Texas MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 15

The front brake of a motorcycle is more powerful than the rear brake. It can provide at least three-quarters of the motorcycle's total stopping power.

A riding jacket and long pants should still be worn when riding in hot weather. In addition to their other safety benefits, they can protect a rider from heat exhaustion and dehydration.

When hazards exist to your left, it is often best to ride in the right portion of the lane. Be prepared to adjust your lane position as road and traffic conditions change.

Since all motorcycles are somewhat different, you should be very careful when using one that is new to you. Familiarize yourself with the motorcycle before setting off. Learn the gear pattern before riding by working the throttle, clutch, and brakes a few times.

To increase your visibility, you can wear clothing that is brightly-colored or that contains reflective materials. Adding auxiliary lights to your motorcycle, using your turn signals, and flashing your brake light when appropriate are also good ways to get the attention of other road users.

Texas law requires a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle to be equipped with a horn, mirror, steering mechanism, brakes, tires, wheel assembly, exhaust system, tail lamp, stop lamp, license plate lamp, rear red reflector, and head lamp. The vehicle must also have the proper motorcycle, serial, or vehicle identification.

The last rider in a group of motorcyclists should set the pace of travel. Having the last rider set the pace will ensure that no riders are left behind.

There are numerous potential consequences for a DWI conviction. Among them is being required to pay court costs, which start at $70.

A properly chosen lane position should provide a number of benefits, including an increased ability to see others and to be seen. It should help you avoid wind blasts, other drivers' blind spots, and surface hazards. Your lane position should discourage other drivers from trying to share your lane and provide you with an escape route, should a hazard arise.

To reduce the risk of being involved in 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.

The best way to deal with a tailgater is to get them ahead of you. If you can do so safely, change lanes and let them pass. Speeding up may only increase the danger by encouraging them to keep tailgating you at a higher speed.

Blind spots, by definition, are areas that you cannot see by just looking in your mirrors. Turn your head to the side and check over your shoulder for vehicles in your blind spot before you change lanes.

High-quality rain suits designed for motorcycle riding will resist tearing and ballooning when a rider travels at high speeds.

When passing a row of parked cars, it is generally best to stay on the side of your lane that is not directly next to the cars. This will help to protect you from potential hazards like car doors being opened or people stepping out from between the cars. If there is traffic coming from the opposite direction, it is a good idea to stay in the center portion of the lane.

To maximize your chances of being seen by other road users, you should wear brightly-colored clothing with reflective materials, use your headlight at all times, and use your signals and brake light properly.

Gloves designed for motorcycle riding are usually made of leather. In addition to improving your grip, gloves provide protection for a rider's hands and fingers.

A motorcycle will continue to ride like new if it is properly maintained and routine inspections become a part of its regular maintenance cycle.

A motorcycle requires more frequent attention than a car. Make a complete check of your motorcycle before every ride.

You should use both brakes every time you slow down or stop. Always apply the brakes simultaneously.

If someone is following you too closely, it is a good idea to flash your brake light before slowing down. A tailgater may be concentrating on you and not see upcoming hazards that require traffic to slow down.