Signals & Pavement Markings

Study questions with answers

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

1. 1. A motorcycle's brake light, compared with a car's, is usually:

   Correct answer: less noticeable

   Because the brake light is less obvious than a car's, flashing it can help others notice that you are slowing.

   Source: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual — Increasing Conspicuity

2. 2. Signaling as you enter a freeway is helpful because drivers approaching from behind:

   Correct answer: are more likely to notice the blinking light and open a gap

   A blinking signal helps faster traffic notice you and make room as you merge.

   Source: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual — Increasing Conspicuity

3. 3. Under Minnesota equipment rules, a motorcycle's headlight must:

   Correct answer: have both high- and low-beam settings

   Motorcycles must carry at least one headlight that offers both high- and low-beam settings.

   Source: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual — Motorcycle Equipment Requirements

4. 4. Painted lane lines and pavement markings are a hazard for motorcyclists mainly because they:

   Correct answer: become slippery, especially when wet

   Lane markings, steel plates, and surface covers offer poor traction, particularly when they are wet.

   Source: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual — Handling Dangerous Surfaces

5. 5. Most motorcycles use rounded (convex) mirrors, which:

   Correct answer: give a wider view but make cars seem farther away

   Convex mirrors widen the rear view but make following vehicles look farther away, so allow extra distance.

   Source: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual — Using Your Mirrors

6. 6. Because turn signals make you easier to spot, you should use them:

   Correct answer: even when your intended move seems obvious

   Signaling every turn or lane change, even an obvious one, helps others notice you and predict your move.

   Source: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual — Increasing Conspicuity

7. 7. At night and in fog, you should ride using your:

   Correct answer: low beam

   Use low beam at night and in fog; high beam is for when you are not following or meeting a car.

   Source: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual — Riding at Night

8. 8. While riding a motorcycle in Minnesota, the headlight must be:

   Correct answer: on at all times while riding

   State operating rules require the motorcycle headlight to be lit at all times while you are riding.

   Source: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual — Motorcycle Operating Rules

9. 9. Every motorcycle in Minnesota must have a taillight that:

   Correct answer: shows red and includes the brake/stop lamp

   One red taillight that includes the brake or stop lamp is required equipment.

   Source: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual — Motorcycle Equipment Requirements

10. 10. After completing a turn with a signal that does not cancel itself, you should:

    Correct answer: make sure the signal is switched off

    A signal left blinking after a turn can make a driver think you plan to turn again and pull into your path.

    Source: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual — Increasing Conspicuity

11. 11. Headlight modulators on a Minnesota motorcycle are:

    Correct answer: legal to use

    The equipment rules note that headlight modulators are legal to use in the state.

    Source: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual — Motorcycle Equipment Requirements

12. 12. Flashing your brake light before slowing is especially wise when you:

    Correct answer: slow where others would not expect it, such as mid-block

    A brake-light flash warns drivers behind you when you slow at an unexpected place or more sharply than they expect.

    Source: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual — Increasing Conspicuity