West Virginia MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 2

Generally, you should maintain a minimum following distance of two seconds. Increase your following distance to at least three seconds whenever you are riding under conditions that are less than ideal.

To reduce the danger of fatigue when riding, dress to protect yourself against tiring weather conditions, such as wind and rain. Limit yourself to no more than about six hours of riding per day and stop for a break at least once every two hours. Avoid taking artificial stimulants since you may experience extreme fatigue when they start to wear off.

Motorcycle riders will rarely actually hear a tire going flat. Tire failure is more often indicated by a change in how the motorcycle handles.

To help keep the operator focused on riding, passengers should avoid unnecessary conversation or movement. Passengers should get on a motorcycle only after the engine has been started. They should sit as far forward as they can without crowding the operator and hold firmly onto the operator's waist, hips, or belt.

Intersections can be dangerous because they present the greatest degree of potential conflict between motorcyclists and other drivers.

A skidding rear tire is a dangerous condition that can result in a violent crash and serious injury or death. Too much rear brake pressure can cause the rear wheel to lock. As soon as the rear wheel locks, your ability to change direction is lost. To regain control, the brake must be released.

If a hazard requires you to brake and swerve to avoid a collision, you should take the actions separately. Do not brake while swerving because doing so may cause your motorcycle to fall over.

When passing parked cars on your right, it is usually safest to ride in the left portion of your lane. This will keep you away from hazards like doors opening, people stepping out from between cars, and cars pulling out from parking spaces. Always be prepared to adjust your lane positioning for changing road and traffic conditions.

Riding directly next to another vehicle is dangerous because you could be riding in the vehicle's blind spot. Additionally, the vehicle may block your route of escape if another hazard arises. If you find yourself riding directly alongside another vehicle, either speed up or drop back.

When you are being passed from behind or by an oncoming vehicle, stay in the center portion of your lane. Riding any closer to the passing vehicle can put you in danger.

An effective face shield should be free of scratches, be resistant to penetration, allow clear views to both sides, fasten securely, permit air to pass through, and provide enough space for eyeglasses or sunglasses to be worn underneath. It is important for a face shield to permit the passage of air because an airtight face shield can create fogging and make it difficult for a rider to see.

In comparison to flat mirrors, convex mirrors provide a wider view of the road behind you. They also make objects seem farther away than they actually are. You should practice judging distances in convex mirrors if you are not used to them.

A small mechanical fault can have more serious consequences on a motorcycle than on a car. Conduct a thorough pre-ride inspection of your motorcycle before every ride.

Inexperienced riders should ride just behind the leader. This ensures that they won't have to chase after the group, and it allows more experienced riders to keep an eye on them from behind.

Most wobbles can be traced to improper loading, unsuitable accessories, or incorrect tire pressure. Do not try to accelerate out of a wobble.

Wear reflective materials to increase your visibility, especially when riding at night. Brightly-colored clothing with reflective materials will make you more visible to other road users.

On average, the body can eliminate the alcohol content of about one drink per hour. However, some alcohol may accumulate in the body even if a person consumes only one drink per hour. Their abilities and judgment can still be impaired.

Because it is more difficult to see and judge distances in the dark than in daylight, you should maintain an expanded following distance of at least three seconds when riding at night. It may take you longer than usual to realize the vehicle in front of you has stopped and you may need additional time to slow or stop to avoid hitting the vehicle.

To prevent any dangerous situations caused by technical issues, you should perform a thorough inspection of your motorcycle before every ride. Compared to a car, small technical problems can have more serious consequences on a motorcycle.

Wearing a helmet while riding greatly improves your chances of avoiding serious injury to your head or neck in the case of a crash. A DOT-approved helmet will not restrict your vision to the sides.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions.

It is possible to use both brakes while turning, but it must be done with great care. Some of the tires' usual traction is being used to make the turn while the motorcycle is leaning, so less traction is available for stopping.

An increased following distance 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 longer following distance.

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.

The front brake of a motorcycle is more powerful than the rear brake, providing about three-quarters of the motorcycle's total stopping power. Always use both brakes simultaneously when you slow or stop.