Parking & Stopping

Study questions with answers

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

1. 1. When approaching a stop while carrying a passenger, how should a rider adjust their braking?

   Correct answer: Start slowing earlier and keep a larger cushion

   The extra weight of a passenger means you should begin braking sooner and leave a bigger gap when you slow or come to a stop.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Riding With Passengers

2. 2. How much of a motorcycle's total stopping power can the front brake provide?

   Correct answer: 70% or more

   Because the front brake is the stronger of the two, it can deliver at least 70 percent of a motorcycle's stopping force.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Braking

3. 3. What is the best way to stop as quickly as possible in a straight line?

   Correct answer: Apply both brakes at the same time without locking a wheel

   The quickest stop comes from fully applying both the front and rear brakes together without locking either wheel.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Braking

4. 4. When parking a three-wheel motorcycle at the roadside, how should it be positioned?

   Correct answer: Parallel to the curb with the parking brake set

   Because of its width and length, a three-wheel motorcycle should be parked parallel to the curb with the parking brake set.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Three-Wheel Supplement: Parking at the Roadside

5. 5. When you are stopped behind another vehicle in traffic, how much space should you keep?

   Correct answer: Keep well behind it even while stopped

   Stay well behind the vehicle ahead even when stopped, so you can move aside if someone approaches from behind and to allow room if it backs up.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Following Another Vehicle

6. 6. What can happen if a rider grabs the front brake or jams down on the rear during a stop?

   Correct answer: The brakes can lock, causing control problems

   Snatching the front lever or stomping the rear pedal can lock a wheel and leave you fighting for control.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Braking

7. 7. How should a rider apply the rear brake during a hard straight-line stop?

   Correct answer: Use light-to-lighter pressure to avoid a rear skid

   Apply light-to-lighter pressure on the rear brake as weight shifts forward, to prevent the rear wheel from skidding.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Braking

8. 8. For everyday stops, which brakes should a motorcyclist use?

   Correct answer: Both brakes every time

   Apply the front and rear brakes together for every slowdown, so the habit carries over automatically in an emergency.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Braking

9. 9. When parallel parking a two-wheel motorcycle next to a curb, how should it be positioned?

   Correct answer: At an angle with the rear wheel toward the curb

   Angle the motorcycle so its back tire sits against the curb, unless a city ordinance calls for parallel parking instead.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Parking at the Roadside

10. 10. Why does a leaned-over motorcycle have less braking ability in a curve?

    Correct answer: Some traction is used for cornering, leaving less for braking

    When the motorcycle is leaned, some traction is being used for cornering, leaving less traction available for braking.

    Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Braking in a Corner

11. 11. If you must apply the front brake, what does the manual warn against doing to the brake lever?

    Correct answer: Grabbing it abruptly

    Squeeze the front brake smoothly and progressively; do not grab it or use abrupt pressure, which can lock the wheel.

    Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Braking

12. 12. To stop as safely as possible in a curve, what should a rider try to do first when conditions allow?

    Correct answer: Get the motorcycle upright, then brake

    When possible, straighten the motorcycle to be as upright as possible, then apply the brakes, since a leaned bike has less traction for braking.

    Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Braking in a Corner