1. Helmets are required to be worn by:

• Passengers only.
• ✓ All motorcycle riders and passengers at all times.
• No one when driving on city streets.

California law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a U.S. DOT compliant helmet at all times when the motorcycle is in motion.

2. Grabbing the front brake or jamming down on the rear brake:

• ✓ Can cause the brakes to lock.
• Is the best way to stop in an emergency.
• Is the best way to slow down when streets are wet.

Suddenly grabbing the front brake or jamming the rear brake can cause the brakes to lock and lead to a skid. Apply both brakes smoothly and firmly.

3. Motorcycle passengers should:

• Put their feet on the ground when stopped.
• Not ride without a back rest.
• ✓ Sit as far forward as possible without crowding you.

Passengers should sit as far forward as they can without crowding the operator, with both feet on the footrests at all times, even when stopped.

4. Riding in a staggered formation when in a group:

• Is recommended at all times.
• ✓ Should not be used when entering or exiting a highway.
• Should be used when riding on curves.

Staggered formation is recommended for straight roads, but when entering or exiting a highway or riding through curves, riders should move to single-file formation.

5. Eye protection:

• Is not needed if your motorcycle is equipped with a windshield.
• Is only needed in bad weather.
• ✓ Should give a clear view to either side.

Proper eye protection must give a clear view to either side. A windshield is not a substitute for eye protection.

6. The primary cause of single-vehicle motorcycle collisions is:

• Driving too fast for weather conditions.
• ✓ Running wide in a curve and colliding with the roadway or a fixed object.
• Running off the road to avoid other vehicles.

Most single-vehicle motorcycle crashes occur when riders run wide in a curve and collide with the roadway or fixed objects.

7. The best lane position for a motorcycle:

• Is in the left part of the lane, next to the center line.
• Is in the right part of the lane, next to the curb.
• ✓ Can vary depending on road and/or traffic conditions.

There is no single best lane position. Riders should adjust their lane position based on changing road, traffic, and weather conditions.

8. When riding at night you should:

• Move closer to the vehicle ahead to use its lights.
• Keep your normal speed to avoid being hit from behind.
• ✓ Reduce your speed because visibility is harder at night.

Visibility is reduced at night, so reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and use the headlights of cars ahead to help see the road.

9. The motorcycle engine cut-off switch should be used and the clutch squeezed when:

• ✓ The throttle is stuck and you can't free it.
• You start to lose control in a curve.
• The motorcycle starts to wobble.

If the throttle sticks and you cannot free it, use the engine cut-off switch and squeeze the clutch to stop the engine from driving the rear wheel.

10. Which class of driver license is required to operate a moped?

• Class M1
• ✓ Class M2
• Class C

A Class M2 license is required to operate a moped or motorized bicycle. A Class M1 license is required for a regular motorcycle.

11. Upshifting or downshifting in a curve:

• ✓ Should only be done if it can be done smoothly.
• Is better than shifting before the curve.
• Is the best way to control your speed.

It is best to change gears before entering a curve. If you must shift in a curve, do so very smoothly because sudden shifts can cause the rear wheel to skid.

12. To avoid confusing other drivers, you should:

• Increase the following distance between your motorcycle and the vehicle in front of you if you are being tailgated.
• ✓ Make sure your turn signal turns off after you finish a turn.
• Use your horn only in emergency situations.

Always check that your turn signal turns off after completing a turn. A signal left on can mislead other drivers about your intentions.

13. A major factor in motorcycle collisions is:

• Following too closely.
• Lane sharing.
• ✓ Not being seen by other drivers.

The most common cause of motorcycle crashes with other vehicles is that motorists fail to see the motorcycle. Make yourself visible with bright clothing and proper lane position.

14. If your motorcycle starts to wander while crossing metal bridge gratings, you should:

• Downshift immediately to a lower gear to improve traction.
• Proceed in a zig-zag pattern until you cross the bridge.
• ✓ Relax, stay on course and ride straight across.

Metal bridge gratings cause the motorcycle to wander. The safest response is to relax, maintain a steady speed, and ride straight across.

15. When carrying a load on a motorcycle, it should be:

• ✓ Either over or in front of the rear axle.
• Carried on the gas tank in front of the driver.
• Piled up against a sissy bar or frame on the back of the seat.

Loads should be kept low and either over or in front of the rear axle. Loads placed behind the rear axle can affect how the motorcycle turns and brakes.

16. Grabbing the front brake or jamming down on the rear brake can:

• ✓ Cause the brakes to lock.
• Be the best way to stop in an emergency.
• Be the best way to slow down when the streets are wet.

Grabbing the front brake or jamming the rear brake can cause the wheels to lock and result in a loss of control. Apply both brakes smoothly.

17. The best way to stay out of trouble while riding a motorcycle is:

• ✓ To see it coming by looking well ahead.
• By avoiding high density traffic areas.
• By increasing the following distance between your motorcycle and the vehicle in front of you.

Search well ahead of you to identify hazards early. The further ahead you look, the more time you have to react and avoid problems.

18. A motorcycle has the advantage over an automobile when passing parked vehicles because:

• A motorcycle can accelerate faster than a car.
• ✓ A motorcycle rider can avoid opening door problems by driving in the left part of the lane.
• Motorcycles have a shorter stopping distance.

Motorcycles can use the left portion of the lane when passing parked vehicles, which helps avoid being struck by suddenly opening doors.

19. Brightly colored, reflective helmets and clothing:

• Should only be worn while riding at night.
• ✓ Can make motorcycle riders easier to see.
• Do not increase a motorcycle rider's safety.

Bright, reflective clothing and helmets make motorcycle riders far more visible to other motorists during the day and at night.

20. To execute a turn safely, you should:

• ✓ Lean the motorcycle in the direction of the curve or turn.
• Slow down in the turn.
• Turn using the handle bars only.

To turn, the motorcycle must lean in the direction of the turn. Slow down before entering the turn, then lean and look through the turn to where you want to go.