South Carolina MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 15

If you can do so safely, change lanes and let the tailgater pass. Speeding up may only result in them continuing to tailgate you at a higher speed, increasing the danger.

A motorcyclist may not pass another vehicle within the same lane. Lane sharing is dangerous and usually prohibited.

A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield provides protection for your entire face. A windshield is not an adequate substitute for a good face shield.

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.

The best way to handle a tailgater is to allow them to pass you. Speeding up may result in them continuing to tailgate you, just at a higher speed.

While searching the road for potential hazards, focus on looking for escape routes in or around intersections, shopping areas, schools, and construction zones.

When passing a truck, you should only return to your original lane when you can see the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror.

To have proper riding posture, position yourself so that you are using your arms to steer rather than to hold yourself up. Sit so that your elbows are slightly bent when you hold the handgrips.

Because it can be difficult to judge distances in the dark, ride with a following distance of at least three seconds when traveling at night.

While riding in a staggered formation is generally advisable, a group of motorcyclists should switch to a single-file formation when riding in curves, turning, and entering or leaving a highway.

Locking the brakes can cause control problems. If your front brake locks, you should release the brake then immediately re-apply it. If you lock your rear brake when stopping on a good traction surface, keep it locked until you have completely stopped.

Alcohol reaches the brain and begins affecting the drinker's riding abilities within minutes of being consumed. Operating any motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is illegal and dangerous.

Exposure to engine and wind noise can damage your hearing, even if you are wearing a helmet. Wearing hearing protection while riding is always a good idea.

The only way to sober up after drinking is to give your body the time it needs to remove the alcohol. There are no techniques that will speed up this process.

Any time a motorcycle is leaning, such as in a turn or curve, there is less traction available for braking. Both brakes may still be used while a motorcycle is turning, but it must be done with great care.

Most motorcycle crashes happen in broad daylight. To make yourself more noticeable, wear brightly-colored clothing when riding, even during the daytime.

It is important to maintain a cushion of space around your motorcycle at all times. This way, if a hazard arises, you will have more time to respond to the hazard and more space to safely maneuver.

Your arms should be slightly bent when you are holding the handle grips of a motorcycle. Bending your arms reduces arm fatigue and permits you to press on the handlebars without having to stretch.

To reduce the risk of being involved in a collision, consistently scan your path of travel at least 10 to 15 seconds ahead of your motorcycle. Scanning the road ahead will give you time to react to a hazard before meeting the hazard.

As you approach an intersection, select a lane position that will make you the most visible to other drivers and cover the clutch and both brakes to reduce your reaction time. Reduce your speed when approaching an intersection. Avoid changing your speed or position radically as doing so may cause surrounding drivers to misinterpret your intentions.

A passenger places extra weight on a motorcycle. Because of the added weight, the motorcycle will respond to the operator's movements more slowly than it would otherwise, taking more time to speed up, slow down, and turn. To accommodate the change in handling when carrying a passenger, you should reduce your speed, begin slowing down earlier when you stop, and look for larger gaps when crossing, entering, or merging into traffic.

When parked on the road, a motorcycle should create an angle with the curb that is between 45 and 90 degrees. A wheel or fender should be touching the curb.

All curves are different. When taking a curve, choose a lane position that is appropriate for conditions and adjust as needed.

It is best to change gears before starting a turn. Shifting gears while in the turn can cause a sudden change in power to the rear wheel, causing a skid. If you must change gears while in a turn, change gears smoothly to best prevent skidding.

To provide maximum grip and protection, riding gloves should be made of leather or a similar durable material.

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

Maintaining a space cushion helps to ensure that you will have enough time to react to the movements of others and enough room to maneuver safely.

If you see a dog approaching your motorcycle, slow down and downshift until you are close to the dog. Quickly accelerate away from the animal as it approaches.

A flat front tire is especially dangerous because it interferes with your ability to steer, which is essential to keeping your balance. If steering begins to feel heavy, it is possible that you have a flat front tire.

If your front wheel locks while you are making a quick stop, release the front brake immediately and then re-apply it firmly. Use both the front and rear brakes if you need to stop quickly.