Maryland MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 7

Motorcycles have blind spots, just like any other vehicle. Always turn your head to check your blind spot before changing lanes. Head checks should be a regular part of your scanning routine.

There is no one lane position that is always best, nor one that should always be avoided. Change your lane position as necessary based on changing road and traffic conditions.

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

In a group, less experienced riders should ride toward the front, just behind the leader, so more experienced riders can easily watch them.

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

Always take extra care when riding a new or unfamiliar motorcycle. Most crashes involve riders who have had less than six months of experience with the motorcycle that they are using.

When riding behind another vehicle under normal conditions, you should maintain a safe following distance of at least two seconds. Increase your following distance any time conditions are less than ideal.

The only method that effectively reduces your BAC is not drinking alcohol for a period of time. Coffee, exercise, fresh air, and cold showers cannot reduce your BAC or change the effects of alcohol. They can help you remain awake, but they cannot change your BAC or make you sober.

If your front wheel locks while braking, you should release the front brake immediately and completely before re-applying it smoothly.

As your weight shifts forward while you are braking, the amount of traction available to the front wheel increases. This means that you can begin to apply the front brake harder.

Most crashes happen on trips that are shorter than five miles, just a few minutes after the rider starts out.

Always use the proper turn signal before a turn or lane change. Use your mirrors and perform head checks before changing lanes to check for traffic surrounding your vehicle.

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 being passed, it is best to ride in the center portion of your lane. Riding on the side nearest to the passing vehicle increases the risk of a collision. Riding on the side farthest from the passing vehicle is also dangerous because it may tempt them to merge back into your lane too soon. Stay in the center portion of the lane when being passed.

When being passed, motorcyclists should be careful not to be hit by any part of the passing vehicle, including its mirrors. In addition to the vehicle itself, motorcyclists should be aware of wind gusts coming from the passing vehicle and potential objects being thrown by a passenger in the vehicle who may not be paying attention to the road.

In the event of a fall, a motorcyclist can receive protection from a leather jacket, long pants made of heavy denim, and full-fingered gloves. It is best for a motorcyclist to wear lace-up boots, high-top boots, or heavy shoes that support their ankles.

A skidding rear tire is a dangerous condition that can result in a violent crash and serious injury or death. Too much rear brake pressure can cause the rear wheel to lock. As soon as the rear wheel locks, your ability to change direction is lost. To regain control, the brake must be released.

It is possible to use both brakes while turning, but it must be done with great care. Some of the tires' usual traction is being used to make the turn while the motorcycle is leaning, so less traction is available for stopping.

A small technical fault can have much more serious consequences on a motorcycle than on a car. To avoid these consequences, inspect your motorcycle before every ride.

Your lane position affects a number of factors that are important to your safety on the road. Among other things, your position should help you increase your ability to see and be seen, avoid other drivers' blind spots, and set you up for any turns you plan to make.

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.

Blind spots, by definition, are areas that you cannot see by just looking in your mirrors. Turn your head to the side and check over your shoulder for vehicles in your blind spot before you change lanes.

While riding in a staggered formation is usually best for a group of two-wheeled motorcycles, three-wheeled motorcycles are too wide to allow this formation. A group of riders on three-wheeled motorcycles should travel in a single-file line.

If you cannot avoid hitting an obstacle in the roadway, you should try to hit it at as close to a 90-degree angle as possible. Slow down as much as you can before contact, keep your motorcycle upright, rise slightly off of your seat, and roll the throttle slightly to lighten the front end just before impact.

Usually, 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 encouraging them to follow you at a faster speed.