New Mexico MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 9

There is no one lane position that is always best, nor one that should always be avoided. Change your lane position as necessary based on changing road and traffic conditions.

To reduce the risk of fatigue on a long trip, dress to protect yourself from tiring elements, such as wind, cold, and rain. Limit yourself to no more than six hours of riding per day and take rest brakes at least every two hours. Avoid using artificial stimulants, as these only result in extreme fatigue when they wear off.

Signs informing road users of road regulations, such as speed limits, are normally rectangular and colored white with black lettering or symbols. Riders must follow the rules posted on these regulatory signs.

Motorcycles generally have one brake for each wheel. The front brake carries more braking power than the rear brake.

If the front tire of a motorcycle fails, it will cause the steering to feel heavy. If your steering feels heavy, immediately exit the road and inspect your tires.

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.

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.

When being passed, it is best to ride in the center portion of your lane. Riding on the side nearest to the passing vehicle increases the risk of a collision. Riding on the side farthest from the passing vehicle is also dangerous because it may tempt them to merge back into your lane too soon. Stay in the center portion of the lane when being passed.

During normal turns, the motorcycle and the rider should be leaning together at the same angle. In slow, tight turns, only the motorcycle should lean while the rider keeps their body straight up.

Longterm exposure to wind and engine noise can cause permanent hearing damage, even if the rider is wearing a full-face helmet. Wearing ear plugs or other hearing protection can guard against damage while still allowing the wearer to hear important sounds like horns and sirens.

A motorcycle requires more frequent attention than a car. Make a complete check of your motorcycle before every ride.

If someone is following you too closely, it is a good idea to flash your brake light before slowing down. A tailgater may be concentrating on you and not see upcoming hazards that require traffic to slow down.

When making a turn, you should look through the turn to where you want to go. Turn just your head, not your shoulders, and keep your eyes level with the horizon.

When turning, look through the turn to where you want to go by turning only your head. Keep your knees against the gas tank to help maintain your balance while turning. Your arms should be slightly bent any time you are holding the handgrips.

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

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.

When riding at night, use your high beam (unless you are following or meeting another car), take advantage of the headlights of other vehicles, and wear reflective materials to increase your visibility. You should always be flexible about your lane position, selecting whichever position will help you to see, be seen, and have an adequate space cushion.

Motorcycles generally have two brakes, one for the front wheel and one for the rear wheel.

When riding on a slippery surface, it is safest to decrease your speed. Making sudden moves on a slippery surface could cause your motorcycle to skid. Do not travel on the shoulder to escape a slippery road.

When riding over a rough surface, hold onto the handgrips firmly to ensure that you will maintain directional control over your motorcycle.

Oily drippings from cars and trucks build up in the center of each lane. Unless the road is wet, this strip usually still provides enough traction more a motorcycle to operate safely. The strip is generally narrow enough that you can ride to either side of it and still be in the center portion of the lane.

Brightly-colored and/or reflective clothing will increase your chances of being seen under any conditions. Remember that most motorcycle crashes happen in broad daylight so it is still best to wear bright clothing during the day.

Of the crashes involving both a motorcycle and a car, more than half are caused by the driver failing to properly yield right-of-way to the rider.

If either of your tires go flat and you must brake, gradually apply the brake of the tire that is not flat (if you are certain of which tire that is).

To ensure that a helmet will provide you with as much protection as possible, check to see if it meets U.S. DOT and state standards; fits snugly all the way around your head; and has no obvious defects, such as cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.