Virginia Motorcycle Permit: Riding Technique Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is the staggered formation.

The best formation when riding in a group is the staggered formation. It allows you to stay close together while maintaining a space cushion. However, ride single file when you may need to change your lane position, such as when taking curves, making turns, or entering or leaving a highway.

Not quite. The answer is The center portion of the lane

To make a right turn, stay in the center portion of the lane. This will provide a space cushion around the motorcycle that permits you to take evasive action, in case another driver enters your right of way.

Not quite. The answer is If your throttle is stuck and you can't free it

You should operate the engine cut-off switch if the throttle is stuck and you cannot loosen it by twisting it back and forth.

Not quite. The answer is Cover the clutch and the brakes.

When approaching an intersection, you can reduce your reaction time by covering the clutch and the brakes so you'll be prepared to stop quickly.

Not quite. The answer is Use your low-beam headlight.

Using your low beam is not a way to increase your visibility at night. At night, you should use your high beam for best visibility.

Not quite. The answer is helps stabilize the motorcycle.

In a curve, rolling on the throttle to maintain or slightly increase your speed helps stabilize the motorcycle. Motorcycles tend to be less stable at lower speeds.

Not quite. The answer is at low speeds.

Most motorcycle crashes occur at speeds of less than 35 mph. Use caution when riding at any speed.

Not quite. The answer is do all of the above.

When looking where you want to turn, turn your head, not your shoulders, in the direction of the intended turn. Moving your shoulders or upper body may turn the motorcycle more than you want. Keep your eyes level with the horizon and reduce your speed before the turn.

Not quite. The answer is Center or right

Position yourself in the lane that allows the most visibility and space around you. Change your lane position as traffic situations change. Ride in the center or right portion of the lane if vehicles and other potential problems are on your left side. If vehicles are on both sides of you, the center of the lane is usually the best option.

Not quite. The answer is When you are being passed by another vehicle

If another vehicle is passing you on the left, ride in the center lane position to keep away from the hazard. Riding in the right lane position could encourage the driver of that vehicle to move back into your lane too soon. Also, in the right lane position, you would have less room for error on your right side if you were hit by a blast of wind from the passing vehicle that affected your control.

Not quite. The answer is neutral.

Before you start your motorcycle's engine, the transmission should be in neutral. Do not start your motorcycle in gear.

Not quite. The answer is None

No lane position is always the best for being seen and maintaining a space cushion. And no lane position need always be avoided. They all have their uses. An experienced rider changes lane positions as traffic conditions change.

Not quite. The answer is approximately one-third of a traffic lane.

A motorcycle mini-lane is approximately one-third of a traffic lane. Therefore, there are three lane positions in each traffic lane: one (left), two (center), and three (right).

Not quite. The answer is Straight within your lane as shown in image A

Usually it is safer to ride straight within your lane to cross tracks, as shown in image A. Turning to take tracks head-on (at a 90-degree angle) can be more dangerous because your path may carry you into another lane of traffic.

Not quite. The answer is Before the turn

When you approach a turn, if you need to shift gears, you should do it before the turn if possible. This will help keep the turn smooth and stable. A sudden change in power to the rear wheel during a turn can cause a skid.

Not quite. The answer is Once a week

The Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual recommends that you check your tires at least once a week.

Not quite. The answer is different for each curve.

Every curve is different. The best path through a curve may not follow the curve of the road. Change your lane position as needed to help you.

Not quite. The answer is turn the headlight on whenever you ride.

If your motorcycle is older than 1978, you must remember to turn on the headlight at all times while riding. Motorcycles built since 1978 automatically turn on the low-beam headlight whenever the engine is running.

Not quite. The answer is make sure your headlight is turned on.

The best way to be seen by other vehicle operators is to make sure your headlight is turned on. (Note: In the US, motorcycles built since 1978 automatically turn on the low-beam headlight whenever the engine is running.)

Not quite. The answer is choosing the most visible lane position.

Increase your visibility at an intersection by choosing the most visible lane position so that drivers will be able to see you.