Safe Driving Practices

Study questions with answers

12 sample Safe Driving Practices questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. What do the three letters in the MSF 'SEE' strategy stand for?

   Correct answer: Search, Evaluate, Execute

   SEE is a three-step process: Search, Evaluate, and Execute.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - SEE

2. 2. The manual describes a mindset of pretending you are invisible. Why is this useful?

   Correct answer: It keeps you hyper-aware and watching for trouble

   Assuming other drivers cannot see you keeps you hyper-aware and more likely to notice details in your surroundings.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity

3. 3. Convex (rounded) motorcycle mirrors give a wider view but have what drawback?

   Correct answer: They make cars seem farther away than they are

   Convex mirrors make vehicles appear farther away than they really are, so riders must allow extra distance.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Using Your Mirrors

4. 4. In the T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection, what does the letter T stand for?

   Correct answer: Tires and Wheels

   In the T-CLOCS checklist, T stands for Tires and Wheels.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Check Your Motorcycle (T-CLOCS)

5. 5. In slow, tight turns, how should a rider balance the motorcycle?

   Correct answer: Lean the motorcycle while keeping the body upright

   For slow, tight turns the rider counterbalances by leaning only the motorcycle while keeping the body upright.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Turning

6. 6. Before changing lanes, checking your mirrors alone is not enough. What else must you do?

   Correct answer: Turn your head to check the blind spots

   You must also turn your head to check the blind spots that mirrors do not cover before changing lanes.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Head Checks

7. 7. Keeping a motorcycle's headlight on during the day makes it how much more likely to be noticed?

   Correct answer: About twice as likely

   Studies cited in the manual show a motorcycle with its headlight on is roughly twice as likely to be noticed in daylight.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity: Headlight

8. 8. What should a rider do with the knees to help keep balance as the motorcycle turns?

   Correct answer: Press them against the gas tank

   Keeping the knees pressed against the gas tank helps the rider hold balance through turns.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Basic Vehicle Control: Body Position

9. 9. When should reflective, bright-colored riding gear be worn for best visibility?

   Correct answer: Both day and night

   Reflective clothing helps others see the rider both day and night, so it is recommended around the clock.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity

10. 10. How does the manual say a rider should look through a turn?

    Correct answer: Turn just your head and eyes toward where you want to go

    Look through the turn by rotating only your head and eyes toward your goal, keeping them level with the horizon instead of swinging your shoulders.

    Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Turning

11. 11. How should a rider hold the handgrips and position the arms for good control?

    Correct answer: Arms slightly bent with a firm grip and flat right wrist

    Sit far enough forward that the arms are slightly bent, and hold the grips firmly with the right wrist starting flat.

    Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Basic Vehicle Control: Body Position

12. 12. When two hazards appear at once, what does the manual suggest a rider do?

    Correct answer: Adjust speed to separate them, then handle one at a time

    Change your speed so the two hazards spread apart, then handle each one separately as it comes.

    Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - SEE: Execute