Wisconsin MOTORCYCLE DMV Practice Test 14

A round sign means you are approaching a railroad crossing. This sign is posted a few hundred feet in front of the tracks and tells drivers to slow down, look, listen, and prepare to stop.

Warning signs are usually yellow with black markings. This sign alerts drivers to where pedestrians may be crossing. If a pedestrian is crossing in a crosswalk marked with this sign, drivers must stop and remain stopped until the pedestrian is no longer in the crosswalk.

If you are stopped at a railroad crossing with more than one track, do not start moving as soon as a train passes. Wait until you have a clear view down all tracks before you start across. Even where there is only one track, do not start across immediately after a train passes; check again for another train that may be approaching.

It is a good idea to add a few pounds of pressure to your tires if you plan to carry a passenger. Also, adjust the suspension to handle the additional weight.

Get out of another vehicle's blind spot as quickly as possible. When passing another vehicle, you should move into the passing lane and accelerate past the vehicle.

Downward-facing triangular signs mean drivers must yield. When approaching a yield sign, slow down to a speed that is reasonable for existing conditions and stop if necessary. If you must stop, do so at a marked stop line, if it exists.

Keep your knees against the gas tank to help with your balance as you turn the motorcycle.

An octagonal (eight-sided) sign always means "stop." You must always come to a complete stop at this sign.

Warning signs that indicate approaching hazards are usually yellow with black lettering or symbols. Warning signs in work zones are orange with black lettering or symbols.

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 your following distance.

Riding with a minimum prohibited alcohol concentration (PAC) of 0.08 percent is considered riding while legally intoxicated. It is illegal and dangerous to ride a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol.

This sign prohibits right turns. You cannot make a right turn at an intersection where this sign is posted.

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 your following distance.

This sign prohibits right turns. It is illegal to turn right at an intersection where this sign is posted.

Pennant-shaped warning signs like this are only used to indicate a no passing zone.

While riding a motorcycle, you should be wearing pants and a jacket made from durable materials, completely covering your arms and legs. Any exposed skin is at risk, should you be involved in an accident.

Compared to a car, a motorcycle requires more frequent attention. If something is wrong with a motorcycle, it is essential that the operator identify the problem before getting into traffic or operating the bike at freeway speeds.

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. Take the time to get used to your mirrors if your motorcycle is equipped with convex mirrors.

If you cannot avoid riding over an obstacle or uneven surface, you should approach it at as close to a 90-degree angle as possible. Slow down as much as you can, make sure that your motorcycle is upright, and rise slightly off your seat so your knees can absorb some of the force of impact. Just before contact, roll on the throttle slightly to lighten the front end.

If you see a dog approaching your motorcycle, slow down and downshift until you are close to the dog. Quickly accelerate away from the animal as it approaches.

Unlike other substances in food and drink, alcohol does not need to be digested. It is absorbed directly through the walls of the stomach and small intestine, enters the bloodstream, and quickly reaches the brain.

Shifting to a lower gear causes an effect similar to using the brakes. For this reason, downshifting is also known as engine braking.

Oil drippings and debris from cars and trucks often collect in the center portion of a lane.

Locking the brakes can cause control problems. If your front brake locks, you should release the brake then immediately re-apply it. If you lock your rear brake when stopping on a good traction surface, keep it locked until you have completely stopped.

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.

When riding behind a car, you should position yourself so you can be seen in the other driver's rearview mirror. Riding in the center portion of the lane will generally ensure that you will appear in the middle of their rearview mirror, where the driver is most likely to notice you.

Engines seize when they are low on oil. Without oil, the engine’s moving parts cannot move smoothly against each other and the engine overheats.

When riding in a group, the length of a route and the lengths of segments of travel should be based on the skill level of the least experienced rider. Groups of riders should take regular breaks to reduce fatigue. Inexperienced riders should be placed behind the leader so more experienced riders can keep an eye on them from behind. It is generally best to ride in a staggered formation.

When passing a row of parked cars, the left portion of the lane is generally safest for travel. This position will help you avoid hazards like doors being opened, people stepping out from between the parked cars, and cars pulling out of parking spaces. Always be ready to adjust your lane position to respond to changing road and traffic conditions.

The front brake is safe to use as long as it is used properly. The front brake of a motorcycle is more powerful than the rear brake, providing at least three-fourths of the total stopping power.

In Wisconsin, helmets are required to be worn by any operator under the age of 18 and any operator who holds a motorcycle instruction permit. However, it is strongly recommended that all operators and passengers wear helmets when riding.

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.

When riding, you should securely tuck in the laces of your footwear so that they will not catch on your motorcycle.

Motorcycle brake lights are more difficult to see than the brake lights of larger vehicles, so flashing your brake light may help other drivers to notice it. You should flash you brake light before slowing down where other drivers may not expect you to slow down, such as in the middle of a block or when approaching an alley.

The front brake is much more powerful than the rear one and provides at least 70 percent of a motorcycle's total stopping power. Use both brakes every time you slow or stop.

After completing a turn or lane change, deactivate your turn signal. Leaving your signal on after moving to the right or left can confuse other road users.

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.

A two-second following distance is generally appropriate. Allow a larger cushion of space when riding under conditions that will increase your stopping distance, such as when the road surface is icy or wet.

Most motorcycle crashes occur in broad daylight. Increasing your visibility by wearing bright colors and reflective materials is a good idea at all times.

The greatest potential for conflict between your motorcycle and other traffic is at intersections. Be extra alert when riding somewhere where another vehicle may cross in front of your path of travel.