DMV

Road Hazards Practice Questions

9 free sample motorcycle questions about road hazards, 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.

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1. How should a rider cross railroad tracks that run at an angle to the road?

AAdjust position to cross as close to a right angle to the tracks as possible
BCross at the same angle as the road without adjusting position
CSlow to a complete stop directly on top of the tracks before crossing
DAngle has little real effect on how safely the tracks can be crossed
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2. How should a rider handle an uneven road surface or a pothole that can’t be avoided?

AAccelerate to clear the uneven surface as quickly as possible
BSlow down, rise slightly off the seat, and let the legs absorb some of the impact
CStay fully seated and let the suspension handle it entirely
DBrake hard immediately right before reaching the uneven surface itself
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3. What should a rider do when encountering debris or an object in the road?

AAlways ride directly over small objects without slowing down
BSwerve suddenly at the last moment to avoid any object seen
CIdentify a safe path around it well in advance, without swerving suddenly
DDebris in the road is only a concern for objects larger than a tire
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4. Why should a rider be cautious of oil or gravel found on a curve?

AOil and gravel really only matter on straight sections of road
BLoose surfaces have little real effect on a motorcycle’s traction
CThis concern only applies to gravel roads generally, not curves
DLoose surfaces can significantly reduce available traction while leaned over
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5. Why should a rider slow down and cross grooved pavement or metal bridge grating carefully?

AThese surfaces can make the motorcycle feel unstable or wander unexpectedly
BGrooved pavement generally improves a motorcycle’s available traction
CThese surfaces have little real effect on handling at all normally
DThis concern really only applies to motorcycles with badly worn tires
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6. Why should a rider watch for animals that might cross the road, especially in rural areas?

AAnimals rarely enter roadways in any area at all
BAn animal in the road can appear suddenly and require an emergency response
CThis concern really only applies to riders traveling at night
DAnimals crossing the road pose no additional risk to a motorcycle specifically
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7. Why are motorcyclists especially affected by wind gusts, such as those from a passing truck?

AWind gusts affect motorcycles and cars in essentially the exact same way
BWind gusts really only concern very tall or heavy motorcycles
CA motorcycle’s lighter weight makes it more easily pushed off its path by sudden wind
DPassing trucks have little real effect on nearby motorcyclists
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8. What should a rider do if the motorcycle begins to wobble or shimmy at speed?

AAccelerate in an attempt to ride through the wobble more quickly instead
BBrake hard immediately in an attempt to stop the wobble
CLet go of the handlebars until the wobble stops on its own
DEase off the throttle gradually and grip the handlebars firmly without overcorrecting
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9. Why should a rider reduce speed when approaching a work zone or an uneven pavement transition?

ASudden surface changes can be harder for a motorcycle to absorb than for a car
BSurface transitions affect motorcycles and cars in essentially the same way
CReducing speed in a work zone only matters if workers are visible
DWork zones pose no particular additional risk to a rider specifically