Safe Driving Practices

Study questions with answers

12 sample Safe Driving Practices questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. What kind of footwear does the manual recommend for riding?

   Correct answer: Sturdy boots that cover the ankles with slip-resistant soles

   Boots or shoes should be tall and sturdy enough to cover and support the ankles, with hard, slip-resistant soles and short heels, and laces tucked in.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Clothing

2. 2. Why do drivers so often fail to notice an approaching motorcycle?

   Correct answer: Its small outline is easy to overlook, and drivers aren't looking for it

   Seen head-on or from the rear, a bike presents a far thinner shape than a car, and drivers generally aren't watching for two-wheelers at all.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Being Seen

3. 3. How should saddlebag loads be balanced?

   Correct answer: Evenly, with about the same weight on each side

   Distribute the load evenly, loading saddlebags with about the same weight, because an uneven load can pull the motorcycle to one side.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Carrying Loads

4. 4. Besides the pre-ride checks, which items should be checked at least once a week?

   Correct answer: The wheels, cables, fasteners, and fluids

   At least weekly, inspect the wheels, cables, fasteners, and fluids, following the owner's manual for guidance.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Check Your Motorcycle

5. 5. What should you keep in mind about a motorcycle's horn?

   Correct answer: It carries less than a car's horn, so use it but do not depend on it alone

   Because a bike's horn carries less than a car's, sound it when needed but stay ready to brake or swerve too.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Horn

6. 6. Which four steps describe good control through a turn?

   Correct answer: Slow, look, lean, and roll on the throttle

   Slow before the turn, look through it to where you want to go, lean the bike by pressing the grip, and roll on the throttle to stabilize the bike.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Turning

7. 7. Where should your feet be while riding?

   Correct answer: Firmly on the footrests, near the controls

   Keep your feet firmly on the footrests near the controls, without dragging them or pointing your toes down where they could catch.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Body Position

8. 8. How should a rider's jacket and pants fit and what material offers the most protection?

   Correct answer: Snug but movable, covering arms and legs, with leather offering the best protection

   Riding gear should completely cover the arms and legs and fit snugly enough not to flap yet loose enough to move freely; leather gives the most protection.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Clothing

9. 9. How should a motorcycle fit the person buying it?

   Correct answer: Your feet should reach the ground when you are seated on it

   The right motorcycle fits you: while seated on it, your feet should be able to reach the ground.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Know Your Motorcycle

10. 10. Why start with your right wrist flat when holding the grips?

    Correct answer: It helps keep you from using too much throttle by accident

    Keeping the right wrist flat helps prevent you from accidentally rolling on too much throttle.

    Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Body Position

11. 11. Which headlight beam does the handbook suggest using during the day to be seen?

    Correct answer: The high beam

    A high beam by day helps oncoming drivers pick you out; switch down to low beam once it's dark or overcast.

    Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Headlight

12. 12. Which clothing colors are the best choices for being seen?

    Correct answer: Bright orange, red, yellow, or green

    A vest or jacket in a vivid shade such as orange, red, yellow, or green gives you the best odds of being noticed, and reflective material adds even more.

    Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Clothing