New Mexico MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 12

For riding, choose boots or heavy shoes that are tall and sturdy enough to cover and support your ankles. Heels should be low so that they won't catch on rough surfaces. Tuck in long laces so that they don't catch on the motorcycle's moving parts.

When riding behind a passenger vehicle, it is usually best to ride in the center of the lane so you will be visible in the driver's rearview mirror. Most drivers check their rearview mirrors much more often than their side mirrors, so this lane position will increase your chances of being seen.

Your following distance should be larger than usual when you are traveling under imperfect conditions. Increase your following distance if pavement is slippery, you can't see through the vehicle in front of you, or traffic is heavy.

Rounded, or convex, mirrors provide a wider view of the road than flat mirrors, but they also make objects seem farther away than they actually are.

Wearing goggles provides protection for your eyes, but not for the rest of your face. A face shield provides protection for your whole face and is recommended above goggles. A windshield is not an adequate substitute for a face shield or goggles.

To ride safely on a slippery surface, you should reduce your speed and avoid making sudden moves. Use both brakes if you must slow down or stop.

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.

It is a good idea to flash your brake light before slowing if someone is following you too closely. The other driver may be focused on you and be unaware of the upcoming hazard that is causing you to slow down. It is also important to flash your brake light if you are about to slow down in a place where other drivers might not expect you to do so.

To reduce the risk of being involved in 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.

A number of surfaces can provide poor traction for tires. 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 more hazardous for a motorcyclist than dry pavement.

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

You should not carry a passenger unless your motorcycle has a seat that is large enough for two riders. The motorcycle should be equipped with footrests for the passenger. Your passenger should wear the same kind of protective gear that is recommended to operators.

Riding in cold weather for long periods of time can cause severe chill, fatigue, and even hypothermia. Be sure to wear proper clothing to protect you from the elements.

Hand signals are an important part of communication when riding in groups. If a lead rider extends their left arm straight down with their palm facing back, the group of riders should come to a stop.

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

Most wobbles are caused by improper loading of the motorcycle, unsuitable accessories, or incorrect tire pressure.

If one of your tires goes flat, hold both handle grips firmly, ease off of the throttle, and maintain a straight course. If you must brake, gradually apply the brake of the tire that is not flat (if you are certain of which tire that is). As you slow down, edge to the side of the road, squeeze the clutch, and stop.

You can reduce your risk of injury when riding a motorcycle by wearing an approved helmet, face or eye protection, and protective clothing.

On average, the body can eliminate the alcohol content of about one drink per hour. However, some alcohol may accumulate in the body even if a person consumes only one drink per hour. Their abilities and judgment can still be impaired.

Under normal conditions, the stopping distances for motorcycles is nearly the same as it is for cars. However, slippery pavement makes quick stops especially difficult for motorcycle operators.

The added weight of a passenger in a sidecar will affect the handling of your motorcycle. Expect your motorcycle to require extra space to come to a complete stop.

Wet pavement is especially slippery when it first begins to rain. Deposits of oil left by cars will not yet have washed off the roadway. If it is raining, it is safest to ride in the tire tracks left by cars. The left tire track will often be your best choice, although this may vary.

Lengthen your following distance when traveling on a slippery surface. If it will take longer than usual for your motorcycle to stop, open up to a longer following distance.

Most drugs taken to ease headaches, colds, hay fever, allergies, or nerves can make the consumer drowsy and may impair their ability to ride safely. When taking a medication, it is important for a rider to know how the drug affects their body before riding.

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.