South Dakota MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 10

Convex mirrors are installed on many motorcycles. Compared to flat mirrors, convex mirrors provide a wider view of the road. However, convex mirrors can also make approaching vehicles seem farther away than they actually are.

If traffic allows, the center lane position is usually the best position for a motorcyclist to take when following a car because the center position will place them in the driver's rearview mirror. A motorcyclist should always be prepared to change positions if traffic or conditions require it.

Sit with a posture that allows you to use your arms to control your motorcycle. You should not be positioned in a way that requires your arms to prop up your body and support your weight.

Maintaining an adequate space cushion while riding helps ensure that you will have enough time to react and room to maneuver safely if another driver makes a mistake.

Avoid making sudden moves when riding on a slippery surface. Any sudden change in speed or direction can cause a skid. Operate as smoothly as possible when speeding up, shifting gears, turning, or braking.

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.

Googles will protect your eyes from the wind, but most windshields will not. A windshield is not an adequate substitute for goggles or a face shield.

If no traffic is present, it is recommended that riders take a curve by beginning on the outside of the curve, moving to the inside of the curve, and exiting on the outside of the curve. If traffic is present, it is a good idea to start the curve in the center of the lane and remain in the center throughout the curve. Riders should remain aware of changing road and traffic conditions and adjust as necessary.

Wearing bright or reflective clothing can help make you more visible to other drivers and reduce your risk of being involved in a collision. Always maintain an awareness of surrounding drivers to better prepare yourself for their movements.

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.

Proper face/eye protection is required by law in the state of California. A face shield can protect your whole face in the event of a collision. An effective eye or face shield must allow the rider a clear view to either side.

Every bike is a little different, so don't start riding an unfamiliar motorcycle without first familiarizing yourself with how it operates. Do a safety and maintenance check; find out where everything is located; and work the throttle, clutch, and brakes a few times to learn its gear pattern.

The best way to handle tailgaters is usually to change lanes and let them pass. Speeding up may only increase the danger by prompting them to continue tailgating you at the higher speed.

A helmet will provide a rider with the best protection if it meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards; fits snugly all the way around; and has no obvious defects, such as cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.

A “wobble” is when the front wheel and handlebars suddenly start to shake from side to side. Most wobbles are a result of improper loading, unsuitable accessories, or incorrect tire pressure.

To lessen the chances of a crash occurring, you should make yourself visible, communicate your intentions to others, maintain adequate space cushions, search your path of travel at least 12 seconds ahead, identify and separate hazards, and be prepared to react to changing conditions.

When it starts to rain, the oily strip down the center of a lane is especially hazardous. Avoid this danger by riding in the tire tracks left by cars. The left tire track is often safest, but this can vary.

The mirrors of motorcycles have blind spots, just like those of cars. Always turn your head to check your blind spot before changing lanes.

Impairment of your ability to ride safely begins with the first drink you take. You can be convicted of riding impaired even if you are below the legal blood alcohol limit.

Regulatory signs are white signs with red and black markings that inform drivers of specific traffic laws in the indicated area. This sign indicates that U-turns are prohibited.

Wearing gloves while riding provides an improved grip and help protect your hands. You should use gloves that are full-fingered and made of a durable material.

The more weight being carried by a motorcycle, the more time the motorcycle takes to accelerate and decelerate. Your motorcycle will respond to your commands more slowly when carrying a passenger than it will when you are the only person on the bike.

In South Dakota, it is illegal for anyone to operate a motor vehicle if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher. However, an operator can be found to be legally impaired with a BAC that is below the legal limit.

Texting while driving is a very dangerous distraction that increases the risk of a crash by as much as 23 times. Texting while operating a vehicle is prohibited by South Dakota law.

When following a car, you should ride in a position that allows the driver to see you in their rearview mirror. Usually, that means riding in the center portion of the lane. Because most drivers check their rearview mirrors much more often than they check their side mirrors, being in this lane position increases the chance that they will see you.