Hazards & Road Surfaces

Study questions with answers

6 sample Hazards & Road Surfaces questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. You are riding straight through an intersection, and an oncoming car is waiting to turn left across your path. You should:

   Correct answer: Slow down, cover your brakes, and be ready to stop or take evasive action

   Left-turning cars are the biggest intersection danger for riders. Never assume the driver sees you. Slow down, cover both brakes, choose a lane position that keeps you visible, and be ready to stop or swerve if the car turns.

   Source: New York State Motorcycle Manual — Intersections

2. 2. When the road is wet or slippery, how should you adjust your following distance?

   Correct answer: Increase it to more than two seconds

   Slippery surfaces lengthen your stopping distance, so open up more space — well beyond the two-second minimum. A bigger cushion gives you time to react and room to stop without a sudden, traction-breaking grab of the brakes.

   Source: New York State Motorcycle Manual — Following Distance

3. 3. Carrying a passenger changes how your motorcycle handles. You should expect that it will:

   Correct answer: Accelerate more slowly and need a longer distance to stop

   The added weight makes the motorcycle slower to speed up and gives it a longer stopping distance. Ride a little slower, start braking earlier, and keep a larger space cushion than you would riding alone.

   Source: New York State Motorcycle Manual — Carrying Passengers and Cargo

4. 4. To ride a motorcycle legally on New York roads, you must hold:

   Correct answer: A Class M or MJ motorcycle license, or a motorcycle learner permit

   You need a Class M (or junior Class MJ) motorcycle license, earned after holding a motorcycle learner permit and passing the required tests. A regular car license alone does not allow you to operate a motorcycle.

   Source: New York State Motorcycle Manual — Earning Your License

5. 5. In the SEE strategy, what does the 'Execute' step mean?

   Correct answer: Adjust your speed or position and communicate to avoid the hazard

   To 'Execute' is to carry out your plan: adjust your speed, change your lane position, and communicate — with your signals, brake light, or horn — to keep space and stay out of danger. Make one change at a time when you can.

   Source: New York State Motorcycle Manual — The SEE Strategy

6. 6. The New York manual describes a strategy called SEE to help you manage risk while riding. What do the letters SEE stand for?

   Correct answer: Search, Evaluate, and Execute

   SEE stands for Search, Evaluate, and Execute. You search ahead for hazards, evaluate how they could affect you, and execute the right action — adjusting your speed, position, or communicating — to stay safe.

   Source: New York State Motorcycle Manual — The SEE Strategy