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. When should a rider use turn signals?

   Correct answer: Any time you plan to turn or change lanes, even if alone

   Signal any time you intend to turn or change lanes, even if it seems no one is nearby, since your signals also help others notice you.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Increasing Conspicuity

2. 2. In the handbook's sample questions, when does flashing your brake light matter most?

   Correct answer: You are about to slow down abruptly

   The sample answer is that flashing the brake light matters most when you are about to slow down suddenly.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Earning Your License

3. 3. Why is a motorcycle's brake light less noticeable than a car's?

   Correct answer: It is smaller and blends with the always-on taillight

   It is smaller and often competes with the taillight, which stays on with the headlight, so flashing it helps others notice you slowing.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Increasing Conspicuity

4. 4. After completing a turn, what should you check about your turn signal?

   Correct answer: That it has switched off

   Make sure the signal has switched off; a signal left blinking can lead a driver to pull into your path expecting you to turn again.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Increasing Conspicuity

5. 5. Flashing your brake light is especially important before you:

   Correct answer: Slow more suddenly or sooner than others expect

   Flash the brake light when you will slow more quickly than others expect or where they may not anticipate it, such as mid-block or at an alley.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Increasing Conspicuity

6. 6. Which clothing colors does the manual describe as best for being seen?

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

   Bright orange, red, yellow, or green gear is recommended, and reflective bright-colored clothing is best of all.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Increasing Conspicuity

7. 7. In the SEE process, traffic signals, warning signs, and pavement markings are treated as:

   Correct answer: Traffic control devices to help you evaluate what is ahead

   These are traffic control devices you look for while evaluating what lies ahead of you.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — SEE

8. 8. Which beam does the manual suggest can help oncoming drivers see you during the day?

   Correct answer: The high beam

   Using the high beam in daylight increases the chance oncoming drivers notice you, while the low beam is for night and cloudy weather.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Increasing Conspicuity

9. 9. Flashing your brake light for a close follower is helpful because it:

   Correct answer: Warns and discourages the tailgater and flags hazards ahead

   It warns a tailgater who may be watching you rather than the road, discouraging tailgating and alerting them to hazards ahead.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Increasing Conspicuity

10. 10. During the day, a motorcycle with its headlight on is about how much more likely to be noticed?

    Correct answer: About twice as likely

    Studies show that in daylight a motorcycle with its light on is roughly twice as likely to be seen by others.

    Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Increasing Conspicuity

11. 11. On most motorcycles, the taillight comes on together with the:

    Correct answer: Headlight

    The taillight goes on with the headlight, which is one reason the separate brake light can be hard to distinguish.

    Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Increasing Conspicuity

12. 12. Lane markings, steel plates, and manhole covers are especially hazardous when they are:

    Correct answer: Wet

    These smooth surfaces offer poor traction, particularly when wet, so treat them with caution in the rain.

    Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Handling Dangerous Surfaces