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. A good moment to give a quick beep of the horn is:

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

   Give a quick beep before passing anyone you think might move into your lane so you have their attention.

   Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 4.3, Horns

2. 2. A brightly colored or reflective helmet:

   Correct answer: Helps others see you, in addition to protecting you in a crash

   Beyond crash protection, a bright or reflective helmet helps other road users spot you.

   Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 4, Clothing

3. 3. The single best way to help other drivers notice your motorcycle is to:

   Correct answer: Keep the headlight on at all times

   Keeping the headlight on at all times is the best way to help others on the road see your motorcycle.

   Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 4, Headlight

4. 4. The handbook advises you to use your signals:

   Correct answer: Even when you think no one else is around

   Use your signals even when you think no one is around or when your intended move seems obvious.

   Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 4, Signals

5. 5. Using your high beam during the daytime:

   Correct answer: Makes you more likely to be seen by oncoming drivers

   A high beam in daylight increases the chance that oncoming drivers will see your motorcycle.

   Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 4, Headlight

6. 6. Painted lane lines, steel plates, and manhole covers are hazardous mainly because they are:

   Correct answer: Slippery, especially when wet

   These smooth surfaces offer poor traction and become slippery, especially when they are wet.

   Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 8.1, Slippery Surfaces

7. 7. During the pre-ride check, after switching on both turn signals you should confirm that:

   Correct answer: All four signal lights flash

   With both turn signals on, verify that all four signal lights flash correctly.

   Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 2.2, Check the Motorcycle (Turn Signals)

8. 8. After finishing a lane change or a turn, a rider should:

   Correct answer: Confirm the turn signal has switched off

   Once the maneuver is done, check that the turn signal has switched off since motorcycle signals often do not self-cancel.

   Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 4, Signals

9. 9. In a true emergency, the handbook says to use the horn by:

   Correct answer: Pressing it loud and long while ready to stop or swerve

   In an emergency, press the horn button loud and long while being ready to stop or swerve from the danger.

   Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 4.3, Horns

10. 10. When checking the brake light before a ride, you should make sure that:

    Correct answer: Each of the two brake controls turns the light on

    Try both brake controls and confirm that each one activates the brake light.

    Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 2.2, Check the Motorcycle (Brake Light)

11. 11. You should use your turn signals:

    Correct answer: Any time you turn, change lanes, or use a freeway ramp

    Signal any time you plan to turn, change lanes, or use a freeway entrance or exit ramp, even if it seems obvious.

    Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 4, Signals

12. 12. Rounded convex mirrors give a wider view to the rear, but they also:

    Correct answer: Make following cars appear farther away than they are

    Convex mirrors widen the view but make following cars look farther away than they really are, so practice judging distance.

    Source: Colorado Motorcycle Operator's Handbook - Section 4.1, Using Your Mirrors