Minnesota MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 3

Motorcycles have blind spots just like any other vehicle. Always turn your head and look over your shoulder to check for traffic in your blind spot before changing lanes.

Most motorcycle crashes occur in broad daylight. Increasing your visibility by wearing bright colors and reflective materials is a good idea at all times.

Riding in close ranks is recommended over riding in a group that is spread out because the group will take up less space on the road, be easier for others to see, and be less likely to get separated at traffic lights and during passes.

Your first and best protection against collisions with other vehicles is simply to keep your distance from them. The only way to be sure you will have enough time to react to mistakes made by other drivers is to leave plenty of space between you and the vehicles around you. Wearing proper gear is also important when riding a motorcycle.

You must use proper turn signals every time you turn or change lanes, even if you think your intentions are obvious. Signals are always important, even if no one else seems to be around to see them. There may be other vehicles nearby that you can't see or haven't yet noticed.

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

When riding in a group, inexperienced riders should ride just behind the leader near the front of the group. This allows more experienced riders to keep an eye on them from the back of the group.

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.

You should wear reflective materials when riding at night to make yourself more visible to other road users.

Trying to accelerate out of a wobble is dangerous and will only make your motorcycle more unstable. Instead, grip the handlebars firmly (without trying to fight the wobble), gradually close the throttle to slow down, and move your weight as far forward and downward as possible. Pull off the road as soon as you can.

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.

Choose a helmet that meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards. It should fit you snugly all the way around and be free of obvious defects.

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.

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.

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

It is important to do a thorough inspection of your motorcycle before every ride. This will usually take you only a few minutes.

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.

A flat front tire is especially dangerous because it affects your ability to steer. If your front tire goes flat while you are riding, safely exit the road as quickly as possible.

While a staggered formation is generally recommended, riders in a group should move into a single-file formation when taking curves, taking turns, entering a highway, or leaving a highway.

You can make yourself easier to see by wearing brightly-colored, reflective clothing. Ride with your headlight on at all times and use your turn signals and brake light appropriately.

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.

If your motorcycle fits you properly, your feet should be able to reach the ground while you are seated. When riding your motorcycle, keep your feet firmly on the footrests.

When riding, sit so you are able use your arms to control the motorcycle rather than to hold yourself up. Your arms should be slightly bent when you are holding the handle grips. To help maintain your balance, keep your knees against the gas tank and your feet firmly on the footrests.

When riding in a group, the length of a route and the lengths of segments of travel should be based on the skill level of the least experienced rider. Groups of riders should take regular breaks to reduce fatigue. Inexperienced riders should be placed behind the leader so more experienced riders can keep an eye on them from behind. It is generally best to ride in a staggered formation.

Riding safely at night is challenging because it is harder to see and be seen than it is during the day. The absence of normal shadows and light contrasts makes it harder to judge distances.

Loads should kept low, either fastened securely or in saddlebags. Piling loads against a sissy bar or frame on the back of a seat is dangerous because it can raise the motorcycle's center of gravity and change the balance of the motorcycle. Loads should be equally distributed on both sides of the motorcycle.

The single most important measure you can take to reduce your risk of injury or death in the event of an accident is to wear a helmet.

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

Maximum straight-line braking is accomplished by fully applying both the front and rear brakes without locking either wheel. You should always use both brakes every time you slow or stop.

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

You should use both brakes every time you slow down or stop. Always apply the brakes simultaneously.

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.

Wear reflective materials to increase your visibility, especially when riding at night. Brightly-colored clothing with reflective materials will make you more visible to other road users.

A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield protects your entire face in a crash. Goggles protect your eyes, but not the rest of your face. A windshield is not an adequate substitute for a face shield or goggles.

Always use both brakes any time you slow or stop. It is safe to use the front brake, which is more powerful than the rear brake, as long as you use it properly.

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.

Under normal conditions, you should allow at least two seconds of distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Increase your following distance any time conditions are less than ideal.

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 slippery surfaces. Motorcyclists should ride with extra caution when riding over slippery surfaces.

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.

Many drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, can impair your ability to ride safely. Some medications become even more dangerous when combined with alcohol.