Louisiana MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 12

A windshield is not an adequate substitute for either a face shield or goggles. Most windshields will not protect your eyes from the wind.

The minimum number of drinks left in a person's system can be estimated by subtracting the number of hours since the last drink from the total number of drinks consumed. In this case, the alcohol content of about four drinks would remain.

While the basic techniques for safely passing and being passed are the same as when driving a car, visibility is more critical when riding a motorcycle. The smaller size of a motorcycle makes it easier for you to disappear into another vehicle's blind spot, or for the driver to fail to notice you even if they are able to see you.

Riding with a sidecar increases the weight of a motorcycle and increases the braking force needed to stop the motorcycle. Slowing and stopping take longer when riding a vehicle downhill than when riding on a flat surface.

Riding directly next to another vehicle is dangerous because you could be riding in the vehicle's blind spot. Additionally, the vehicle may block your route of escape if another hazard arises. If you find yourself riding directly alongside another vehicle, either speed up or drop back.

Choose a helmet that meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards. It should fit you snugly all the way around and be free of obvious defects.

While a staggered formation is generally recommended, riders in a group should move into a single-file formation when taking curves, taking turns, entering a highway, or leaving a highway.

When turning, look through the turn to where you want to go. Turn just your head, not your shoulders, and keep your eyes level with the horizon.

When passing a row of parked cars, it is generally best to stay on the side of your lane that is not directly next to the cars. This will help to protect you from potential hazards like car doors being opened or people stepping out from between the cars. If there is traffic coming from the opposite direction, it is a good idea to stay in the center portion of the lane.

While a properly chosen lane position can offer several advantages, you should be certain that your lane position will allow you to be seen by others and have an adequate space cushion.

There is no one lane position that is always best and no one lane position that should always be avoided. Adjust your lane position in response to changes in road and traffic conditions.

When riding on slippery surfaces, you should use both brakes to slow down. Squeeze the brake lever gradually to avoid locking the front wheel and use gentle pressure on the rear brake.

Before riding while carrying a passenger, you should instruct your passenger to lean with you through turns and curves. They should hold onto your waist, hips, or belt.

To be effective, eye protection and face shields must be free of scratches; be resistant to penetration; give a clear view to either side; fasten securely; permit air to pass through; and permit enough room for eyeglasses or sunglasses to be worn underneath.

Wearing a helmet while riding greatly improves your chances of avoiding serious injury to your head or neck in the case of a crash. A DOT-approved helmet will not restrict your vision to the sides.

Gloves can provide you with an improved grip on your motorcycle's handlebars. They can also protect your hands in the event of a crash.

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

It is best to entirely avoid slippery stretches of road. However, if there is no way to avoid such an area, keep your motorcycle upright and proceed as slowly as possible.

Maximum straight-line braking is accomplished by simultaneously applying both the front and rear brakes without locking either wheel.

Brightly-colored and/or reflective clothing will increase your chances of being seen under any conditions. Remember that most motorcycle crashes happen in broad daylight so it is still best to wear bright clothing during the day.

When approaching a potentially dangerous area, such as an intersection, you should cover the clutch lever and both brakes in order to reduce the amount of time you will need to react to any hazards.

You should use both brakes every time you slow down or stop. Always apply the brakes simultaneously.

Face shields and goggles, being made of plastic, will develop scratches and become brittle as they age. Replace them regularly to ensure maximum protection and comfort.

An expanded cushion of space 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 larger following distance.

In a group of motorcyclists, riders with less experience should be positioned toward the front of the group, just behind the leader. This will allow more experienced riders to keep an eye on them without forcing the inexperienced rider to lead the group.