Iowa MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 16

A following distance of at least four seconds is recommended for beginning riders. Increase your following distance any time conditions are less than perfect.

You should always have your headlight on when riding, even during the day. This can make you twice as likely to be noticed by other drivers.

Choose riding boots or shoes that are high and sturdy enough to cover and support your ankles. Choose footwear with soles made of hard, durable, slip-resistant material.

When passing another vehicle on the left, you should ride in the left portion of your lane. Signal your intentions and check for traffic. Pass when it is safe to do so, then signal and return to your original lane when traffic allows.

An effective face shield should be free of scratches, be resistant to penetration, allow clear views to both sides, fasten securely, permit air to pass through, and provide enough space for eyeglasses or sunglasses to be worn underneath. It is important for a face shield to permit the passage of air because an airtight face shield can create fogging and make it difficult for a rider to see.

Develop the habit of using both brakes every time you slow or stop. If you need to stop quickly, it is best to apply both brakes. It will be easier to apply both brakes in a quick stop if you have already developed this habit.

An increased following distance is needed if your motorcycle will take longer than normal to stop. If the pavement is slippery, if you cannot see through the vehicle ahead of you, or if traffic is heavy and another driver may try to squeeze in front of you, open up to a longer following distance.

Under normal conditions, you should maintain a following distance of at least four seconds. Increase your following distance any time conditions are less than perfect.

A number of surfaces can provide poor traction for tires. Wet pavement; roads covered in loose gravel or sand; muddy, snowy, or icy areas; and painted lane markings can be more hazardous for a motorcyclist than dry pavement.

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

In the state of Kentucky, a person with a minimum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent is considered legally intoxicated. It is both illegal and dangerous to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions.

When turning, look through the turn to where you want to go by turning only your head. Keep your knees against the gas tank to help maintain your balance while turning. Your arms should be slightly bent any time you are holding the handgrips.

A two-second following distance is generally appropriate. Allow a larger cushion of space when riding under conditions that will increase your stopping distance, such as when the road surface is icy or wet.

To lessen the chances of a crash occurring, you should make yourself visible, communicate your intentions to others, maintain adequate space cushions, search your path of travel at least 12 seconds ahead, identify and separate hazards, and be prepared to react to changing conditions.

By riding in the center portion of your lane, you will ensure that there is not a large space on either side of your motorcycle. Minimizing those spaces can help deter drivers from trying to share the lane with you.

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.

The owner's manual should be your primary source of information about your specific type of motorcycle. Be sure to read the manual before operating your motorcycle for the first time.

When riding over a rough surface, hold onto the handgrips firmly to ensure that you will maintain directional control over your motorcycle.

A properly chosen lane position should help you to see others and be seen by them. Avoid riding in another driver's blind spot for a long period of time.

A motorcycle's single brake light is not as noticeable as the two larger brake lights of a car or truck. It can be a good idea to flash your brake light to help others notice it, especially when you need to slow down more quickly than surrounding drivers may expect.

On average, a person's body can eliminate the alcohol content of about one drink per hour. However, it is still possible for alcohol to accumulate in a person's system even if they consume only one drink per hour. This accumulation can still affect their ability to ride safely.

Proper clothing for riding can help protect you from injury in the event of a collision. It can also protect against routine hazards and discomforts, such as hot or cold weather.

Loads should be positioned forward with heavier items toward the front of the load. Loads should be over or in front of the rear axle. Lighter items should be packed behind you.

When riding at night, travel at a slower speed than you would during the day under similar weather and traffic conditions. It can be difficult to see potential hazards in the dark, so slowing down can increase your chances of avoiding any hazards.