Braking Techniques Practice Questions
9 free sample motorcycle questions about braking techniques, with the correct answer, a full explanation, and a source reference for each. Want to test yourself instead of just reading the answers? Find your state's free practice test.
1. What is 'threshold braking'?
Threshold braking means applying the maximum brake pressure possible just short of locking the wheel, achieving the shortest stopping distance without a skid.
Source: National: NHTSA/MSF motorcycle safety guidance
2. What should a rider do if the rear wheel locks up during braking?
If the rear wheel locks, a rider generally should release the rear brake to regain traction; if the motorcycle is still tracking straight, keeping it locked until stopped may also be an option in some situations, but releasing is the standard first response.
Source: National: NHTSA/MSF motorcycle safety guidance
3. What is a 'swerve' as an emergency riding maneuver?
A swerve is a quick change of direction used to avoid a hazard, generally performed separately from heavy braking since combining the two increases the risk of a skid or loss of control.
Source: National: NHTSA/MSF motorcycle safety guidance
4. What factors combine to determine a motorcycle’s total stopping distance?
Total stopping distance combines the time to perceive a hazard, the time to react, and the distance needed to actually brake to a stop.
Source: National: MSF/AAMVA motorcycle safety guidance
5. Why should a rider be especially cautious braking while in a curve?
A leaned motorcycle has less traction margin to spare, so braking hard in that state raises the risk of losing traction and skidding.
Source: National: MSF/AAMVA motorcycle safety guidance
6. What is a linked or combined braking system on some motorcycles?
Linked brakes apply some proportion of the other brake automatically, helping balance braking force between the front and rear wheels.
Source: National: MSF/AAMVA motorcycle safety guidance
7. Why should a rider adjust braking technique on a wet road?
Wet pavement offers less traction, so gradual, progressive braking helps avoid triggering a skid that abrupt braking could cause.
Source: National: MSF/AAMVA motorcycle safety guidance
8. Why is squeezing the front brake lever progressively, rather than grabbing it suddenly, recommended?
A sudden, hard squeeze on the front brake can lock the front wheel and cause a loss of balance, while a progressive squeeze applies maximum braking safely.
Source: National: MSF/AAMVA motorcycle safety guidance
9. Why is the front brake responsible for most of a motorcycle’s stopping power during an upright, straight-line stop?
As a motorcycle brakes, weight transfers forward onto the front tire, increasing its traction and its share of the vehicle’s total stopping power.
Source: National: MSF/AAMVA motorcycle safety guidance