Alabama MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 7

If you approach an emergency vehicle, tow truck, or roadside assistance vehicle that is stopped with its lights flashing, you must change lanes to allow the vehicle extra space and proceed with caution. Always slow down and be prepared to stop when you approach an emergency scene.

Pavement can be particularly slippery after it has just started to rain. Oil from vehicles will have not yet washed away from the surface of the road, forming a slippery mixture with the water.

A sturdy riding jacket provides essential protection in the event of a crash, no matter the weather. Jackets also provide an additional benefit in hot weather by protecting the rider against dehydration. Many motorcycling jackets are designed to prevent the wearer from overheating.

To shift up to a higher gear, position your foot under the shift lever and lift.

Most drivers do not look at their side mirrors as often as they look at their rearview mirror. Therefore, when following a car, it is generally most advantageous to ride in the center portion of the lane where you are most likely to be visible in the driver's rearview mirror.

When being passed, it is not advisable to move to the part of your lane that is farthest from the passing vehicle. Doing so may prompt the passing driver to move back into your lane too early.

Maintaining a cushion of space around your motorcycle at all times helps ensure that you will have time to react and space to maneuver if someone else on the road makes a mistake.

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.

When approaching a blind intersection, move into the lane position that makes you the most visible to surrounding drivers.

The greatest potential for conflict between motorcycles and other traffic is at intersections. Oncoming cars turning left in front of motorcyclists is the biggest danger.

Taking a turn too fast may cause a rider to cross into another lane of traffic, or even leave the road entirely. It is important to slow down before entering a turn or curve.

When riding in a group, use your mirrors to keep an eye on the riders behind you and to confirm that the group is staying together.

If your front wheel locks while you are making a quick stop, release the front brake immediately and then re-apply it firmly. Use both the front and rear brakes if you need to stop quickly.

When passing a row of parked vehicles to your right, you may ride in the left portion of your lane. This way, you can more easily avoid opening doors, drivers getting out of vehicles, or people stepping out from between vehicles. Only ride in the left portion of the lane if there is no oncoming traffic.

Motorcyclists may pass on the right if there is unobstructed pavement with a width of at least eight feet to the right of the vehicle being passed. Motorcyclists, and other drivers, should never leave the road to pass another vehicle.

A motorcycle fits you appropriately if your feet comfortably reach the ground while you are seated. Be sure a motorcycle fits you before riding.

Avoid riding on oil and grease buildup. Because the oily strip in the center of a lane is usually no more than two feet wide, it is often possible to stay to the left or right side of the oil and still be in the center portion of the lane.

The best way to help others see your motorcycle is to have your headlight turned on (as well as your running lights, if applicable). Use your high beam headlight both day and night, whenever it is legal and safe to do so.

All riders and passengers are required to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle.

When riding, your feet should be kept firmly on your motorcycle's footrests for balance. Your toes should not be pointed downward, as this may cause them to get caught between the road and the footrests.

To reduce the risk of being involved in a crash, you should make yourself visible, clearly communicate your intentions, maintain an adequate space cushion, scan the road well ahead of your motorcycle, identify and separate hazards, and be prepared to react to the movements of others.

Passing must be completed within posted speed limits. Only pass another vehicle where it is safe and legal to do so.

If you must both swerve and brake to avoid a hazard, you should separate the actions. Brake then swerve, or swerve then brake, but do not perform both actions at the same time.

No matter the speed, riders who are not wearing helmets are three times more likely to die from head injuries than riders who are wearing helmets at the time of a crash.

Octagonal signs that are colored red are always stop signs. When approaching one of these signs, you must come to a complete stop, yield to any other traffic or pedestrians, and proceed once it is safe to do so.

A solid yellow traffic light warns that the signal is about to change to red. You must slow and come to a stop before the intersection if it is safe to do so. If you are already within the intersection when the light turns yellow, continue through the intersection.

When approaching a railroad crossing that is controlled by a sign with flashing lights, you must come to a complete stop and wait until the train has passed and the lights have stopped flashing before proceeding. Never try to outdrive a train.

Googles will protect your eyes from the wind, but most windshields will not. A windshield is not an adequate substitute for goggles or a face shield.

The only way to sober up after drinking is to give your body the time it needs to remove the alcohol. There are no techniques that will speed up this process.

Clothing made of sturdy leather or synthetic materials provide riders the best protection in the case of an accident. Riders should wear long pants and jackets while riding.