South Dakota MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 16

Signs that are blue with white markings indicate the locations of services. These services may include rest areas, gas stations, food options, and hospitals.

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.

Motorcycles have blind spots, just like cars. You should always turn your head to check your blind spot before changing lanes.

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

It is necessary to shift into higher gears as your motorcycle increases its speed.

Factors that play an important role in determining a person's blood alcohol content (BAC) include the amount of alcohol consumed, how fast it was consumed, and the person's body weight.

Under South Dakota's "Zero Tolerance" law, people below the legal drinking age of 21 can be arrested for operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02 percent or higher. It is never safe to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

To stop quickly, apply controlled pressure to both the front and rear brakes at the same time.

You should never take eye contact with another driver as a guarantee that they will properly yield to you. It is not uncommon for a driver to look directly at a motorcyclist and still fail to notice them.

If you are following a car, the driver is most likely to notice you if you position yourself behind them in the center of your lane. This lane position places you in the driver's rearview mirror. Most drivers check their rearview mirrors much more often than their side mirrors.

All passes must be completed within legal speed limits. Riders should pass only where it is safe and legal to do so.

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.

Grabbing at the front brake or jamming down on the rear brake can cause the brakes to lock. This may result in control problems.

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 making a normal, non-emergency stop, use the front and rear brakes simultaneously and downshift.

When turning, you should always lean in the direction of the turn. Slow down before entering the turn.

If the front wheel locks up while you are braking, release the pressure from the front brake. Immediately re-apply pressure to the brake with controlled gradual pressure.

Motorcycles often seem to attract dogs. If you are being chased by a dog, downshift and approach it slowly. Then, as you approach the dog, accelerate and leave it behind.

If you accidentally lock the rear wheel while stopping on a surface with good traction, you can keep it locked until you have completely stopped. Even with a locked rear wheel, you can control your motorcycle if it is upright and traveling in a straight line.

A motorcyclist who is towing a trailer should increase their following distance. The added weight of the trailer means that the motorcycle will require more time to stop than it would otherwise.

Long-term exposure to wind noise can permanently damage your hearing. Using proper ear plugs or other hearing protection when riding is recommended.

Make sure your motorcycle's transmission is in neutral before you start the engine. Most motorcycles have a neutral indicator on the speedometer that lights up when the ignition switch is on and the cycle is in neutral.

To reduce the risk of a collision when riding at night, be sure to reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Use the headlights of vehicles ahead of you to see farther down the road. You should always be flexible about your lane position, especially when riding at night.

You should increase your following distance if it will take your motorcycle longer than normal to stop, if you can't see through the vehicle ahead of you, or if traffic is heavy and other vehicles are likely to try to squeeze in front of you.

The best way to stop quickly is to apply controlled pressure to both the rear and front brakes at the same time. Be careful not to lock the brakes in the process.