Signals & Pavement Markings

Study questions with answers

12 sample Signals & Pavement Markings questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. Turn signals matter even more on a motorcycle than on a car because:

   Correct answer: A rider is more vulnerable and needs to be seen

   A rider's added vulnerability makes clearly signaling intentions, and being noticed, even more important.

   Source: Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity (Signals)

2. 2. You should use your turn signals:

   Correct answer: Any time you plan to change lanes or turn

   Use your signals whenever you plan to change lanes or turn, even when you believe no one else is around.

   Source: Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity (Signals)

3. 3. Because motorcycles have blind spots, before changing lanes you should:

   Correct answer: Turn your head to check the side

   Mirrors alone are not enough; turn your head to check the side for vehicles before you change lanes.

   Source: Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity (Head Checks)

4. 4. To warn drivers behind you that you are about to slow, you can:

   Correct answer: Flash your brake light

   Flashing the brake light before slowing helps others notice you, especially where they might not expect you to slow.

   Source: Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity (Brake Light)

5. 5. At night and in fog, you should use your:

   Correct answer: Low beam

   Use the low beam at night and in fog to cut glare and improve how well you can see the road.

   Source: Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity (Headlight)

6. 6. Flashing your brake light matters most just before you:

   Correct answer: Slow more suddenly than others expect

   Flash the brake light before slowing more suddenly than others expect, or where a driver may not anticipate it.

   Source: Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity (Brake Light)

7. 7. Compared with a car's horn, a motorcycle's horn is:

   Correct answer: Not as loud, so you should not rely on it alone

   A motorcycle horn is not as loud as a car's, so use it but do not depend on it by itself.

   Source: Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity (Horn)

8. 8. The rounded (convex) mirrors found on most motorcycles:

   Correct answer: Make cars look farther away than they really are

   Convex mirrors give a wider view of the road behind but make following cars appear farther away than they really are.

   Source: Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity (Using Your Mirrors)

9. 9. A quick tap on the horn is a smart idea:

   Correct answer: Before passing someone who might move into your lane

   A brief horn tap before passing anyone who could drift into your lane helps get their attention.

   Source: Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity (Horn)

10. 10. You should clean and adjust your mirrors:

    Correct answer: Before you start riding

    Adjust the mirrors before you start out, since doing it one-handed while riding is difficult and unsafe.

    Source: Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual - Preparing to Ride (T-CLOCS)

11. 11. After you complete a turn, you should:

    Correct answer: Make sure your turn signal is off

    Cancel the signal after turning; otherwise a driver may think you plan to turn again and pull into your path.

    Source: Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity (Signals)

12. 12. Signaling before you enter a freeway is helpful because:

    Correct answer: Drivers behind are more likely to see it and make room

    A blinking signal makes drivers approaching from behind more likely to notice you and open room as you merge.

    Source: Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity (Signals)