Speed & Space Management

Study questions with answers

12 sample Speed & Space Management questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. Most convex (rounded) motorcycle mirrors affect your view of following traffic how?

   Correct answer: They make cars look farther away than they are

   Convex mirrors give a wider view of the road behind, but they make cars seem farther away than they really are, so you should allow extra distance before changing lanes.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Ride Within Your Abilities (Using Your Mirrors)

2. 2. In which situation should you open up a following distance of three seconds or more?

   Correct answer: On slippery pavement or in heavy traffic

   A larger cushion of three seconds or more is needed when the pavement is slippery, when you cannot see past the vehicle ahead, or when traffic is heavy.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Ride Within Your Abilities (Following Another Vehicle)

3. 3. Why should you avoid riding directly alongside cars or trucks in adjacent lanes?

   Correct answer: You may be in a blind spot with no escape route

   Riding beside other vehicles can put you in a blind spot where they might switch into your lane, and they also block your escape if danger appears ahead.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Ride Within Your Abilities (Vehicles Alongside)

4. 4. What is usually the best way to deal with a tailgater following you too closely?

   Correct answer: Change lanes and let them pass

   A good way to handle a tailgater is to get them in front of you, so change lanes and let them pass, or slow down and open space to encourage them to pass.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Ride Within Your Abilities (Being Followed)

5. 5. When you are stopped at an intersection, why should you keep watching your mirrors?

   Correct answer: To watch for inattentive drivers approaching from behind

   You should watch cars coming up from behind while stopped, because drivers who are not paying attention could be on top of you before they notice you.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Ride Within Your Abilities (Using Your Mirrors)

6. 6. What is the main benefit of keeping a cushion of space around your motorcycle?

   Correct answer: It gives you more time and room to react

   A cushion of space gives you a clear view of traffic, plus more time to respond and more room to maneuver if someone else makes a mistake.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Ride Within Your Abilities (Keeping Your Distance)

7. 7. When you are being passed by another vehicle, where in your lane should you stay?

   Correct answer: In the center portion of your lane

   When being passed from behind you should stay in the center portion of your lane; riding close to the passing vehicle could put you in a hazardous position.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Ride Within Your Abilities (Being Passed)

8. 8. How does a heavier passenger change the time it takes to speed up, slow, or turn?

   Correct answer: It lengthens those times

   The heavier your passenger, the longer it may take to speed up, slow down, or turn, so you should ride a little slower and leave larger gaps in traffic.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Carrying Passengers and Cargo (Riding With Passengers)

9. 9. Anything within about how many seconds of your path is considered an immediate hazard?

   Correct answer: Four seconds

   Anything within four seconds of your path is considered immediate, because four seconds can provide enough time to swerve or brake for a hazard entering your path.

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

10. 10. In heavy traffic, motorcycles need how much distance to stop compared with cars?

    Correct answer: About as much distance as a car

    In traffic, motorcycles need as much distance to stop as cars, which is why following too closely is a frequent factor in crashes.

    Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Ride Within Your Abilities (Following Another Vehicle)

11. 11. What is the minimum following distance the manual recommends behind another vehicle in normal conditions?

    Correct answer: Two seconds

    Normally a minimum of two seconds of following distance should be kept behind the vehicle ahead, giving room to stop or swerve.

    Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Ride Within Your Abilities (Following Another Vehicle)

12. 12. Is lane sharing, riding side by side with a car in one lane, generally safe?

    Correct answer: No, both vehicles need a full lane

    Cars and motorcycles each need a full lane, so lane sharing is usually prohibited and leaves you vulnerable to a suddenly opened door or turning car.

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