Alabama MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 16

If steering suddenly feels heavy, it is possible that your front tire has gone flat. Stop riding and check your tires as soon as possible.

When it starts to rain, the oily strip down the center of a lane is especially hazardous. Avoid this danger by riding in the tire tracks left by cars. The left tire track is often safest, but this can vary.

Convex mirrors are installed on many motorcycles. Compared to flat mirrors, convex mirrors provide a wider view of the road. However, convex mirrors can also make approaching vehicles seem farther away than they actually are.

To reduce the risk of a collision, be sure to make yourself visible, clearly communicate your intentions, maintain an adequate space cushion, search your path of travel, and identify and separate hazards. Always be prepared to react to any hazard that could arise.

In general, it is best for a group to ride in a staggered formation. Move into a single-file formation when taking a curve, making a turn, entering a highway, or leaving a highway.

Every curve is different, so there is no single best lane position for riding in all curves. Be prepared to change your lane position as road, traffic, and weather conditions change.

When being passed, it is generally safest to ride in the center portion of your lane. Riding on the side nearest the passing driver increases the danger of colliding with them, and riding on the side farthest from the driver may tempt them to return to your lane too soon.

Wearing a helmet is your best defense against injury while riding a motorcycle. Wearing a plastic, shatter-resistant face shield can help protect your face from injury in a crash.

If a hazard requires you to brake and swerve, you should take these actions separately. Never brake while swerving because doing so can cause your motorcycle to fall over.

Roads become slippery when it first starts raining, especially in the center strip of a lane. When rain starts, it is generally safest to ride in the tire tracks left by other vehicles. The left tire track is often best.

If you approach an intersection that is not marked with signs or traffic lights at the same time as another driver, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.

After completing a turn or lane change, deactivate your turn signal. Leaving your signal on after moving to the right or left can confuse other road users.

Just like any other vehicle, motorcycles have blind spots. A rider should always turn their head to check for traffic in their blind spot before changing lanes. It is a good idea for a rider to make head checks a part of their normal routine.

A solid white line on the side of the road is used to indicate the right edge of a traffic lane.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions. This sign warns of merging traffic ahead.

If not carried in saddlebags, loads should be secured as low as possible. Attaching a load to a sissy bar can raise the motorcycle's center of gravity and upset its balance.

Like any vehicle, motorcycles have blind spots. In addition to using your mirrors, you must always turn your head to check your blind spot before changing lanes.

When riding a motorcycle, it is highly recommended that you wear protective apparel. Look for a jacket that completely covers your arms and fits snugly but still allows you to move freely. Leather or sturdy synthetic materials with integrated body armor offer the best protection.

It is best to change gears before starting a turn. However, if you must shift while turning, shift smoothly. A sudden change in power to the rear wheel can cause a skid.

Impairment of riding skills begins with the first drink. If you have consumed alcohol in any amount, it is not safe to ride.

Because a motorcycle's brake light is not as noticeable as the brake lights of a car, it is usually a good idea to flash your brake light when slowing or stopping so others will be more likely to notice that you are decelerating. This is particularly important if you are slowing down more quickly than others might expect.

To make yourself more visible to other road users, it is best if you choose to wear bright orange, red, yellow, or green clothing. Avoid wearing drab or dark colors while riding.

Regulatory signs are white signs with red and black markings that inform drivers of specific traffic laws in the indicated area. This sign indicates that U-turns are prohibited.

Ride with extreme caution when approaching an intersection. Cover the clutch and both brakes to reduce your reaction time, if needed.

Wearing brightly-colored clothing while riding will make it easier for others on the road to see you. This is true regardless of the time of day.

To reduce the risk of a crash, you should always ensure that you are visible to others. Communicate your intentions through proper use of your signals, brake light, and lane position. Maintain a space cushion around your motorcycle and consistently scan the road ahead of, behind, and next to your vehicle.

While searching the road for potential hazards, focus on looking for escape routes in or around intersections, shopping areas, schools, and construction zones.

When being passed, the center portion of the lane is generally the safest lane position for a motorcyclist. Riding on the side nearest the passing vehicle increases the risk of colliding with it. Riding on the side farthest from the passing vehicle can also be dangerous because it may prompt the driver to return to your lane before it is safe to do so.

If the throttle becomes stuck and you are unable to free it, immediately operate the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch at the same time. This will remove power from the rear wheel until you are able to safely leave the road and stop.

Many drugs, including legal prescription and over-the-counter medications, have side effects that can impair your ability to safely operate a motorcycle. Always talk to your doctor about how a new medication may affect your driving or riding abilities.