Illinois Motorcycle: Braking & Emergency Stops Practice Test

Question 1

In traffic, how does the room a motorcycle needs to stop compare with a car's?

Accepted Answer

A motorcycle needs about as much room as a car — A motorcycle is not able to stop in noticeably less room; it needs about as much distance as a car, which is why the following gap matters.

Answer

A motorcycle stops in roughly half the distance

Answer

A motorcycle always needs twice the room

Answer

The comparison depends only on engine size

Question 2

Which brake gives a motorcycle most of its stopping power?

Accepted Answer

The front brake, which supplies most of the stopping power — The front brake is stronger, and used correctly it delivers three-quarters or more of a motorcycle's stopping ability.

Answer

The rear brake, which provides most of the power

Answer

Neither; they contribute equally

Answer

Engine braking does most of the work

Question 3

What is the best technique to stop as quickly as possible?

Accepted Answer

Apply both brakes together, squeezing the front smoothly — Apply both brakes at the same time, squeezing the front lever firmly and progressively while pressing the rear, without grabbing the front.

Answer

Use the rear brake only

Answer

Use the front brake only and grab it hard

Answer

Downshift and coast to a stop

Question 4

If you accidentally lock the rear wheel on a good-traction surface while going straight, what should you do?

Accepted Answer

Keep it locked until you come to a complete stop — On good traction and moving in a straight line, keep the rear wheel locked until you have completely stopped; you can still control an upright bike this way.

Answer

Immediately release the rear brake and swerve

Answer

Grab the front brake as hard as possible

Answer

Pull in the clutch and let it roll

Question 5

What should happen to the handlebars in the final few feet of a hard stop?

Accepted Answer

Bring them straight so the bike ends up upright and balanced — Bring them square so the bike finishes upright and balanced rather than leaning as it comes to rest.

Answer

Turn them toward the shoulder to steady the bike

Answer

Let them fall wherever they want once you are slow

Answer

Turn them slightly downhill and hold the front brake

Question 6

Some motorcycles are built with an integrated braking system. What does that mean?

Accepted Answer

The rear brake pedal also applies the front brake — On these machines pressing the rear pedal also works the front brake, and the owner's manual explains how to use the setup well.

Answer

The front lever is disabled below walking speed

Answer

The brakes release on their own if a wheel locks

Answer

The engine does all the braking when you close the throttle

Question 7

You must brake hard in a curve but cannot get the motorcycle upright first. What is the right approach?

Accepted Answer

Brake lightly and ease off the throttle, adding pressure as the lean angle shrinks — Start with gentle braking and roll off the throttle; as speed falls you can stand the bike up further and squeeze harder until full pressure is possible.

Answer

Grab the front brake hard while still leaned over

Answer

Use the rear brake only and hold the lean

Answer

Release both brakes and coast until the curve ends

Question 8

What is the best way to stop quickly if you must do so while in a curve?

Accepted Answer

Straighten the motorcycle upright, then brake — Bring the motorcycle up straight before you apply the brakes; if you have to brake mid-lean, use them lightly and reduce your lean as speed drops.

Answer

Brake hard while fully leaned over

Answer

Lean even more and coast

Answer

Use only the rear brake in the curve

Question 9

Why can grabbing the front brake or jamming the rear be dangerous?

Accepted Answer

It can lock a wheel and cause control problems — Grabbing the front brake or stomping the rear can lock a wheel, which leads to loss of control; squeeze the front and press the rear smoothly instead.

Answer

It wears out the tires faster only

Answer

It has no real effect on control

Answer

It only matters on dry pavement

Question 10

How should you normally use the two brakes on a motorcycle?

Accepted Answer

Use both brakes together every time you slow or stop — Use both brakes together every time you slow or stop; squeeze the front and press the rear so the habit carries into emergencies.

Answer

Use only the rear brake for normal stops

Answer

Use only the front brake

Answer

Alternate one brake per stop

Question 11

During a quick stop, what should you do if the front wheel locks up?

Accepted Answer

Release it right away, then reapply it firmly — Should the front tire lock, let go of that lever at once and squeeze it again firmly while you keep pressing the rear.

Answer

Hold it locked until you stop

Answer

Let go of both brakes entirely

Answer

Grab it even harder

Illinois Motorcycle: Braking & Emergency Stops practice test

Study questions with answers

1. In traffic, how does the room a motorcycle needs to stop compare with a car's?

2. Which brake gives a motorcycle most of its stopping power?

3. What is the best technique to stop as quickly as possible?

4. If you accidentally lock the rear wheel on a good-traction surface while going straight, what should you do?

5. What should happen to the handlebars in the final few feet of a hard stop?

6. Some motorcycles are built with an integrated braking system. What does that mean?

7. You must brake hard in a curve but cannot get the motorcycle upright first. What is the right approach?

8. What is the best way to stop quickly if you must do so while in a curve?

9. Why can grabbing the front brake or jamming the rear be dangerous?

10. How should you normally use the two brakes on a motorcycle?

11. During a quick stop, what should you do if the front wheel locks up?

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