Maine MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 10

In South Carolina, passengers under the age of 21 must wear a helmet and eye protection, though it is recommended that all motorcycle riders wear helmets and eye protection. Passengers should avoid wearing loose clothing that might catch on the motorcycle and should always lean with the operator when turning. Passengers should never be allowed to ride sidesaddle.

You should use a tire gauge to check the tire pressure before every ride. An under-inflated tire may still look okay, so a visual check is not enough.

The three major factors that affect a person's blood alcohol content (BAC) are the amount of alcohol consumed, how fast the alcohol was consumed, and the drinker's body weight. It is illegal and dangerous to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Scan the road ahead to remain alert to changing traffic conditions, hazardous road conditions, and escape routes. Be prepared to react to any changing conditions.

Hand signals are an important part of communication when riding in groups. A lead rider raising their left arm and extending their index finger means that the group of riders should move into a single-file formation.

When hazards exist to your left, it is often best to ride in the right portion of the lane. Be prepared to adjust your lane position as road and traffic conditions change.

Because of the presence of oil deposits, the center strip of a lane can be hazardous when wet. When rain starts to fall, it is best to ride in the tire tracks left by cars. It is advisable to reduce your speed on wet surfaces.

Oregon law applies severe mandatory penalties for drinking and riding. It is both illegal and dangerous to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

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 your following distance.

If possible, change lanes and let a tailgater pass your vehicle. Speeding up may result in the driver continuing to tailgate you at a higher speed, thereby increasing the danger.

Secured loads should be low. Putting them too high up, such as on a sissy bar, can raise the motorcycle's center of gravity and upset its balance. Loads should be as evenly distributed as possible on each side of the motorcycle to avoid pulling the bike to one side.

More than half of all motorcycle crashes involve riders with less than six months of experience on the motorcycle being used.

Wearing reflective and brightly-colored clothing is always a good idea when riding a motorcycle. Crashes occur in broad daylight and at night, so it is best to wear highly visible clothing at any time of day.

To execute a swerve, press the handgrip on the side of your desired turn. Press on the opposite handgrip to return to your original direction after you are clear of the hazard.

Riding directly alongside another vehicle is dangerous because it may place you in the driver's blind spot. Additionally, the vehicle will block your path of escape.

Passengers should get on a motorcycle only after the engine has been started and the transmission is put in neutral. They should sit as far forward as possible without hindering the operator's control of the motorcycle and should hold onto the operator's waist, hips, or belt.

A motorcycle passenger needs to understand how to ensure a safe ride ride for both themselves and the operator. An operator should never assume the passenger already knows what to do. Give a passenger complete instructions before every ride.

Shift down through the gears with the clutch as you slow or stop. Remain in first gear while you are stopped so you can move quickly if needed.

Signs informing road users of road regulations, such as speed limits, are normally rectangular and colored white with black lettering or symbols. Riders must follow the rules posted on these regulatory signs.

A motorcycle will continue to ride like new if it is properly maintained and routine inspections become a part of its regular maintenance cycle.

The centermost portion of a lane is where debris and oil drippings from cars often collect. Other hazards, such as utility hole covers, can also be found in the centermost portion of the lane.

If you find yourself riding in a vehicle's blind spot, you should either speed up quickly or slow down and drop back to vacate the spot.

The front brake lever is generally located on the right handgrip. Make sure that you are aware of the locations of all your motorcycle's controls before beginning to ride.

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.

You should make a special point of checking your mirrors when you are stopped at an intersection, before changing lanes, and before slowing down. It is important to regularly check your mirrors.

Taking a corner too fast may cause you to cross into another lane or go off the road. Be sure to decelerate before beginning to take a turn or curve.

To safely cross railroad tracks, trolley tracks, or pavement seams running parallel to your lane, move to a lane position that will allow you to cross them at an angle of at least 45 degrees. Then, make a quick, sharp turn. If you try to edge across, the tracks or seam could catch your tires and throw you off balance.

Passengers should sit directly behind the operator and lean as the operator leans. They should sit as far forward as they can without crowding the operator, holding onto the operator's waist, hips, or belt.