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 rain begins to fall, which part of the lane usually offers a rider better traction?

   Correct answer: The tire tracks left by cars

   The center of the lane can be hazardous when wet, so when rain starts you should ride in the tire tracks left by other vehicles, often the left track.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Handling Dangerous Surfaces (Slippery Surfaces)

2. 2. After completing a turn on a motorcycle, why is it important to make sure your turn signal is off?

   Correct answer: A blinking signal may make a driver think you plan to turn again

   A motorcycle signal often will not cancel on its own; if it keeps blinking, a driver may pull into your path assuming you intend to turn again.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity (Signals)

3. 3. Which lane position do many riders treat as their default because it keeps them visible in a car's mirrors?

   Correct answer: The left third of the lane

   Many motorcyclists use the left third of the lane, the left tire track of cars, as a default position, but they vary it as conditions change.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Ride Within Your Abilities (Lane Positions)

4. 4. Turning your motorcycle's signal on before each turn mainly does what for surrounding traffic?

   Correct answer: It reduces confusion and lets others react

   Signaling before every turn reduces confusion and frustration for nearby traffic and makes you easier to see, so drivers do not have to guess your intentions.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity (Signals)

5. 5. When should a motorcyclist use turn signals, according to the operator manual?

   Correct answer: Any time you plan to change lanes or turn

   Signals should be used any time you plan to change lanes or turn, even when you think no one else is around, because they make you easier to spot.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity (Signals)

6. 6. Because a motorcycle's brake light is less noticeable than a car's, what can help warn drivers behind you before you slow?

   Correct answer: Flashing the brake light before slowing

   Flashing your brake light before slowing helps others notice you, especially when you slow suddenly or in a spot where drivers would not expect it.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity (Brake Light)

7. 7. In a group ride, what does the hand signal of an arm extended straight out with the palm down, swung toward the ground, indicate?

   Correct answer: Slow down

   An arm held straight out with the palm facing down and swung downward is the group signal to slow down.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Hand Signals

8. 8. It is most important to flash your brake light in which situation?

   Correct answer: When you will slow suddenly or where drivers won't expect it

   Flashing the brake light matters most when you will slow more sharply than others expect, such as turning off a high-speed highway or slowing mid-block.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity (Brake Light)

9. 9. How are painted lane lines and surface markings likely to behave when they are wet?

   Correct answer: They become slippery

   Painted lines, steel plates, and surface covers offer poor traction, especially when wet, so a rider should treat them as slippery.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Handling Dangerous Surfaces (Slippery Surfaces)

10. 10. In a group ride, an experienced rider gives a hand signal by extending the arm straight down with the palm facing back. What does this mean?

    Correct answer: Stop

    Extending the arm straight down with the palm facing rearward is the group hand signal for stop.

    Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Hand Signals

11. 11. During the day, keeping your headlight on makes a motorcycle about how much easier for others to notice?

    Correct answer: Twice as likely to be seen

    Studies cited in the manual show a motorcycle with its light on during the day is about twice as likely to be noticed by other drivers.

    Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity (Headlight)

12. 12. Why should a rider avoid the very center strip of a lane, especially at busy intersections?

    Correct answer: Oil and grease collect there and reduce traction

    Oil drippings and debris from cars collect in the center of the lane, so riding on heavy buildups of grease found at intersections and tollbooths reduces traction.

    Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Ride Within Your Abilities (Lane Positions)