Maine MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 6

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.

Alcohol is a major contributor to motorcycle crashes, particularly fatal crashes. Studies show that nearly 40 percent of all riders killed in motorcycle accidents had been drinking.

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.

Always use both brakes when you slow or stop. The front brake is much more powerful than the rear brake, but it is still safe to use if you use it properly.

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

The front brake of a motorcycle is more powerful than the rear brake. It supplies at least three-quarters of the motorcycle's total stopping power.

If you must swerve to avoid a hazard, apply a small amount of pressure to the appropriate handle grip. To swerve to the left, press the left handle grip, then press the right to recover. To swerve to the right, press the right handle grip, then the left.

If you are not riding slowly enough when shifting into a lower gear, your motorcycle may lurch and the rear tire may skid, causing you to lose control of your motorcycle. Be sure that you are moving slowly enough before shifting into a lower gear.

The center of a lane can be especially hazardous when wet. When it begins to rain, avoid the center of the road by riding in the tire tracks left by cars. The left tire track is often the best option.

The front brake of a motorcycle is more powerful than the rear brake. It can provide at least three-quarters of the motorcycle's total stopping power.

When passing a row of parked cars, it is often safest to ride in the left portion of your lane. Riding in the left portion will keep you farthest from any opening car doors, people stepping out from between cars, and cars pulling out of parking spaces.

When approaching railroad tracks that cross your lane at an angle, it is best to simply cross the tracks while riding straight within your lane. Turning to cross the tracks at a 90-degree angle could be dangerous because you could end up crossing into another lane of traffic.

Longterm exposure to wind and engine noise can cause permanent hearing damage, even if the rider is wearing a full-face helmet. Wearing ear plugs or other hearing protection can guard against damage while still allowing the wearer to hear important sounds like horns and sirens.

The accelerator of a motorcycle is located by the right handgrip and is controlled with the right hand.

Most motorcycle crashes involve riders with little experience on their motorcycle.

No matter the speed, riders who are not wearing helmets are three times more likely to die from head injuries than riders who are wearing helmets at the time of a crash.

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.

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

If your motorcycle has a sidecar, it is best for your passenger to ride in the sidecar. They should keep their hands inside the sidecar at all times.

All passing maneuvers must be completed within the posted speed limits and only in areas where passing is safe and legal.

Under normal conditions, the stopping distances for motorcycles is nearly the same as it is for cars. However, slippery pavement makes quick stops especially difficult for motorcycle operators.

The single most important thing you can do to help others see you at an intersection is to ride with your headlight on. Your headlight should be on whenever your motorcycle is running.

When traveling faster than a walking pace, your motorcycle will need to lean to turn. Pressing the grip in the direction you want to turn will cause you to lean in the appropriate direction

Use both brakes every time you slow or stop, regardless of the condition of the road.

Make it a habit to always use both brakes when slowing or stopping, even for normal, non-emergency stops.

In comparison to flat mirrors, convex mirrors provide a wider view of the road behind you. They also make objects seem farther away than they actually are. Take the time to get used to your mirrors if your motorcycle is equipped with convex mirrors.

Because of the additional weight added by cargo or a passenger, motorcycles may take longer to accelerate and stop than they would if only transporting the operator.

Always use both brakes every time that you slow or stop.

Signals are an important part of communication when riding in groups. When the lead rider's right leg is extended, it means there is a hazard in the roadway on their right side.

In potential high-risk areas, such as school zones or construction zones, cover the clutch and both brakes. This cuts down the amount of time you will need to react to a hazard.

Always look through a turn to where you want to go. Turn only your head to look, not your shoulders, and keep your eyes level with the horizon.

Gloves should be made of leather or another durable material to provide proper protection for the wearer.

You should never take eye contact as a guarantee that a driver will properly yield to you. It is not uncommon for drivers to look directly at a motorcyclist but fail to register that they are there.

If you must stop quickly while in a curve, you should first straighten and square the handlebars, then stop. If straightening your motorcycle is not possible, you should apply the brakes smoothly and gradually, reduce your lean angle, then increase the brake pressure as you slow down.

Adjust your mirrors so you can see the lane behind you and as much as possible of the lane next to you. When properly adjusted, a mirror may show the edge of your arm or shoulder, but it’s the road behind you and to the side of you that is most important.