Safe Driving Practices

Study questions with answers

12 sample Safe Driving Practices questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. Which type of eye and face protection guards your whole face rather than only your eyes?

   Correct answer: A face shield

   A shatter-resistant face shield shields your entire face from wind and debris, while goggles protect only the eyes.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Wear the Right Gear: Eye and Face Protection

2. 2. Before leaving the roadway to rest or check the motorcycle, you should:

   Correct answer: Check the surface, signal, and pull well off the road

   Check that the roadside surface is firm enough to ride on, signal clearly since drivers may not expect you to slow, and pull as far off the road as you can.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Getting Off the Road

3. 3. For the best visibility at night, a rider should wear:

   Correct answer: Reflective clothing

   Reflective clothing is the best choice at night because it bounces back the light of other vehicles, helping drivers pick you out of surrounding lights.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Increasing Conspicuity: Riding at Night

4. 4. At night, a good following distance to maintain is:

   Correct answer: At least three seconds

   Because distances are harder to judge in the dark, open up a following distance of at least three seconds and allow more room to pass and be passed.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Increasing Conspicuity: Riding at Night

5. 5. Where do most motorcycle crashes tend to happen?

   Correct answer: On short trips of under five miles, soon after starting out

   The majority of crashes occur on short outings of less than five miles, often only a few minutes after the rider sets out.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Wear the Right Gear: Helmet Use

6. 6. To help avoid fatigue on a long ride, experienced riders usually limit themselves to about:

   Correct answer: About six hours of riding per day

   Experienced riders seldom try to ride more than about six hours in a day, and they take frequent rest breaks.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Fatigue

7. 7. Where should your knees be positioned for good balance while riding?

   Correct answer: Pressed against the fuel tank

   Keep your knees against the fuel tank; this helps you stay balanced as the motorcycle leans and turns.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Basic Vehicle Control: Body Position

8. 8. Why is it wise to wear a jacket even on a warm day?

   Correct answer: It protects your skin and helps prevent dehydration

   A jacket protects you from injury and helps prevent dehydration; leather offers the most protection, and many riding jackets keep you cool while covering your arms.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Wear the Right Gear: Clothing

9. 9. Roughly how much of the visible surface of the rider-and-motorcycle unit is the rider's body?

   Correct answer: About half

   Your body makes up about half of the visible surface area, which is why bright, reflective clothing and a bright helmet make such a difference in being seen.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Increasing Conspicuity: Clothing

10. 10. What material do gloves for riding a motorcycle offer the best protection?

    Correct answer: Leather or a similarly durable material

    Gloves should be made of leather or a similarly tough material; they improve your grip and shield your hands in a fall.

    Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Wear the Right Gear: Clothing

11. 11. Does a windshield remove the need for a face shield or goggles?

    Correct answer: No, a windshield is not a substitute for eye or face protection

    A windshield does not take the place of eye protection; most windshields will not keep the wind out of your eyes, and glasses can blow off or let your eyes water.

    Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Wear the Right Gear: Eye and Face Protection

12. 12. Starting with your right wrist flat on the throttle helps you:

    Correct answer: Avoid using too much throttle by accident

    Keeping the right wrist flat helps prevent you from accidentally applying too much throttle.

    Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Basic Vehicle Control: Body Position