California Motorcycle: Being Seen & Visibility Practice Test

Question 1

What should you keep in mind about your motorcycle's horn?

Accepted Answer

It is quieter than a car's, so use it but never depend on it — A motorcycle horn does not carry the way a car's does. Press it long and hard in an emergency, but be ready to brake or swerve rather than trust it to clear your path.

Answer

It carries farther than the horn on a car

Answer

It should be saved for greeting other riders

Answer

Sounding it in an emergency is against the law

Question 2

When does the handbook recommend riding on your high beam?

Accepted Answer

In daylight as well as at night, whenever it is legal and safe — A high beam by day or after dark makes it likelier that oncoming drivers pick you out. Drop to the low beam in fog, and when you are following or meeting another vehicle at night.

Answer

Only between sunset and sunrise

Answer

Only in fog and heavy rain

Answer

Only when no other vehicle has its lights on

Question 3

Why keep an eye on your mirrors while you are stopped at an intersection?

Accepted Answer

A driver coming up behind you may not be paying attention — Traffic keeps closing on you while you sit still. Watching what comes up behind gives you a chance to move before an inattentive driver arrives on top of you.

Answer

The law demands a mirror check at every stop

Answer

It is the only way to confirm your brake light works

Answer

It helps you time the change of the traffic signal

Question 4

Why do drivers so often pull out in front of an oncoming motorcycle?

Accepted Answer

A narrow vehicle looks farther away and slower than it really is — A motorcycle's slim outline fools the eye: it reads as more distant and slower than it truly is, so a driver pulls out believing there is time that does not exist.

Answer

Motorcycles are required by law to yield in every case

Answer

Drivers hear a motorcycle long before they can see it

Answer

Motorcycles normally travel below the posted limit

Question 5

How far ahead of a turn should your turn signal be on?

Accepted Answer

Through the final 100 feet before you reach the turn — Signal through the last 100 feet leading up to the turn. A lane change at highway speed deserves even more warning, roughly five seconds before you move over.

Answer

Through the final 25 feet before the turn

Answer

For exactly one full city block

Answer

Only once you have begun to slow down

Question 6

How can a rider be more easily seen by other drivers during the day?

Accepted Answer

Keep the headlight on and choose a lane position where drivers can see you — Keep your headlight on and choose a lane position where drivers can see you. Being conspicuous helps prevent the common crash where a driver 'did not see' the motorcycle.

Answer

Turn the headlight off to save the battery

Answer

Ride close behind larger vehicles

Answer

Wear dark clothing to reduce glare

Question 7

What should a rider understand about rounded (convex) mirrors?

Accepted Answer

They widen the view behind but make vehicles look farther off than they are — Convex mirrors take in more of the road behind, at the cost of making traffic look more distant than it is. Practice judging distance in them and leave extra room before changing lanes.

Answer

They narrow the view and make vehicles look closer

Answer

They show exactly the same image a flat mirror does

Answer

They do away with the need for a head check

Question 8

What color and type of clothing best help a motorcyclist be seen by other drivers?

Accepted Answer

Bright colors with reflective material — Bright colors with reflective material make you far more visible day and night. Being seen is one of the best ways to avoid a crash.

Answer

Dark colors that blend with the road

Answer

Whatever is most comfortable, since color does not matter

Answer

Only solid black at all times

Question 9

How should you change your riding at night?

Accepted Answer

Slow down, add following distance, and do not outride your headlight — Slow down, increase your following distance, and use your high beam when it is legal and there is no oncoming traffic. Do not 'overdrive' your headlight — keep a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see.

Answer

Keep the same speed you would use in daylight

Answer

Follow closer so you can see the car ahead better

Answer

Turn your headlight off to see the road more clearly

Question 10

Bright sunlight is washing out your turn signal lights. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Add a hand signal so drivers can read your intention — When glare makes the signal lamps hard to pick out, add a hand signal. Signals are how you tell traffic what you are about to do, and they make you easier to see as well.

Answer

Ride with the hazard lights flashing instead

Answer

Skip signaling until the sun sits lower

Answer

Depend on your brake light alone

California Motorcycle: Being Seen & Visibility practice test

Study questions with answers

1. What should you keep in mind about your motorcycle's horn?

2. When does the handbook recommend riding on your high beam?

3. Why keep an eye on your mirrors while you are stopped at an intersection?

4. Why do drivers so often pull out in front of an oncoming motorcycle?

5. How far ahead of a turn should your turn signal be on?

6. How can a rider be more easily seen by other drivers during the day?

7. What should a rider understand about rounded (convex) mirrors?

8. What color and type of clothing best help a motorcyclist be seen by other drivers?

9. How should you change your riding at night?

10. Bright sunlight is washing out your turn signal lights. What should you do?

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