Signals & Pavement Markings

Study questions with answers

11 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. Which of the following road-surface features tends to be slippery and reduce a two-wheeler's traction?

   Correct answer: Painted lines, steel plates, and metal grates

   Painted lines and arrows, steel construction plates, drainage grates, and manhole covers can all be slick, especially for two-wheelers.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Surface Hazards

2. 2. In addition to turn signals and your brake light, what else can a rider use to communicate intentions to others?

   Correct answer: Hand signals, when they are needed

   Riders can use hand signals when necessary to help communicate their intentions to other road users.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Preparing to Ride: Create Your Own Safety by Taking Responsibility

3. 3. What is a disadvantage of slowing down by downshifting to use engine braking?

   Correct answer: Your brake light does not light up to warn traffic behind you

   The drawback of engine braking is that the brake light does not come on, so drivers behind you are not warned you are slowing.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Riding a Two-Wheeled Motorcycle: Clutch Control and Shifting Gears

4. 4. What is the main purpose of using your turn signals before a lane change?

   Correct answer: To communicate your intended movement to others

   Turn signals communicate your intended movement to other road users so they can anticipate what you are about to do.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Changing Lanes

5. 5. Which of these is a good way to make yourself more visible to other drivers?

   Correct answer: Adding auxiliary lights and wearing reflective gear

   You can boost visibility by adding auxiliary lights, wearing retro-reflective gear, using your turn signals, and flashing your brake light.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Being Visible

6. 6. After you finish changing lanes, what should you do with your turn signal?

   Correct answer: Cancel it once the maneuver is complete

   Turn signals should be canceled once the maneuver is complete so you do not mislead other drivers about your next move.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Changing Lanes

7. 7. When preparing to pass another vehicle, what should you do to communicate your move?

   Correct answer: Signal, then check your blind spot before changing lanes

   Signal your intention, then check your blind spot before moving over, and cancel the signal once you complete the pass.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Passing

8. 8. How does flashing your brake light while slowing help other road users?

   Correct answer: It makes it easier for them to see that you are slowing down

   Flashing the brake light draws attention to the fact that you are slowing, helping following drivers notice your change in speed.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Being Visible

9. 9. What should you do before you begin changing lanes on your motorcycle?

   Correct answer: Signal and check over your shoulder for vehicles in your blind spot

   Signal your intention and check over your shoulder to be sure no vehicle is hiding in your blind spot before moving over.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Changing Lanes

10. 10. Why is it a problem to leave your turn signal blinking after you have completed a turn or lane change?

    Correct answer: It can mislead other drivers about what you plan to do next

    A signal left on can mislead other drivers about your next move, so it should be canceled once the maneuver is finished.

    Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Strategies for the Street: Changing Lanes

11. 11. Why should you flash your brake light when you slow down using engine braking?

    Correct answer: Because engine braking leaves your brake light off, so flashing it warns drivers behind you

    Engine braking does not activate the brake light, so flashing it lets drivers behind you know you are slowing.

    Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Riding a Two-Wheeled Motorcycle: Clutch Control and Shifting Gears