after several days of rain
• after a couple hours of rain
• when it first starts to rain
• never

In seconds, what is a following distance that generally provides enough time to stop or swerve in an urgent situation?

• 2 seconds
• 4 seconds
• 12 seconds
• 20 seconds

The best way to become a more skilled motorcyclist is to:

• take long trips
• attend more training classes
• watch your friends
• watch YouTube videos

What does ABS stand for?

When does alcohol begin to affect the rider's ability to ride a motorcycle?

• immediately
• after 1 drink
• after 2 drinks
• at 0.08 BAC

Tire pressure affects tire _____.

• traction
• longevity
• tread depth
• traction and longevity

Cargo on a motorcycle should be:

If you are riding during the daytime, how should your headlight be set?

• off
• on low beam
• on high beam if it doesn't interfere with other drivers
• flashing

How should the passenger sit on the motorcycle?

• holding on to the back seat or sissy bar
• close to the rider and holding his or her side (not too tight)
• on the fender
• on the tank

What are the requirements for wearing a helmet?

• Passengers only are required to wear helmets.
• All motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear helmets at all times.
• Helmets are not required while driving on city streets.

Grabbing the front brake or jamming down on the rear brake:

• Can cause the brakes to lock.
• Is the best way to stop in an emergency.
• Is the best way to slow down when the streets are wet.

Passengers on motorcycles should:

• Put their feet on the ground when the motorcycle is stopped.
• Not ride without a back rest.
• Should sit as far forward as possible without crowding you.

When riding with a group of motorcyclists, a staggered formation:

• Is recommended at all times.
• Should not be used when entering or exiting a highway.
• Should be used when riding on curves.

Eye protection:

• Is not needed if your motorcycle is equipped with a windshield.
• Is only needed when riding in bad weather.
• Should give a clear view to either side.

A primary cause of single vehicle motorcycle collisions is:

• Motorcyclists’ tendency to drive too fast for weather conditions.
• Motorcyclists running wide in a curve or turn and colliding with the roadway or a fixed object.
• Motorcyclists running off the road while trying to avoid a collision with another vehicle.

The best lane position for a motorcycle:

• Is in the left part of the lane, next to the center line.
• Is in the right part of the lane, next to the curb.
• Can vary depending on road and/or traffic conditions.

When riding at night you should:

• Move closer to the vehicle in front of you to use its lights to see farther down the road.
• Keep driving at your normal speed because slowing down would increase the chance of being struck from behind.
• Reduce your speed because it is harder to see something lying in the road.

You should operate the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch when:

• The throttle is stuck and you can’t free it.
• You start to lose control in a curve.
• The motorcycle starts to wobble.

To operate a moped you must have at least a _______ license.

• Class M1
• Class M2
• Class C

Upshifting or downshifting in a curve:

• Should only be done if it can be done smoothly.
• Is better than shifting before the curve.
• Is the best way to control your speed.

To avoid confusing other drivers you should:

• Increase the following distance between your motorcycle and the vehicle in front of you if you are being tailgated.
• Make sure your turn signal turns off after you finish a turn.
• Use your horn only in emergency situations.

_________ is a major factor in collisions caused by motorcycles.

• Following too closely
• Lane sharing
• Not being seen by other drivers

If your motorcycle starts to wander back and forth while riding over metal bridge gratings you should:

• Downshift immediately to a lower gear to improve traction.
• Proceed in a zig-zag pattern until you cross the bridge.
• Relax, stay on course and ride straight across.

If you must carry a load it should be:

• Either over or in front of the rear axle.
• Carried on the gas tank in front of the driver.
• Piled up against a sissy bar or frame on the back of the seat.

Grabbing the front brake or jamming down on the rear brake:

• Can cause the brakes to lock.
• Is the best way to stop in an emergency.
• Is the best way to slow down when the streets are wet.

What is the best way to stay out of trouble while riding a motorcycle?

• To see it coming by looking well ahead.
• By avoiding high density traffic areas.
• By increasing the following distance between your motorcycle and the vehicle in front of you.

A motorcycle rider has an advantage over an automobile driver when passing parked vehicles because:

• A motorcycle can accelerate faster than a car.
• A motorcycle rider can avoid the problems of opening doors and people stepping out from between vehicles by driving in the left part of the lane.
• Motorcycles have a shorter stopping distance.

Brightly colored, reflective helmets and clothing:

• Should only be worn while riding at night.
• Can make motorcycle riders easier to see.
• Do not increase a motorcycle rider’s safety.

To execute a turn safely a motorcycle rider should always:

• Lean the motorcycle in the direction of the curve or turn.
• Slow down in the turn.
• Turn using the handle bars only.