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 parking a group of motorcycles, the manual suggests you avoid:

   Correct answer: Parking downhill or head-in

   Avoid parking downhill or head-in; where possible park so the group can pull through and depart smoothly in single file.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Group Riding (Parking)

2. 2. For every normal slowdown or stop, the manual advises a rider to:

   Correct answer: Use both brakes together

   Always use both brakes every time you slow or stop, which builds the habit of using them together in an emergency.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Basic Vehicle Control (Braking)

3. 3. About how much of a motorcycle's total stopping power can the front brake provide?

   Correct answer: At least 70%

   The front brake is more powerful and can supply at least 70% of the motorcycle's total stopping power.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Basic Vehicle Control (Braking)

4. 4. The proper front-brake technique for a normal stop is to:

   Correct answer: Squeeze it smoothly with progressively more force

   Squeeze the front brake smoothly, firmly, and with progressively more force; do not grab it or apply abrupt pressure.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Basic Vehicle Control (Braking)

5. 5. The manual explains that using both brakes even for ordinary stops helps a rider:

   Correct answer: Build the habit of using both brakes in an emergency

   It develops the proper habit and skill of using both brakes together, which pays off in an emergency stop.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Basic Vehicle Control (Braking)

6. 6. The manual notes that keeping your eyes up and your knees against the tank during a stop helps you:

   Correct answer: Stop in a straight line

   Looking well ahead and pressing your knees to the tank helps you stop the motorcycle in a straight line.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Basic Vehicle Control (Braking)

7. 7. Where should a rider remain in first gear while stopped, according to the manual?

   Correct answer: Stay in first gear so you can move away quickly

   Stay in first gear while stopped so you can move out quickly if you need to escape a hazard from behind.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Basic Vehicle Control (Shifting Gears)

8. 8. When parallel parking next to a curb, the manual says a motorcycle should be positioned:

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

   Position the motorcycle at an angle with the rear wheel toward the curb, unless a local ordinance requires parking parallel.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Intersections (Parking at the Roadside)

9. 9. When you must slow before downshifting into a lower gear, the manual reminds you to:

   Correct answer: Be riding slowly enough to avoid a lurch or rear skid

   Make certain you are riding slowly enough before shifting to a lower gear; otherwise the motorcycle may lurch and the rear wheel may skid.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Basic Vehicle Control (Shifting Gears)

10. 10. Why does the manual recommend keeping well back from the vehicle ahead even while stopped in traffic?

    Correct answer: So you can escape if hit from behind or the car rolls back

    Extra space makes it easier to move out of the way if someone bears down from behind, and gives a cushion if the vehicle ahead rolls back.

    Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Keeping Your Distance (Following Another Vehicle)

11. 11. When making a quick stop while leaned over in a curve, the manual says the safest approach is to:

    Correct answer: Straighten the motorcycle upright, then brake

    Try to get the motorcycle as upright and perpendicular to the road as possible, then brake; if you can't, brake gently and reduce lean as you slow.

    Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Basic Vehicle Control (Braking in a Corner)

12. 12. As you brake hard in a straight line, weight transfers forward, which means you should apply the rear brake:

    Correct answer: With progressively lighter pressure

    Because weight shifts forward and less traction remains at the rear, apply light-to-lighter pressure on the rear brake to avoid a rear-wheel skid.

    Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Basic Vehicle Control (Braking)