Missouri MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 16

Open up your following distance if your motorcycle will require a longer distance than normal to stop. Additionally, if you are riding in heavy traffic or if you cannot see through the vehicle in front of you, you should also increase your following distance.

A motorcycle's single brake light is not as noticeable as the two larger brake lights of a car or truck. It can be a good idea to flash your brake light to help others notice it, especially when you need to slow down more quickly than surrounding drivers may expect.

When approaching a blind intersection, move into the part of the lane that will bring you into an oncoming driver's field of vision at the earliest possible moment. For example, when approaching a blind corner to your right, you may be seen sooner if you are in the left portion of your lane and not in the center portion.

Choose riding boots or shoes that are high and sturdy enough to cover and support your ankles. Choose footwear with soles made of hard, durable, slip-resistant material.

When riding, you should sit far enough forward that your arms will be slightly bent when holding the handle grips. This will permit you to easily and comfortably reach and operate the controls.

If possible, change lanes and let a tailgater pass your vehicle. Speeding up may result in the driver continuing to tailgate you at a higher speed, thereby increasing the danger.

You should always have your headlight on when riding, even during the day. This can make you twice as likely to be noticed by other drivers.

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.

A passenger should lean with the operator through turns and curves. They should sit as far forward as possible, without hindering the operator's control of the motorcycle, and hold onto passenger handholds or the operator's waist, hips, or belt.

There is no single lane position that is always best and no single lane position that should always be avoided. You should vary your lane position in response to changes in riding conditions.

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.

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

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.

When passing parked vehicles, use caution. You may encounter vehicles pulling away from the curb or leaving parking spaces.

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.

There is no single lane position that you always need to avoid. Adjust your position in response to changing conditions on the road.

To reduce the risk of a collision when riding at night, be sure to reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Use the headlights of vehicles ahead of you to see farther down the road. You should always be flexible about your lane position, especially when riding at night.

Both brakes should be used at the same time whenever you slow or stop.

To be adequately protected while riding, you should wear a jacket and pants that completely cover your arms and legs.

To reduce the risk of a collision when riding at night, be sure to reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Use the headlights of vehicles ahead of you to see farther down the road. Use your high beam headlight, except when following or meeting another vehicle.

Your motorcycle will sit lower than normal under the additional weight of a passenger. To accommodate, you should ride a bit more slowly than usual, particularly when riding through curves, through corners, or over bumps. The extra weight also means that your motorcycle will take longer than usual to speed up, slow down, or stop, so you should maintain a larger space cushion when carrying a passenger.

If you must brake and swerve to avoid a hazard, you should perform both actions separately. Brake then swerve, or swerve then brake. Do not do both at the same time.

The right clothing can provide vital protection if you are involved in a collision. Always wear a jacket and pants that fully cover your arms and legs, even in warm weather. Clothing should fit snugly enough that it does not flap in the wind but should also be loose enough that your movement is not restricted.

Before transporting a passenger or heavy load in traffic for the first time, practice riding on a quiet road to get used to how your motorcycle handles differently with the additional weight.

Most drivers do not look at their side mirrors as often as they look at their rearview mirror. Therefore, when following a car, it is generally best to ride in the center portion of the lane where you are most likely to be visible in the driver's rearview mirror.