Mississippi MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 5

A two-second following distance is generally appropriate. Allow a larger cushion of space when riding under conditions that will increase your stopping distance, such as when the road surface is icy or wet.

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.

Because both motorcycles and cars need a full lane width for safe operation, lane sharing is usually prohibited.

Instead of mechanical turn signals, operators may use hand signals to indicate turns or stops. If an operator's left arm is bent at the elbow and pointing upward, it means the operator plans to turn right or change lanes to the right.

Shifting your motorcycle into a lower gear causes an effect similar to applying the brakes. This is known as engine braking.

Any U.S. Department of Transportation-compliant helmet is required to have an impact-resistant outer shell, an impact-absorbing inner liner, a comfort liner, and a chinstrap retention system.

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.

If your front wheel locks, immediately and completely release the front brake. Re-apply the brake smoothly.

Exposure to engine and wind noise can damage your hearing, even if you are wearing a helmet. Hearing protection can guard against this while still allowing you to hear essential sounds like horns and sirens.

Do not try to accelerate out of a wobble because doing so will only make the motorcycle more unstable. Instead, grip the handlebars firmly, slow down by gradually closing the throttle, move your weight as far forward and downward as possible, and pull off the road as soon as you can. Avoid applying the brakes, as this may also worsen the wobble.

To apply the front brake, firmly and smoothly squeeze the brake lever with all four fingers, applying progressively more force.

At any speed, wearing a helmet will make you three times more likely to survive head injuries in the event of a crash than you would if not wearing a helmet.

If one of your tires goes flat while you are riding, you should ease off the throttle and maintain a straight course as you slow down. If you must brake, gradually apply the brake of the tire that is not flat, if you are certain of which tire that is.

Even if your passenger is also a motorcyclist, you should give them complete safety instructions before leaving on a trip. Ask them to get on the motorcycle only after you have started the engine. They should sit as far forward as possible without crowding you and firmly hold onto your waist, hips, or belt. They should keep both feet on the footrests at all times, even when the bike is stopped.

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.

A properly chosen lane position should protect your lane from other drivers while communicating your intentions to them.

Trying to accelerate out of a wobble will only increase the problem. Instead, grip the handlebars firmly, slow down while gradually closing the throttle, move your weight as far forward and downward as you can, and pull off the road as soon as you can. Once off the road, you should address the problem causing the wobble.

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

Motorcycles, like any other vehicle, have blind spots. Therefore, you cannot rely only on your mirrors to know what is happening behind you. Frequent head checks should be part of your normal routine.

You are especially vulnerable as a motorcyclist, so it is very important to use your turn signals to alert others to your intentions. Always use them any time that you plan to change lanes or turn, even if you don't think anyone else is nearby.

Wearing brightly-colored clothing while riding will increase your chances of being seen. Bright oranges, yellows, reds, or greens are best and are preferable to drab or dark colors.

If a lead rider has their left arm extended straight out with their palm facing down and then swings their arm down to their side, the group of riders following should slow down.

Check your brake levers individually before every ride. Make sure each one feels firm and holds the motorcycle when the brake is fully applied.

When parking a motorcycle next to a curb, you should create at a 90-degree angle with the curb by touching your rear wheel to the curb.

Oily drippings from cars and trucks collect in a strip in the center portion of a lane. This strip usually still provides enough traction for motorcyclists to operate safely, except when the road is wet. The strip is usually narrow enough that you can ride to its side and still be in the center portion of the lane.