Maine MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 5

When being passed, the center portion of the lane is generally the safest lane position for a motorcyclist. Riding on the side nearest the passing vehicle increases the risk of colliding with it. Riding on the side farthest from the passing vehicle can also be dangerous because it may prompt the driver to return to your lane before it is safe to do so.

Riding alongside another vehicle is dangerous because you may be in the vehicle's blind spot. If the driver can't see you, they might move into your lane without warning. It is also dangerous because the vehicle may block your route of escape from other hazards.

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.

Because of a passenger's additional weight, a motorcycle will respond more slowly with a passenger on board than with just one occupant. With a passenger, you should travel a bit more slowly than you normally would, start slowing sooner than you normally would, and increase your following distance. Always warn your passenger of any special conditions ahead.

Placing a load too high on a motorcycle will raise the motorcycle's center of gravity and risk upsetting its balance.

You should not carry a passenger unless your motorcycle has a seat that is large enough for two riders. The motorcycle should be equipped with footrests for the passenger. Your passenger should wear the same kind of protective gear that is recommended to operators.

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.

When you are being passed from behind or by an oncoming vehicle, stay in the center portion of your lane. Riding any closer to the passing vehicle can put you in danger.

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

A sidecar is essentially an unpowered mass attached to the side of your motorcycle. Due to its inertia, it will feel like it is lagging behind when you accelerate.

The best way to handle a tailgater is to get them in front of you. If you can do so safely, change lanes and let them pass. Speeding up may only increase the danger by causing them to continue tailgating you at a higher speed.

Before every ride, you should complete a thorough check of your motorcycle. Be sure to check the rims and spokes to make sure none are bent, loose, or damaged; the condition and tread of the tires; and all of the lights.

To be effective, an eye or face shield must be free of scratches; be resistant to penetration; allow clear views to both sides; fasten securely; permit air to pass through to prevent fogging; and allow room for eyeglasses or sunglasses, if needed.

On average, a person's body can eliminate the alcohol content of about one drink per hour. The amount of time required to lower a person's blood alcohol content (BAC) can vary, so it is safest not to operate a motor vehicle after consuming any amount of alcohol.

Always simultaneously use both brakes to stop. The brakes are most effective when used at the same time.

Like alcohol, many other drugs (including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and illegal drugs) have side effects that may impair your ability to ride safely.

If you borrow a motorcycle, make all of the same pre-ride safety checks that you would make on your own motorcycle. You should ride cautiously when using an unfamiliar motorcycle and allow yourself extra space when stopping.

Motorcycle headlights are generally smaller and less powerful than those of cars.

To reduce your risk of being involved in a crash, you should remain alert and ready to react to any hazard. Identify hazards and decide the order in which you need to address the hazards. Always use your headlight to make yourself more visible and maintain an adequate space cushion around your motorcycle at all times.

A staggered formation is generally the best way for a group to maintain close ranks while also allowing each rider to maintain an adequate cushion of space. A single-file formation is preferable when taking curves, turning, or entering or exiting a highway.

The gearshift lever of a motorcycle is located in front of the left footrest and is operated by the rider's left foot.

If you are being chased by a dog, downshift and approach it slowly. Then, as you approach the dog, accelerate and leave it behind.

A motorcycle fits you properly if your feet can reach the ground while you are seated on the motorcycle. It should be easy for you to reach and operate the controls.

Engine braking by smoothly downshifting can be a useful option for motorcyclists. If you choose to engine brake, apply your brake lights separately to let other drivers know that you are slowing down.

Drivers merging onto a highway and into your lane may not notice your motorcycle. Give them plenty of space to safely merge by moving into a different lane, if you can.

You should shift down through the gears with the clutch as you slow or stop. Stay in first gear while you are stopped so you can move quickly, if needed.

While some people worry that wearing a helmet may dangerously limit their field of vision, this is not the case. Any approved helmet will let the operator see as far to the sides as is needed for safe riding.

Wearing goggles provides protection for your eyes, but not for the rest of your face. A face shield provides protection for your whole face and is recommended above goggles. A windshield is not an adequate substitute for a face shield or goggles.

It is recommended that you frequently check your mirrors to be aware of potential hazards behind you.

It is possible to brake while turning, but it should be done with great care. When a motorcycle is leaning to turn, there is less traction available for stopping because some of the traction is being used for turning.

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.

Shifting to a lower gear produces an effect similar to applying the brakes. This is known as engine braking.

The engine cut-off switch is generally located next to the right handgrip. It is important to know where all of your motorcycle's controls are located before starting out.

When following a car, you should ride in a position that allows the driver to see you in their rearview mirror. Usually, that means riding in the center portion of the lane. Because most drivers check their rearview mirrors much more often than they check their side mirrors, being in this lane position increases the chance that they will see you.

Using your high beam headlight during the day increases the likelihood that other drivers will see you. Use your high beam headlight any time you are not riding behind or approaching other vehicles.