Speed & Space Management

Study questions with answers

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

1. 1. How often should you use both brakes when slowing or stopping?

   Correct answer: Every time you slow or stop

   You should apply both the front and rear brakes every time you slow or stop, which also builds the habit you will need for an emergency stop.

   Source: Missouri Motorcycle Operator Manual — Basic Vehicle Control: Braking

2. 2. How do riders of three-wheel motorcycles ride together in a group?

   Correct answer: Single file with at least a two-second gap

   Because they cannot use a staggered formation, three-wheel riders should ride single file and always keep a safe margin of at least two seconds between vehicles.

   Source: Missouri Motorcycle Operator Manual — Three-Wheel Supplement

3. 3. When riding uphill on a three-wheel motorcycle, how does the weight shift affect the front tires?

   Correct answer: It reduces traction on the front tires

   Riding uphill shifts weight to the rear and makes the front lighter, reducing front-tire traction for steering, so you should begin slowing earlier for corners and stops.

   Source: Missouri Motorcycle Operator Manual — Three-Wheel Supplement

4. 4. On a three-track motorcycle, which wheel tends to lift during a turn?

   Correct answer: The rear inside wheel

   During a turn, inertia shifts the center of gravity outward toward the tip-over line, reducing weight on the inside and causing the rear inside wheel to tend to lift, especially at higher speed or tighter radius.

   Source: Missouri Motorcycle Operator Manual — Three-Wheel Supplement

5. 5. How do you check whether you are keeping a two-second following distance?

   Correct answer: Count off two seconds as the vehicle ahead passes a fixed marker

   Pick a fixed marker ahead; when the vehicle in front passes it, count 'one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two.' If you reach the marker before finishing, you are following too closely.

   Source: Missouri Motorcycle Operator Manual — Keeping Your Distance: Following Another Vehicle

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

   Correct answer: At least 70 percent

   The front brake is the more powerful of the two and can supply at least 70 percent of the machine's total stopping power when used correctly.

   Source: Missouri Motorcycle Operator Manual — Basic Vehicle Control: Braking

7. 7. What is the single best form of protection a rider can have against other vehicles' mistakes?

   Correct answer: A cushion of space separating you from others

   The best protection is distance, a cushion of space, which gives you a clear view of developing situations plus more time to respond and more room to maneuver.

   Source: Missouri Motorcycle Operator Manual — Keeping Your Distance

8. 8. What is the minimum following distance a motorcyclist should normally keep behind the vehicle ahead?

   Correct answer: A minimum of two seconds

   In normal conditions you should keep a minimum of a two-second following distance behind the vehicle ahead, since a motorcycle needs as much room to stop as a car.

   Source: Missouri Motorcycle Operator Manual — Keeping Your Distance: Following Another Vehicle

9. 9. As you brake hard and weight shifts forward, how should you manage the rear brake?

   Correct answer: Use light-to-lighter pressure on the rear brake

   Because weight transfers forward and less traction remains at the rear, you should apply light-to-lighter pressure on the rear brake to prevent a rear-wheel skid.

   Source: Missouri Motorcycle Operator Manual — Basic Vehicle Control: Braking

10. 10. When should you open up your following distance to three seconds or more?

    Correct answer: When the pavement is slippery or you can't see past the vehicle ahead

    Open a three-second or larger cushion when the pavement is slippery, when you cannot see through the vehicle ahead, or when heavy traffic may let someone squeeze in front of you.

    Source: Missouri Motorcycle Operator Manual — Keeping Your Distance: Following Another Vehicle

11. 11. How should you apply the front brake for maximum straight-line braking?

    Correct answer: Squeeze it smoothly and progressively harder

    Squeeze the front brake smoothly, firmly, and with progressively more force; do not grab the lever or use abrupt pressure, which can lock the wheel.

    Source: Missouri Motorcycle Operator Manual — Basic Vehicle Control: Braking

12. 12. Why should you keep well behind the vehicle ahead even when you are stopped?

    Correct answer: So you can escape if someone bears down from behind

    Keeping space when stopped makes it easier to move out of the way if someone bears down on you from behind, and gives you a cushion if the vehicle ahead backs up.

    Source: Missouri Motorcycle Operator Manual — Keeping Your Distance: Following Another Vehicle