California Motorcycle Safety Program Test 156 Questions with Verified Answers
Give five reasons why motorcycling is more risky than driving a car. -
... [Show More] CORRECT ANSWER 1. More vulnerable
2. Maneuvers are more dangerous
3. Have to balance.
4. Skids and spins
5. Exposed to wind and rain
What does it mean to "accept your responsibility"? - CORRECT ANSWER Choose to ride within your limits every single time
What five items make up Rider Readiness? - CORRECT ANSWER 1. Mentally readiness (focused unimpaired distraction free)
2. Physical Readiness (rested, healthy, free of stress/impairements)
3. Proper riding gear
4. Understanding your abilities and limitations
5. Knowledge of the riding conditions (road and weather etc.)
6. Motorcycle in good condition and awareness of your motorcycles capabilities and limitations
What are the three benefits of wearing apparel specifically designed for motorcycling? - CORRECT ANSWER Improves
-Comfort
-Concentration
-Safety
What is the difference between retro-reflective and reflective? - CORRECT ANSWER -Retro reflective reflects the light back to the source.
-Reflective can reflect in any direction.
Why aren't ordinary glasses or sunglasses sufficient eye protection? - CORRECT ANSWER -Not impact resistant (not shatter proof)
-Not secured
What three items should you consider when shopping for riding gear? - CORRECT ANSWER Increases:
-Comfort
-Protection
-Visibility
Where do you find the recommended maintenance schedule for your
motorcycle? - CORRECT ANSWER Motorcycle Owners Manual (MOM)
What are the five primary controls and where is each located? - CORRECT ANSWER -Throttle
-Clutch lever
-Gearshift lever
-Front brake lever
-Rear brake pedal
What is the purpose of the engine cut-off switch and where is it located? - CORRECT ANSWER -Shuts off engine.
-Right handgrip.
What must you remember when using your motorcycle turn signal? - CORRECT ANSWER -Does not self cancel
What is ONE-C? - CORRECT ANSWER It's how you start your motorcycle:
-O - ignition/fuel turn ON
-N - Neutral
-E - Engine cut-off switch to on
-C - Clutch pull in and press starter button
How do you use the friction zone? - CORRECT ANSWER Uses minor clutch slipping to ease power to wheels - SMOOTHLY let the clutch out until you feel power start to deliver to the rear wheels and ease on the gas as you smoothly let the clutch slip out the rest of the way
Describe three components of good riding posture. - CORRECT ANSWER -Sitting up
-Relaxed
-Neutral
What are the four steps to turning? - CORRECT ANSWER 1) Speed, Position, Aim, Steer (Course)
2) Slow, look, press, roll (DMV)
Why is the "aim" step important? - CORRECT ANSWER Because your likely to ride where you look and aim.
What does lifting or pressing on the shift lever accomplish? - CORRECT ANSWER Change gears
Which brake provides more stopping power? How much does it provide? - CORRECT ANSWER Front, 70%
How should you release the clutch when downshifting? - CORRECT ANSWER Slowly - SMOOTHLY
What five items can you improve your visibility to other traffic? - CORRECT ANSWER -Wearing bright colored gear.
-Wear reflectivity.
-Drive with headlights on.
-Flash break lights when stopped
-Signal well in advance
What is the 20-second visual lead? - CORRECT ANSWER Look ahead to scan your path for potential dangers ahead - situational awareness
What two words best describe scanning? - CORRECT ANSWER -Aggressive
-Purposeful
What is the recommended minimum following distance? - CORRECT ANSWER -Two seconds
What four items should you consider when choosing a lane position? - CORRECT ANSWER -Visibility
-Line-of-sight
-Space cushion
-Escape route
What is S.I.P.D.E? - CORRECT ANSWER S-Scan ahead
I-Identify vehicles, people, hazards
P-Predict hazard will do
D-Decide what you are going to do
E-Execute plan
How does S.I.P.D.E help make you an expert rider? - CORRECT ANSWER By learning to anticipate and act on hazards
Where do most multi-vehicle collisions occur? - CORRECT ANSWER Intersections
What is a head check? - CORRECT ANSWER Looking over shoulder prior to changing lanes or turning
What can you do to reduce reaction time in hazardous situations? - CORRECT ANSWER Use SIPDE
How do you know if you are overriding your headlight? - CORRECT ANSWER Unable to see and react to hazards past your headlight field
What are the leading causes of single-vehicle crashes? - CORRECT ANSWER Failure to negotiate turns.
At what point should you turn toward the apex? - CORRECT ANSWER After you've entered the outside of the turn.
How do you link turns smoothly? - CORRECT ANSWER -Use a late apex line.
-Start outside, aim towards apex as soon as you see exit of turn, then towards outside for next turn.
When should you turn your head for cornering? - CORRECT ANSWER As soon as you can see your target.
How is the front brake applied to stop quickly in a straight line? - CORRECT ANSWER Smooth, firm and with increasing pressure.
How is the rear brake applied to stop quickly in a straight line? - CORRECT ANSWER Light to lighter pressure.
What two methods are the quickest way to stop in a curve?
(2) - CORRECT ANSWER -Straighten, then brake.
-Braking in a lean.
When braking in a lean, what is important to remember? - CORRECT ANSWER The more friction used in the lean, the less traction available for braking.
What should you always avoid while swerving? - CORRECT ANSWER Braking
Where should you look when crossing obstacles? - CORRECT ANSWER Ahead, forecast your path of travel.
What approach angle is recommended when crossing obstacles? - CORRECT ANSWER 90 degrees
What indicates a potential change in roadway traction? - CORRECT ANSWER Shiny surfaces.
How should you ride across low-traction surfaces? - CORRECT ANSWER -Slow down
-Decrease lean angle.
What should you do if you come upon deer alongside the roadway? - CORRECT ANSWER -Slow down
-Anticipate more
What should you do if you suspect your sidestand will sink into the parking surface? - CORRECT ANSWER Place flat object underneath kickstand.
How do daily events affect Rider Readiness? - CORRECT ANSWER Decrease your ability to concentrate.
What are three examples of impairment? - CORRECT ANSWER -Alcohol
-Medications
-Fatigue
What percentage of rider fatalities are alcohol related? - CORRECT ANSWER 52%
How does riding under the influence affect the SIPDE process? - CORRECT ANSWER -Decreases your ability to concentrate and reason.
What are three ways of intervening to prevent a friend from driving under the influence? - CORRECT ANSWER -Stop serving
-Time and food
-Take the keys
When should you consider carrying a passenger? - CORRECT ANSWER After much experience driving solo.
How should the passenger be dressed? - CORRECT ANSWER Same as rider, full safety gear.
What instructions do you give to your passenger and when? - CORRECT ANSWER -Before first ride
-Notify when you mount or dismount.
-Hold on to waist.
-Look over shoulder in direction of turn.
-No sudden weight shifts.
Where do you find the maximum load capacity for your motorcycle? - CORRECT ANSWER -Motorcycle owners manual.
What two items should you adjust if you are carrying loads? - CORRECT ANSWER -Tire pressure
-Suspension
Where should you carry heavier items? - CORRECT ANSWER -Low
-Ahead of rear axle
How do you calculate the following distance in a staggered formation? - CORRECT ANSWER Two seconds off the leaders rear tire.
What four conditions when group riding should you move to single file? - CORRECT ANSWER -Passing
-Entering, exiting
-Approaching corners
-Limited visibility
What is the maximum recommended number of riders in a group? - CORRECT ANSWER Five
Where in the formation should the least experienced rider be? - CORRECT ANSWER Right behind leader
What is a primary cause of tire failure? - CORRECT ANSWER Under inflated tires
Where do you find information about proper tire pressure? - CORRECT ANSWER Motorcycle owners manual
How can you shift without using the clutch? - CORRECT ANSWER Match road speed with RPPM
If you experience a wobble, what three things should you do? - CORRECT ANSWER -Look ahead
-Hold handlebars firmly
-Ease off throttle
What are some ways that long-distance riding can lead to riding impaired? - CORRECT ANSWER -Weather and long hours can cause fatigue
How can you be prepared for long-distance riding?
(3) - CORRECT ANSWER -Rest frequently
-Mechanically sound bike
-Plan
How does cold/hypothermia impair you? - CORRECT ANSWER Decreases alertness and ability to analyze
How does heat/dehydration impair you? - CORRECT ANSWER Decreases alertness and ability to analyze
How can you stay cool, hydrated and protected? - CORRECT ANSWER Cooling vest or wet shirt with vents open.
How soon and how far to signal before a turn? - CORRECT ANSWER Five seconds or 100 feet.
If you have not triggered a light sensor, when can you proceed? - CORRECT ANSWER After two light cycles
What is the minimum vehicle insurance coverage in California? - CORRECT ANSWER • $15,000 for injury or death of one person;
• $30,000 for injury or death of two or more people; and
• $5,000 for property damage.
What do the double double yellow lines mean? - CORRECT ANSWER Barrier, no driving.
What is the difference between a Class M1 and M2 endorsement? - CORRECT ANSWER Class M1—You may operate any two-wheel motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or motorized scooter and all vehicles listed under
Class M2—You may operate any motorized bicycle, moped or a bicycle with an attached motor or motorized scooter.
What is the maximum speed when towing? - CORRECT ANSWER 55 miles per hour
Are motorcycles allowed to be in the carpool/HOV lanes? - CORRECT ANSWER Yes
Lane splitting should be done in what lane numbers? - CORRECT ANSWER Between the number one lane and number two lane.
What are the 5 locations where the electronic toll transponder can be placed? - CORRECT ANSWER 1) Pocket.
2) Tank bag.
3) License plate device.
4) Other storage compartment.
5) On the windshield.
You cannot park within how many feet of a fire hydrant? - CORRECT ANSWER 15 ft.
When two vehicles arrive at an intersection, who has the right of way? - CORRECT ANSWER The vehicle on the right.
Stop vehicle within go many feet of a crosswalk? - CORRECT ANSWER Five
White Parking Zone - CORRECT ANSWER Passengers or mail
Green parking zone - CORRECT ANSWER Temporary parking
Yellow parking zone - CORRECT ANSWER Passengers or freight.
When being passed, what section of the lane should you drive in? - CORRECT ANSWER Center.
Which vehicle has the right of way, uphill traveling vehicle or downhill traveling vehicle? - CORRECT ANSWER Uphill traveling vehicle has the right of way.
Penalty for evading police pursuit? - CORRECT ANSWER One year or less in jail.
D.U.I. blood alcohol for adults and minors? - CORRECT ANSWER Adult: .08%
Minors under 21 years old: .01%
How loud can exhaust be in California? - CORRECT ANSWER 88 decibles
When changing lanes, what should you do? (ACRONYM) - CORRECT ANSWER SMOG-C
Signal
Mirror
Over the shoulder
Go
Cancel Signal
What is the max speed of most highways? - CORRECT ANSWER 65 mph
Can you legally always drive the speed limit? - CORRECT ANSWER No, the law says NEVER faster than is safe for conditions
Where can you legally mount phones/com devices? - CORRECT ANSWER In a car, anywhere but the middle -> on a motorcycle, as long as it's not blocking the instrument cluster/panel!
How much money does damage from accidents/injury need to exceed to require a report? When that happens who do you report it to? How many days do you have to report it? - CORRECT ANSWER When accident damage exceeds $1k you need to report it to the DMV within 10 days
What kind of tests are permitted during DUI stops for hemophiliacs or persons taking anticoagulants? - CORRECT ANSWER Chemical Urine tests
What are the different kinds of DUI test you can get when being stopped? - CORRECT ANSWER Field sobriety test, chemical urine test, blood test, breathalyzer, remember ALL OF THE ABOVE
What's the speed limit when driving near a school or where children are crossing the street? - CORRECT ANSWER 25 mph
Children under what age may not be left unattended in a vehicle? - CORRECT ANSWER 6 years of age
How many times more dangerous is driving a motorcycle than a car? - CORRECT ANSWER 38 times more dangerous
What percentage of motorcycle accidents result in injury? - CORRECT ANSWER 80% of motorcycle accidents result in injury
What functions of the brain does fear interrupt? - CORRECT ANSWER Frontal lobes - logic, planning, judgement, skill, fight or flight takes over and you lose good judgement abilities
How do we manage fear? - CORRECT ANSWER Accept whatever is happening is what is normal and should be happening. We manage fear through knowledge and skill, and practice (muscle memory)
How do you know what type of bike to choose? - CORRECT ANSWER Choose a bike for your style of riding and goals. Get a bike that you are able to move around, balance, and hopefully not drop. (probably a lighter bike to start). Able to reach and operate controls. Your feet can touch the ground. Adjust Handlebars, brakes, gearshift lever, clutch lever if it's possible on your bike for a more ideal fit
What are 6 qualities of good riding gear? - CORRECT ANSWER 1) Protects against injury, wind, flying debris, dirt, rocks, etc.
2) Improve concentration and safety
3) Improves comfort for all riding conditions
4) Reflective for night riding (retro-reflective ideally)
5) Abrasion-resistant materials
6) Protective armor (pants and jacket)
What are 5 main benefits of wearing a helmet? - CORRECT ANSWER 1) Protect your head and brain against injury
2) Protects hearing and vision
3) Reduces exposure to weather and debris
4) Increase visibility with bright colors/reflective
5) Does not limit peripheral vision
What are the 3 helmet standards worldwide for safety? List them in order of increasing safety - CORRECT ANSWER 1) DOT - Department of Transportation
2) Snell Memorial Foundation
3) (ECE) - U.N. Economic Commission for Europe
What are the 4 types/styles of helmets? List them in decreasing order of safety (safest first) - CORRECT ANSWER 1) Full face helmets
2) Modular Helmets
3) Three-quarter shell helmet
4) Half-Shell Helmet
In an accident, what area of the helmet is the most likely to be impacted? - CORRECT ANSWER The chin
How do helmets work? What roll does the outer and inner shell play during an accident? - CORRECT ANSWER Outer shell resists penetration and distributes energy of the impact
Inner shell absorbs energy during impact
If you drop or compress the inner liner of your helmet, how many more times can you use it? - CORRECT ANSWER Zero times, get a new helmet
What two compounds should you not expose your helmet to? - CORRECT ANSWER Petroleum products or aerosols. If you are at the gas station leave your helmet on - don't expose it to the vapors of gas
What's the benefit of wearing earplugs while riding? - CORRECT ANSWER blocks wind noise which improves your comfort and concentration. Won't impair your ability to hear traffic
What are the three benefits of a face shield and goggles - CORRECT ANSWER 1. Impact and penetration resistant
2. Protects against exposure
3. Provides comfort and improves vision
What are 4 benefits of wearing gloves? - CORRECT ANSWER 1. Protect hands from elements
2. Reduces vibration
3. Protects against abrasion and other injury in a crash
4. Improves grip
What's the benefit of wearing motorcycle boots? What do they protect your ankles and feet from? - CORRECT ANSWER Protect ankles and feet from:
1. Elements
2. Hot and sharp parts
3. Injury in a crash
Rubber soles and low heels improve your grip and control
Rider wearing any over the ankle boot were what percentage less likely to have an injury to their feet or ankles? - CORRECT ANSWER 53%
What's the protective benefit of motorcycle jackets, pants and boots? - CORRECT ANSWER 1) Reduce exposure to wind, weather and debris
2) Improves visibility of you to other drivers
3) Vented and weather tight for temperature control
a) Warmer in the cold weather
b) Cooler in the hot weather
4) Improves concentration
5) Reduces injury and abrasian
High quality armor can reduce impact energy by as much as? - CORRECT ANSWER 70%
Rider's wearing body armor were what percentage LESS likely to have open wound injuries during an accident? - CORRECT ANSWER 73%
What three (3) weather dependent ailments can proper equipment help manage/prevent? - CORRECT ANSWER 1) Dehydration
2) Heat injuries
3) Hypothermia
How can you dress to increase visiblity? - CORRECT ANSWER Retro-reflective material (NOT reflective)
Bright colors!
What does a pre-ride check include? - CORRECT ANSWER 1. Tires
2. Check controls
3. Electrics (indicator lights, headlight, brakes etc.)
4. Fluids (Everything up to the fill line and doesn't look like muck)
5. Drive chain (check that the chain or drive is in good repair
On a tire you will find an oval with 4 digits. What do the digits mean exactly? - CORRECT ANSWER They define the expiration date. The first two digits is the week, and the 2nd two digits represent the year the tire was manufactured in
What's the maximum tire lifetime regardless of miles driven? - CORRECT ANSWER sportbike tires is 2 years, sport touring 3 years, tour, standard and cruiser is 4 years
What are the 6 main primary controls on a motorcycle? - CORRECT ANSWER 1) Throttle
2) Clutch lever
3) Gearshift lever
4) Front brake lever
5) Rear brake pedal
6) Handlebars
Where is the engine cutoff switch? - CORRECT ANSWER Right handlebar
When coming to a stop to park your motorcycle, what's the first thing you should do? What's the second thing? - CORRECT ANSWER First - Hit your engine kill switch with your right thumb
Second - turn off your ignition
Where is the fuel supply valve located? - CORRECT ANSWER left side of motorcycle
Where is the choke located? - CORRECT ANSWER left side of motorcycle
What 3 controls are on the left handlebar of your motorcycle? - CORRECT ANSWER 1. High Beam/Low Beam
2. Turn Signal
3. Horn
Where is your engine start button? How long do you need to hold it down? - CORRECT ANSWER Right side of handlebar, hold it until you hear the engine has started
What are the 6 steps for mounting your motorcycle? - CORRECT ANSWER 1. Approach from the left side only
2. Grip the handlebars and squeeze front brake
3. Mount the motorcycle from the left side
4. Sit and straighten the motorcycle
5. Raise sidestand
6. Adjust mirrors
What are the 5 steps for dismounting your motorcycle (after killing your engine and turning off your ignition)? - CORRECT ANSWER 1. Sidestand down
2. Lean bike onto sidestand
3. Squeeze front brake
4. Dismount
5. Turn handlebards towards sidestand
What method do you use to start your motorcycle? (think acronym) - CORRECT ANSWER ONE-C
-O - ignition/fuel turn ON
-N - Neutral
-E - Engine cut-off switch to on
-C - Clutch pull in and press starter button
What are the three steps to stopping any engine? - CORRECT ANSWER 1. Engine cut-off switch
2. Ignition off
3. Fuel suppy valve to off (if not fuel injected)
What is the friction zone? - CORRECT ANSWER Area of the clutch travel where the power is first transmitted from the engine to the rear wheel
What comprises a good riding position? - CORRECT ANSWER 1. Head and eyes up and forward
2. Shoulders relaxed
3. Arms slightly bent
4. Left hand covering clutch
5. Right wrist low
6. Knees against tank (squeezing it)
7. Rest the balls of your feet on the footpegs
What's the basic upshift procedure? - CORRECT ANSWER Roll - Squeeze - Lift - Ease - Roll
1. Roll off the throttle
2. Squeeze in the clutch
3. Lift up on gear shift lever
4. Ease out the clutch smoothly
5. Roll back on the throttle
What's the basic downshift procedure? - CORRECT ANSWER Roll-squeeze-press-ease
1. Roll off throttle
2. Squeeze in clutch
3. Down on gear shift lever
4. Ease out clutch
If you need to stop your motorcycle (stoplight, intersection etc.), what's the basic procedure? - CORRECT ANSWER 1. Keep eyes up and ahead
2. Roll off throttle
3. Squeeze clutch
4. Apply both front and rear brakes
5. Downshift to first
6. Left foot down first
Front brakes produce what percentage of your stopping power? - CORRECT ANSWER 70%
What acronym do we use for turning and describe it's use? - CORRECT ANSWER SPAT
1. Speed
-Accelerate, decelerate, maintenance throttle
-Do not squeeze clutch or use brakes in turn,
2. Position
-Body, lane, traffic, group
-Lean your shoulders into the turn
-Traffic - adjust for traffic
-Group - adjust for the group
3. Aim
-Look, Plan, Connect the Dots
-Look as far as you can into the turn and stay, plan your path
4. Turn
-Steering, leaning
-Steer with handlebars and lean
-Push in the direction you want to go
What is counterbalancing and when should you use it? - CORRECT ANSWER Counterbalance - lean away when going slower
What is countersteering and when should you use it? - CORRECT ANSWER Countersteering - lean in when going faster
Crash research shows that motorcyclist who get into crashes fail to do what 5 things? - CORRECT ANSWER Riders fail to:
1. Actively Scan for hazards
2. Command attention
3. Communicate presence and intentions
4. Detect motorists
5. Anticipate right-of-way violations
What are 5 ways you can command and communicate your presence on the road as a motorcyclist? - CORRECT ANSWER 1. Bright and Reflective Clothing
2. Headlights
3. Signals
4. Brake light (flash before stopping if appropriate)
5. Horn
What two adjectives would describe HOW WE SCAN/SEARCH? - CORRECT ANSWER Aggressive and Purposeful
What is target fixation and how do we avoid it? - CORRECT ANSWER Intense focus on an object causes awareness of other objects to diminish. We tend to move towards what we are trying to avoid.
Avoid by:
Keep your head on a swivel and keep your focus on your objective, not what you're trying to avoid
Situations with a 10 second path of travel require what? - CORRECT ANSWER Immediate response. AGGRESSIVELY scan for situations 10 seconds ahead of you.
What are the 5 factors that determine a good lane position? - CORRECT ANSWER Pick a lane that allows you to:
1. See and be seen
2. Maintain a space cushion
3. Maintain an escape route
4. Protect your lane (don't let cars come into your lane
5. Avoid surface hazards (debris, potholes etc.)
What is an expert motorcyclist? - CORRECT ANSWER A rider who uses expert judgement to avoid using expert skills
What is SMOG-C used for? What is it? - CORRECT ANSWER Used for changing lanes:
Signal
Mirror
Over the shoulder
Go
Cancel Signal
If someone is tailgating you, what should you do? - CORRECT ANSWER Increase your space cushion by applying your brakes. Plan b: move to the side to let them pass
What's a leading cause of motorcycle accidents at intersections? What should you watch out for the most? - CORRECT ANSWER A car that does not see you, making a left into your path regardless of whether you have the right of way. Most common is drivers not seeing you to their left and making a left into you (same direction) but also very common left turn from opposite direction.
What should you check before making a stop? - CORRECT ANSWER Your rear view mirror for oncoming hazards from behind
What's so dangerous about U-turns? What can you do about other drivers making u-turns? - CORRECT ANSWER Other cars often don't see motorcyclists and make sudden U-turns cutting off your path of travel. Slow down and try to get their attention - be ready to act [Show Less]