Minnesota MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 13

Instead of mechanical turn signals, operators may use hand signals to indicate turns or stops. If an operator's left arm is extended straight out to the left, it means the operator plans to turn left or change lanes to the left.

When riding, wear boots or shoes that are high and sturdy enough to cover and support your ankles. Heels should be short so they don't catch on rough surfaces. Laces should be tucked in so they can't catch onto the moving parts of the motorcycle.

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.

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.

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 any motor vehicle after consuming any amount of alcohol.

To maintain directional control through a turn, you should look through the turn by turning only your head. Slow down before turning and lean your motorcycle in the appropriate direction.

Use both brakes if you must make a quick stop on a slippery surface. The front brake is safe to use on a slippery surface if applied gradually to prevent locking.

A helmet should meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards and fit snugly all the way around to provide maximum protection. It should be free of defects such as cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.

The single most effective action you can take to improve your chances of surviving a crash is to wear a high-quality helmet that is securely fastened.

When preparing to pass another vehicle on its left, you should ride in the left portion of your lane. This will increase your line of sight and make you more visible to oncoming traffic.

To ensure you are getting the best protection, you should choose a helmet that meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards. It should fit you snugly all the way around and have no obvious defects, such as cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.

If a tailgater is following you too closely, it is advisable to flash your brake light before you begin to decelerate. The tailgater may be concentrating on you and may not be aware of hazards farther down the road that you are slowing to avoid.

For your protection, you should always wear a long-sleeved jacket when riding, even in warm weather when you may not think you need a jacket. It can help protect you against the sun and dehydration in hot weather.

The clutch lever of a motorcycle is usually located on the left handgrip.

The brake light of a motorcycle is usually not as noticeable as the brake lights of a car. Flashing your brake light before slowing or stopping can help other drivers notice that you are about to brake.

Riding next to parked cars presents a number of potential dangers. A driver might pull out of parking space and into your path without looking. Car doors may be opened into your lane and pedestrians may step out from between cars.

When a group of motorcyclists is passing another vehicle on a two-lane road, the riders should pass the vehicle one at a time. Each motorcyclist should complete their pass before the next rider's pass begins.

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.

To turn, a motorcycle must lean. To make the motorcycle lean, press on the handgrip in the direction of the turn.

Replace any helmet that has been worn during a crash.

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

Perform an inspection of your motorcycle before every ride. This takes only a few minutes and helps prevent dangerous situations before entering traffic.

If your rear tire fails, the back of your motorcycle will likely jerk from side to side. It is rare for motorcyclists to actually hear a tire fail.

Long-term exposure to wind noise while riding can cause hearing damage, even if you wear a helmet. Use of proper hearing protection is recommended to prevent damage.

A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield provides protection for the wearer's entire face in the event of a crash. Goggles may protect someone's eyes, but not the rest of their face. A windshield is not an adequate substitute for either.

To swerve, apply a small amount of pressure to the handgrip located on the side of your intended direction of escape. To swerve to the left, press the left handgrip, then press the right to recover. To swerve to the right, press the right handgrip, then the left.

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.

To reduce the risk of a crash, you should always ensure that you are visible to others. Communicate your intentions through proper use of your signals, brake light, and lane position. Maintain a space cushion around your motorcycle and consistently scan the road ahead of, behind, and next to your vehicle. Always be ready to avoid an unexpected hazard.

When passing a row of parked cars, a motorcyclist should be prepared for a parked car to suddenly pull out of a parking space and into traffic. It is often safest for a motorcyclist to ride in the left portion of their lane when passing a row of parked cars on their right to create the most possible space between their motorcycle and any potential hazards.

Never let someone ride if they have had too much to drink. Do whatever you can to prevent them from riding. It can be helpful to recruit a group of friends to intervene and apply peer pressure to the person.

Gloves made of leather, or another durable material, should be worn when riding. They will provide you with an improved grip on the handgrips, as well as help protect your hands in the event of a crash.

If convicted of a DWI, you may face fines, license suspension, jail time, court costs, legal defense fees, an insurance rate increase, and community service. If you have been drinking, it is best to stay off your motorcycle.

Motorcycles often seem to attract dogs. If you are being chased by a dog, downshift and approach it slowly. Then, as you approach the dog, accelerate and leave it behind.

The front brake of a motorcycle is more powerful than the rear brake and can provide at least 70 percent of the motorcycle's total stopping power.

Generally, you should maintain a minimum following distance of two seconds. Increase your following distance to at least three seconds whenever you are riding under conditions that are less than ideal.

Before every ride, you should check your motorcycle's tires, controls, chains, sprockets, shock absorbers, fasteners, and brakes. A small mechanical issue on a motorcycle can be extremely dangerous in traffic.

There are several major factors that can affect a person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC). A BAC is determined in part by the amount of alcohol someone has consumed, how fast they consumed the alcohol, and their body weight.

When being passed, it is generally best to ride in the center portion of your lane. Being too close to the passing vehicle increases the risk of a collision.

You should not ride alongside another motorcyclist because doing so will limit both of your possible routes of escape if you encounter a hazard.

Braking in a turn is not as easy as braking on a straightaway. It is possible to use both brakes to brake in a turn, but the operator must know the proper technique and exercise great care.