Rhode Island MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 1

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.

When doing a pre-ride inspection of your motorcycle, you should check the air pressure, general wear, and tread of your tires.

If either of your tires go flat while you are riding, hold the handgrips firmly, ease off the throttle, and maintain a straight course. If you need to brake, gradually apply the brake to the tire that is not flat. As you slow down, edge to the side of the road, squeeze the clutch, and stop.

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.

To brake, squeeze the front brake lever and press down on the rear brake pedal. Always use both brakes when slowing or stopping.

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.

Adjust your mirrors so you can see the lane behind you and as much as possible of the lane next to you. When properly adjusted, a mirror may show the edge of your arm or shoulder, but it’s the road behind you and to the side of you that is most important.

Any time a driver may be tempted to try to squeeze into your lane next to you, ride in the center portion of the lane to discourage them from doing so.

Motorcyclists often slow down by simply downshifting. Motorcyclists should be aware that slowing down in this manner does not activate the brake lights.

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.

To minimize your chances of being in a crash, you should make yourself as visible as possible by wearing brightly-colored clothing when riding, even during the day.

If a dog is chasing your motorcycle, downshift and slowly approach the dog. Once you have gotten close to the animal, accelerate and leave it behind. Do not attempt to kick it.

The best way to handle a tailgater is to get them in front of you. If you can do so safely, change lanes and let them pass. Speeding up may only increase the danger by causing them to continue tailgating you at a higher speed.

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.

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.

Alcohol is a major contributor to motorcycle crashes, particularly fatal crashes. Studies show that nearly 40 percent of all riders killed in motorcycle accidents had been drinking.

Develop the habit of using both brakes every time you slow or stop. If you need to stop quickly, it is best to apply both brakes. It will be easier to apply both brakes in a quick stop if you have already developed this habit.

Experienced riders use an IPDE strategy while riding to make safe judgements. "IPDE" stands for Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute.

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.

You can achieve maximum stopping power by using both the front and rear brakes. You should use both brakes every time you slow or stop.

When being passed, motorcyclists should be careful not to be hit by any part of the passing vehicle, including its mirrors. In addition to the vehicle itself, motorcyclists should be aware of wind gusts coming from the passing vehicle and potential objects being thrown by a passenger in the vehicle who may not be paying attention to the road.

Oily drippings from cars collect in a strip in the center of a traffic lane. Unless the road is wet, this area will generally still provide enough traction for motorcyclists to ride safely. Because the strip is usually no more than two feet wide, it is often possible to ride to one side of the strip and still be in the center portion of the lane.

The cornering characteristics of a three-wheeled motorcycle or a motorcycle with a sidecar differ from those of a two-wheeled motorcycle. The best path for a three-wheeler to take through a curve may not actually follow the curve. For example, you may need to move from the outside of the curve to the inside of the curve before straightening out your path.

Before every ride, you should complete a thorough check of your motorcycle. Be sure to check the rims and spokes to make sure none are bent, loose, or damaged; the condition and tread of the tires; and all of the lights.

The center of a lane can be especially hazardous when wet. When it begins to rain, avoid the center of the road by riding in the tire tracks left by cars. The left tire track is often the best option.