South Carolina MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 1

Roads become slippery when it first starts raining, especially in the center strip of a lane. When rain starts, it is generally safest to ride in the tire tracks left by other vehicles. The left tire track is often best.

It is not advisable to ride beside passenger vehicles or trucks. Doing so may place you in another vehicle's blind spot and the driver could move into your lane without realizing you are there.

If the rear tire of a motorcycle goes flat, the back of the motorcycle may jerk or sway from side to side. If you experience this movement when riding your motorcycle, you should stop riding and check your tires as soon as possible.

If you are being followed by a tailgater, you should ride in a way that encourages them to pass you. Riding at a higher speed may only result in them tailgating you at a higher speed, increasing the danger.

The gearshift lever of a motorcycle is located in front of the left footrest and is operated by the rider's left foot.

If the throttle becomes stuck and you are unable to free it, immediately operate the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch at the same time. This will remove power from the rear wheel until you are able to safely leave the road and stop.

When entering a curve, adjust your lane position to optimize your ability to see and be seen. Riding in the right portion of your lane when traveling through a lefthand curve may help you spot oncoming traffic as soon as possible. When traveling through a righthand curve, riding in a left center position may allow you to see oncoming cars early without putting you so close to the centerline that you could be hit by oncoming vehicles that take the curve too widely.

After riding over an object on the roadway, you should pull off the road to check your tires and rims for damage before traveling any farther. Ensure that nothing is caught in the drive chain or belt before proceeding.

Clothing made of leather or sturdy synthetic materials provide the greatest degree of protection for those riding motorcycles.

When traveling in a group, less experienced riders should be placed near the front of the group behind the leader. This way, more experienced riders can lead the way and watch the inexperienced riders at the same time.

In general, it is best for a group to ride in a staggered formation. Move into a single-file formation when taking a curve, making a turn, entering a highway, or leaving a highway.

Maintaining a cushion of space around your motorcycle at all times helps ensure that you will have time to react and space to maneuver if someone else on the road makes a mistake.

If you approach an intersection that is not marked with signs or traffic lights at the same time as another driver, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.

When riding a motorcycle, it is highly recommended that you wear protective apparel. Look for a jacket that completely covers your arms and fits snugly but still allows you to move freely. Leather or sturdy synthetic materials with integrated body armor offer the best protection.

Georgia law requires a rider to wear eye protection when on a moving motorcycle. A full face shield provides a rider with the best possible protection.

In a normal turn, the rider and the motorcycle should lean together at the same angle. In a slow, tight turn, the motorcycle should lean while the rider counterbalances by keeping their body upright.

If your motorcycle begins to weave while you are traveling over bridge gratings, you should simply maintain a steady speed and proceed straight across the surface. Trying to stay in your lane while riding in a zigzagging motion is dangerous.

If you accidentally lock the rear tire on a good traction surface, leave it locked until you can come to a complete stop. Even with a locked rear wheel, you will be able to control a motorcycle on a surface with good traction as long as the motorcycle is upright and traveling in a straight line.

In South Carolina, all motorcycle operators and passengers under the age of 21 are required to wear helmets and eye protection while riding. Helmets and eye protection are strongly recommended to all riders.

Position yourself in the portion of the lane where you are most likely to be seen by other road users and where you can maintain a space cushion around your motorcycle. There is no single lane position that is always best and no single lane position that should always be avoided. A responsible rider adjusts their position as conditions change.

Use both brakes every time you slow or stop.

When preparing to pass a vehicle on the left, you should ride in the left portion of your lane. Doing this will increase your line of vision and help drivers in the next lane anticipate your move.

If you lock the front wheel while braking, release the brake and immediately re-apply it.

On average, a person's body can remove the alcohol content of about one drink per hour. This rate can vary based on the individual. The safest option is to not ride after consuming any amount of alcohol.

Protection should be your first consideration when buying a motorcycle helmet. Look for a helmet that fastens securely, fits correctly, and is DOT-compliant.

On a slippery surface, any sudden change in speed or direction could result in a skid. Be as smooth as possible when you speed up, shift gears, turn, or brake on such a surface.

There is no single lane position that is always best and no single lane position that should always be avoided. Adjust your lane position as circumstances warrant.

If your motorcycle begins to weave when riding over grooves or gratings, simply maintain a steady speed and proceed straight across the surface. Trying to compensate for the weave by riding at an angle forces you to zigzag to stay in your lane, which is more dangerous.

As with any other vehicle, the mirrors of a motorcycle have blind spots. Always turn your head to check for traffic in your blind spot before changing lanes.

Before setting out on a ride, you should make sure that your motorcycle's fuel supply valve is open. If the fuel valve is closed, the engine may still start with the fuel that is remaining in the lines from a previous ride, but it will stall once the lines are empty.