Arkansas Motorcycle: Protective Gear & Helmets Practice Test

Question 1

What does the manual want a rider to look for in wet-weather riding gear?

Accepted Answer

Rain gear built for riding, which will not tear or balloon out at speed — Rain gear made for motorcycling holds together in the airflow, rather than splitting or ballooning out the way ordinary rainwear does once speed picks up.

Answer

Any loose plastic poncho, since it only has to shed water

Answer

A suit cut several sizes large so it slips over a jacket

Answer

Nothing in particular, because a wet jacket dries again at speed

Question 2

Some riders argue that a helmet hides hazards from them. How does the manual answer that?

Accepted Answer

Research finds a helmet does not stop riders from spotting danger, and it still allows the side view you need — The manual answers the objection head on: a quality helmet still leaves the side vision a rider needs, and research has not found that wearing one keeps riders from noticing trouble.

Answer

It agrees, so helmets belong on the highway only

Answer

It agrees, but only for full face designs

Answer

It concedes that helmets cut side vision roughly in half

Question 3

How should a riding jacket and pants fit?

Accepted Answer

Snug enough that nothing flaps in the wind, yet loose enough to let you move freely — Arms and legs should be covered completely, and the fit should be tight enough that nothing flaps in the wind yet loose enough that you can still move freely.

Answer

As loose as possible so air can circulate

Answer

Tight enough to restrict arm movement

Answer

Short-sleeved so you can feel the wind

Question 4

Which two helmet styles does the manual recommend?

Accepted Answer

Three-quarter and full face — Two styles are recommended because they give two useful levels of coverage: the three-quarter helmet and the full face helmet.

Answer

Half shell and novelty

Answer

Beanie and skull cap

Answer

Open crown and visor-only

Question 5

Why does the manual insist a helmet stay securely fastened while you ride?

Accepted Answer

An unfastened helmet can leave your head during a crash and never protect you at all — A helmet that is not strapped down can come off your head during a crash before it ever gets the chance to protect you.

Answer

A loose strap improves airflow through the shell

Answer

It keeps the shield from fogging

Answer

A tight strap lowers the fine for a violation

Question 6

How do goggles compare with an impact-resistant faceshield?

Accepted Answer

Goggles guard the eyes but leave the rest of the face exposed — Goggles keep debris out of your eyes, but only a shield covers the rest of your face against wind, dirt, rain, insects and stones flicked up by traffic.

Answer

Goggles cover the face better than a shield does

Answer

Goggles are the only protection that works in rain

Answer

The two protect exactly the same area

Question 7

When should tinted eye protection be left behind?

Accepted Answer

Whenever there is little outside light — Tinted lenses take away light you need to see the road, so the manual says not to use them when there is little outside light available.

Answer

On bright summer afternoons

Answer

Any time you ride with a group

Answer

Whenever the pavement is dry

Question 8

A helmet carrying a Snell Memorial Foundation label tells you what?

Accepted Answer

That it carries an added assurance of quality beyond the DOT and state standards it must already meet — A helmet should be built to meet DOT and state standards; a Snell label is an added assurance of quality on top of that requirement, not a replacement for it.

Answer

That it is exempt from federal standards

Answer

That it may legally be worn unfastened

Answer

That it is intended only for closed-course racing

Question 9

Why does the manual treat warm, dry clothing as a control issue rather than a comfort issue?

Accepted Answer

Because you cannot control a motorcycle well once you go numb — Cold and wet riding brings on chill and fatigue, and a rider who has gone numb cannot work the controls well, so staying warm and dry is part of staying in control.

Answer

Because wet gloves damage the handgrips

Answer

Because cold air weakens the brakes

Answer

Because a wet jacket adds too much weight

Question 10

Does a windshield fitted to the motorcycle take the place of a faceshield or goggles?

Accepted Answer

No, because most windshields leave your eyes exposed to the wind — The manual is explicit that a windshield does not substitute for eye protection, because most of them leave the wind blowing straight into your eyes.

Answer

Yes, on any machine over 500 cc

Answer

Yes, if it reaches above your chin

Answer

Yes, as long as you also wear sunglasses

Question 11

Which three items make up the basic protective gear a rider should have on before every ride?

Accepted Answer

A DOT-compliant helmet, eye or face protection, and protective clothing — The manual names three basics that give you the best chance of avoiding serious injury: a helmet built to DOT standards, protection for the eyes or face, and clothing that actually covers you.

Answer

Sunglasses, a cloth cap, and a windbreaker

Answer

A helmet only, because nothing else changes the outcome

Answer

Gloves, sandals, and a reflective armband

Question 12

What should riding boots or shoes be like?

Accepted Answer

High and sturdy enough to cover and support the ankles, with short heels and hard, slip-resistant soles — Footwear should be tall and sturdy enough to cover and support the ankle, with hard slip-resistant soles, short heels that will not snag, and laces tucked away.

Answer

Low-cut with tall heels for grip on the pegs

Answer

Soft-soled with the laces left long and loose

Answer

Open at the heel so a foot goes down quickly

Arkansas Motorcycle: Protective Gear & Helmets practice test

Study questions with answers

1. What does the manual want a rider to look for in wet-weather riding gear?

2. Some riders argue that a helmet hides hazards from them. How does the manual answer that?

3. How should a riding jacket and pants fit?

4. Which two helmet styles does the manual recommend?

5. Why does the manual insist a helmet stay securely fastened while you ride?

6. How do goggles compare with an impact-resistant faceshield?

7. When should tinted eye protection be left behind?

8. A helmet carrying a Snell Memorial Foundation label tells you what?

9. Why does the manual treat warm, dry clothing as a control issue rather than a comfort issue?

10. Does a windshield fitted to the motorcycle take the place of a faceshield or goggles?

11. Which three items make up the basic protective gear a rider should have on before every ride?

12. What should riding boots or shoes be like?

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