Signals & Pavement Markings

Study questions with answers

8 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. Riding with your headlight on during the day makes you:

   Correct answer: About twice as likely to be noticed

   Studies show a motorcycle with its headlight on in daylight is about twice as likely to be noticed by other drivers.

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

2. 2. When a driver is following you too closely, flashing your brake light before slowing is wise because:

   Correct answer: The tailgater may be watching you and miss a hazard ahead

   A tailgater may be watching you rather than the road ahead; flashing your brake light warns them and can discourage the tailgating.

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

3. 3. Besides checking your mirrors, what else should you do before changing lanes?

   Correct answer: Turn your head and check your blind spot

   Turn your head and look to the side, because motorcycles have blind spots that mirrors do not cover.

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

4. 4. Why should you make sure your turn signal is off after you complete a turn?

   Correct answer: So drivers do not pull into your path expecting another turn

   A signal left blinking can lead another driver to pull into your path, thinking you intend to turn again.

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

5. 5. When should you use your turn signals on a motorcycle?

   Correct answer: Every time you turn or change lanes, even if no one seems near

   Signal every lane change and turn, even when you think no one is nearby; your blinking signal also helps others notice you.

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

6. 6. It is especially helpful to flash your brake light before you slow when:

   Correct answer: You slow where other drivers would not expect it

   Flash the brake light when you slow faster than others expect, such as leaving a high-speed highway, or where a stop is unexpected, like mid-block or at an alley.

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

7. 7. Compared with a car's brake light, a motorcycle's brake light is:

   Correct answer: Usually less noticeable, especially with the taillight on

   A motorcycle's brake light is usually less noticeable than a car's, especially when the taillight is already on, so flashing it can help others notice you slowing.

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

8. 8. Rounded (convex) mirrors differ from flat mirrors in that they:

   Correct answer: Give a wider view but make cars look farther away

   Convex mirrors show a wider view of the road behind, but they make vehicles appear farther away than they really are.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Increasing Conspicuity: Using Your Mirrors