Hazards & Road Surfaces

Study questions with answers

7 sample Hazards & Road Surfaces questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. What is the safest way to ride over an object you cannot avoid in your path?

   Correct answer: Approach it as straight-on as possible, slow down, and rise slightly off the seat

   Approach the object as straight-on as possible, slow down, and rise slightly off the seat with your weight on the footpegs. This lets your arms and legs absorb the shock and keeps you balanced.

   Source: California Motorcycle Handbook — Crossing Obstacles

2. 2. How should you cross railroad or trolley tracks that run in the same direction as your path?

   Correct answer: Move over and cross them at an angle of at least 45 degrees

   Move far enough across your lane to cross the tracks at an angle of at least 45 degrees. Edging over them at a shallow angle can catch your tire and cause a fall, and wet metal is especially slippery.

   Source: California Motorcycle Handbook — Crossing Tracks

3. 3. When you must ride across a metal bridge grating or steel plates, you should:

   Correct answer: Slow first, then cross straight at a steady speed without braking

   These surfaces can feel slippery and make the bike wander. Slow down before you reach them, then keep a steady speed and ride straight across without braking or turning while on them.

   Source: California Motorcycle Handbook — Slippery Surfaces: Metal Grates

4. 4. When is a paved road usually most slippery during rain?

   Correct answer: Right after the rain first starts

   The road is often most slippery when rain first begins, before the water washes oil and dirt off the surface. Slow down, avoid sudden moves, and ride in the tire tracks left by cars.

   Source: California Motorcycle Handbook — Wet Surfaces

5. 5. In the SEE riding strategy, what do the letters stand for?

   Correct answer: Search, Evaluate, Execute

   SEE stands for Search, Evaluate, and Execute. It is a step-by-step way to spot hazards early and act in time to stay safe.

   Source: California Motorcycle Handbook — Improving Your Riding Strategy: SEE

6. 6. If a tire suddenly goes flat while you are riding at speed, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Hold the grips firmly, ease off the throttle, and steer straight as you slow

   Hold the handgrips firmly, ease off the throttle, and keep the motorcycle straight as you slow down. Braking hard or steering sharply on a flat can make you lose control.

   Source: California Motorcycle Handbook — Handling a Flat Tire

7. 7. In the SEE strategy, what does the 'Execute' step tell you to do?

   Correct answer: Adjust speed, change position, or communicate to avoid the hazard

   To Execute, carry out your decision by adjusting your speed, changing lane position, or communicating with others to make space and avoid the hazard. When traction is limited, do one thing at a time.

   Source: California Motorcycle Handbook — SEE: Execute