Virginia MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 8

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.

If a hazard requires you to brake and swerve, you should take these actions separately. Never brake while swerving because doing so can cause your motorcycle to fall over.

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.

Perform safety checks before every motorcycle ride. Test your brake controls individually to make sure each one activates the brake lights.

It is almost always more difficult to judge distances when traveling in the dark than it is when traveling in daylight. Shadows and light contrasts are important cues to the distance of an object. When you must rely on artificial lighting to see the roadway at night, natural contrasts and shadows may be distorted or entirely absent.

If you must both swerve and brake to avoid a hazard, you should separate the actions. Brake then swerve, or swerve then brake, but do not perform both actions at the same time.

When it starts to rain, avoid riding in the center of the lane. Instead, ride in the tire tracks left by cars ahead of you. The left tire track is often best for riding, but this can vary based on traffic and other conditions.

Most drivers do not look at their side mirrors as often as they look at their rearview mirror. Therefore, when following a car, it is generally most advantageous to ride in the center portion of the lane where you are most likely to be visible in the driver's rearview mirror.

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.

This sign is displayed on the rear of slow-moving vehicles that may be moving more slowly than 25 mph, such as construction equipment, farm machinery, or horse-drawn vehicles.

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

Intersections present the greatest potential for conflict between motorcycles and other vehicles. When approaching an intersection, be sure you are riding in a lane position that makes you most visible to other road users.

Most collisions between motorcycles and automobiles take place at intersections. The most common cause of these accidents is the automobile operator failing to properly yield the right-of-way to the motorcyclist.

Riding directly alongside another vehicle is dangerous because you may be in the vehicle's blind spot and the driver will not know you are there. Additionally, the vehicle may block your route of escape if any hazards should arise.

While a three-second following distance is generally recommended, you should increase your following distance to four seconds if riding under conditions that may create longer stopping distances than usual. When the road is slippery, increase your following distance.

Frequent mirror checks should be part of your normal scanning routine. Additionally, make a special point of using your mirrors before changing lanes, when stopping at an intersection, and before slowing down.

All passes must be completed within the posted speed limits and only in areas where passing is permitted.

An expanded cushion of space is needed if your motorcycle will take longer than normal to stop. If the pavement is slippery, if you cannot see through the vehicle ahead of you, or if traffic is heavy and another driver may try to squeeze in front of you, open up to a minimum four-second following distance.

Wearing a helmet is your best defense against injury while riding a motorcycle. Wearing a plastic, shatter-resistant face shield can help protect your face from injury in a crash.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions. This sign warns that a stop sign is ahead.

Like any vehicle, motorcycles have blind spots. In addition to using your mirrors, you must always turn your head to check your blind spot before changing lanes.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions. This warning sign indicates a divided roadway ahead.

In high-risk areas, such as intersections, shopping areas, schools, or construction zones, a motorcyclist should reduce their speed. They should cover the clutch and both brake levers to reduce their reaction time in the case of an emergency.

Tell passengers to avoid unnecessary conversation or movement while on a moving motorcycle. Passengers should get onto a motorcycle only after the engine is started. They should sit as far forward as possible without crowding the operator.

The potential for conflict between a motorcycle and other vehicles is greatest at intersections.