Hazards & Road Surfaces

Study questions with answers

12 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. To cross railroad or trolley tracks that run across your path, it is usually safest to:

   Correct answer: Ride straight ahead within your lane

   Crossing tracks by riding straight within your lane is usually safer than turning to take them at a right angle.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Handling Dangerous Surfaces: Railroad Tracks and Pavement Seams

2. 2. For tracks or pavement seams running parallel to your direction, you should cross at an angle of at least:

   Correct answer: 45 degrees

   Move far enough over to cross parallel tracks or seams at 45 degrees or more, then turn deliberately.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Handling Dangerous Surfaces: Railroad Tracks and Pavement Seams

3. 3. If the front end starts to wobble, you should:

   Correct answer: Grip the bars firmly and gradually close the throttle

   Don't fight or brake a wobble; hold the bars firmly, ease off the throttle, and shift your weight forward and down.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Mechanical Problems: Wobble

4. 4. When crossing metal bridge gratings that make the bike weave, you should:

   Correct answer: Relax, hold a steady speed, and ride straight across

   The wandering feeling on gratings is usually harmless; stay relaxed and ride straight rather than zigzagging.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Handling Dangerous Surfaces: Grooves and Gratings

5. 5. Just before your wheel meets an unavoidable bump, you should:

   Correct answer: Rise slightly off the seat with weight on the footrests

   Rising slightly off the seat lets your knees and elbows absorb the shock as you cross a bump.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Handling Dangerous Surfaces: Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles

6. 6. When a large animal such as a deer is in your path, you should:

   Correct answer: Brake and prepare to stop

   Large animals are unpredictable, so brake and be ready to stop.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Animals

7. 7. To cut your reaction time in a risky area like an intersection, you should:

   Correct answer: Cover the clutch lever and both brakes

   Covering the clutch and both brakes in high-risk areas reduces the time needed to react.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - SEE: Execute

8. 8. A flat front tire usually makes the steering feel:

   Correct answer: Heavy

   A front-wheel flat makes the steering feel heavy and is especially hazardous.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Mechanical Problems: Tire Failure

9. 9. Which of these gives the poorest traction for a motorcycle?

   Correct answer: Wet pavement just after rain begins

   Traction is worst on wet pavement right after rain starts, before surface oil washes away.

   Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Handling Dangerous Surfaces: Slippery Surfaces

10. 10. When rain first begins, the best place to ride is often:

    Correct answer: In the tire tracks left by other vehicles

    The center can be slick, so riding in the tire tracks left by cars, often the left track, gives better grip.

    Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Handling Dangerous Surfaces: Slippery Surfaces

11. 11. Attempting to speed up in order to ride out a wobble will:

    Correct answer: Make the motorcycle more unstable

    Speeding up during a wobble only makes the bike more unstable.

    Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Mechanical Problems: Wobble

12. 12. If a dog chases your motorcycle, you should:

    Correct answer: Downshift, approach slowly, then accelerate away

    Slow as you approach a chasing dog, then accelerate to leave it behind, without kicking at it.

    Source: CT Motorcycle Operator Manual - Animals