California MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 8

Leather boots provide the greatest degree of foot protection when riding. Boots should be high and sturdy enough to cover and support your ankles.

A motorcycle is defined as a motor vehicle with a seat or saddle for the rider and no more than three wheels.

The front brake should not be used when making a U-turn because it could cause the bike to tip over. Instead, use the rear brake to control the speed of the bike in the U-turn.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions. This sign warns that the right lane ends ahead.

Wear brightly-colored clothing to maximize your visibility when riding, even during the daytime. Clothing made with reflective materials can also be helpful.

If the front wheel locks up while you are braking, release the pressure from the front brake. Immediately re-apply pressure to the brake with controlled gradual pressure.

If you accidentally lock the rear wheel while stopping on a surface with good traction, you can keep it locked until you have completely stopped. Even with a locked rear wheel, you can control your motorcycle if it is upright and traveling in a straight line.

Proper face/eye protection is required by law in the state of California. A face shield can protect your whole face in the event of a collision. An effective eye or face shield must allow the rider a clear view to either side.

Check your clutch and throttle before riding your motorcycle. The throttle should snap back when you let go and the clutch should feel tight and smooth.

It is not advisable to ride beside passenger vehicles or trucks. Doing so may place you in another vehicle's blind spot and the driver could move into your lane without realizing you are there.

There is no lane position that is always best and no lane position that should always be avoided. A responsible rider will adjust their position as road and traffic conditions warrant. If vehicles are on both the left and right sides of a rider, the center lane position is probably the safest option.

A head or neck injury is always a risk when riding a motorcycle, regardless of your speed of travel. With few exceptions, the risk of head and neck injuries is greatly reduced by properly wearing a quality helmet.

When riding at night, reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Visibility is lowered at night and you will need the additional time and space to react to upcoming hazards.

Sit with a posture that allows you to use your arms to control your motorcycle. You should not be positioned in a way that requires your arms to prop up your body and support your weight.

When preparing to pass a vehicle on the left, you should ride in the left portion of your lane. Doing this will increase your line of vision and help drivers in the next lane anticipate your move.

You should not ride a motorcycle if you are drinking or have been drinking. It may be unsafe to operate a motorcycle even if you are under the legal limit.

A properly chosen lane position should provide a number of benefits, including an increased ability to see others and to be seen. It should help you avoid wind blasts, other drivers' blind spots, and surface hazards. Your lane position should discourage other drivers from trying to share your lane and provide you with an escape route, should a hazard arise.

An appropriate lane position can increase your ability to see and be seen. Being properly positioned in a lane can also help you avoid blasts of wind coming off of surrounding vehicles.

A “wobble” is when the front wheel and handlebars suddenly start to shake from side to side. Most wobbles are a result of improper loading, unsuitable accessories, or incorrect tire pressure.

To ensure control when making a turn, you should reduce your speed before entering the turn. Look through the turn in the direction you want to move, press on the handle grip to lean in the appropriate direction, and roll on the throttle through the turn to stabilize suspension.

Most motorcycle crashes happen in broad daylight. To make yourself more noticeable, wear brightly-colored clothing when riding, even during the daytime.

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

Impairment of your ability to ride safely begins with the first drink you take. You can be convicted of riding impaired even if you are below the legal blood alcohol limit.

As your motorcycle accelerates, you will need to shift into a higher gear.

A rider should always maintain a cushion of space appropriate for conditions. Motorcycles need as much room to stop as other vehicles.

When riding on the road, position yourself in a manner that allows you the most possible space. If there are hazards to your left, ride on the right side of your lane. If there are hazards to you right, ride on the left side of your lane.

Before taking your skills test, you will be asked to identify your motorcycle's starter, kill switch, clutch (if applicable), throttle, gear selector, headlight dimmer switch, brakes, turn signals, and horn.

Riding directly alongside another vehicle is dangerous because you may be in the vehicle's blind spot and the driver will not know you are there. Additionally, the vehicle may block your route of escape if any hazards should arise.

Before beginning your ride, tell your passenger to maintain a firm grasp on your hips, waist, or belt. If there are secure handholds for your passenger, they may also hold those.

Protection should be your first consideration when buying a motorcycle helmet. Look for a helmet that fastens securely, fits correctly, and is DOT-compliant.