North Dakota MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 9

There is no lane position that is always best and no lane position that should always be avoided. Select a lane position that is appropriate for your current riding conditions, allowing you to maintain an adequate space cushion and be visible to others.

In general, it is safest to simply proceed straight in your lane when crossing angled railroad tracks. Turning to approach tracks at a right angle can be dangerous because it may send you traveling into another lane.

When being passed, it is generally safest to ride in the center portion of your lane. Riding on the side nearest the passing vehicle increases the risk of colliding with them. Riding on the side farthest from the passing vehicle is also dangerous, as it could tempt the driver to re-enter your lane before it is safe to do so.

Signals are an important part of communication when riding in groups. When the lead rider's right leg is extended, it means there is a hazard in the roadway on their right side.

A properly chosen lane position can optimize a number of safety factors. Your lane position should keep you out of other vehicles’ blind spots, increase your ability to see and be seen, help you avoid surface hazards, help you avoid wind blasts from other vehicles, and provide you with an escape route from any hazards that might arise. You should be positioned in a way that discourages other drivers from trying to share your lane.

Like any vehicle, motorcycles have blind spots. In addition to using your mirrors, you must always turn your head to check your blind spot before changing lanes.

To safely ride on a slippery surface, you should reduce your speed, avoid making sudden movements, and use both brakes if you need to brake.

To ride safely at night, you should reduce your speed, use your high beam headlight when you are not riding near other vehicles, and increase your following distance. Take advantage of vehicles ahead of you to provide clues about the upcoming road. Their headlights may help to illuminate the road ahead and their taillights will bounce up and down if the vehicle is being driven over bumps on the road.

Heavier items should be loaded in front of the tank bag. You should try to place the load over or in front of the rear axle. Putting the load behind the rear axle may affect your control.

You should always use both brakes every time you slow or stop.

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.

To discourage automobile drivers from trying to share your lane, ride in the center portion of the lane.

A number of surfaces can provide poor traction for tires. Wet pavement; roads covered in loose gravel or sand; muddy, snowy, or icy areas; and painted lane markings can be more hazardous for a motorcyclist than dry pavement.

Be sure to wear gear that can help you and your motorcycle to be spotted by other road users. Bright, reflective clothing can make it easier for others to see you.

The best way to handle a tailgater is to change lanes and let them pass you. Speeding up may cause them to tailgate you at a higher speed, only increasing the danger. Never ride on the shoulder of a road because drivers will never expect you to be there and may leave the road suddenly.

Under normal conditions, you should maintain a following distance of at least four seconds. Increase your following distance any time conditions are less than perfect.

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

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.

If your motorcycle has a sidecar, it is best for your passenger to ride in the sidecar. They should keep their hands inside the sidecar at all times.

While some people worry that wearing a helmet may dangerously limit their field of vision, this is not the case. Any approved helmet will let the operator see as far to the sides as is needed for safe riding.

A linked braking system connects the front and rear brakes on a motorcycle. This system applies braking pressure to both brakes when either the front or rear lever is used. Check your owner's manual for a detailed explanation of the braking system on your motorcycle.

Leather garments can provide the greatest level of protection to motorcyclists. It is important to wear clothing that covers your legs and arms entirely when riding a motorcycle.

In potential high-risk areas, such as school zones or construction zones, cover the clutch and both brakes. This cuts down the amount of time you will need to react to a hazard.

In a group, less experienced riders should ride toward the front, just behind the leader, so more experienced riders can easily watch them.

Passengers should get on a motorcycle only after the engine has been started and the transmission is put in neutral. They should sit as far forward as possible without hindering the operator's control of the motorcycle and should hold onto the operator's waist, hips, or belt.