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. How far ahead should you scan your path of travel?

   Correct answer: About 12 seconds

   Riders should scan their path of travel about 12 seconds ahead to spot and separate hazards early.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Know Your Responsibilities

2. 2. When should reflective clothing be worn?

   Correct answer: Both day and night

   Reflective gear helps others see you around the clock, so it should be worn during the day and at night.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Staying Visible: Clothing

3. 3. In a slow, tight turn, how should you position your body relative to the motorcycle?

   Correct answer: Keep your body upright and let only the motorcycle lean

   In slow, tight turns you counterbalance by leaning the motorcycle while keeping your body straight; in normal turns the rider and bike lean together.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Turning

4. 4. Which sequence describes the four steps for taking a turn under control?

   Correct answer: Slow, look, lean, roll

   The four steps for a controlled turn are Slow, Look, Lean, and Roll: reduce speed first, look through the turn, lean the bike, then roll on the throttle.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Turning

5. 5. To make the motorcycle lean into a turn to the left, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Press on the left handgrip — press left, lean left, go left

   To lean and turn, press on the grip in the direction of the turn: press left to lean and go left, press right to lean and go right.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Turning

6. 6. Why should you ride slower at night than during the day?

   Correct answer: Because it is harder to see and be seen, so slowing gives you more chance to avoid a hazard

   At night it is harder to see and be seen, so riding more slowly — especially on unfamiliar roads — improves your chances of spotting and avoiding hazards.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Riding at Night

7. 7. How often does the handbook suggest stopping to rest on a long ride?

   Correct answer: At least every two hours, getting off the bike

   To fight fatigue, take frequent breaks — stop and get off the motorcycle at least every two hours.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Fatigue

8. 8. About how long do experienced riders limit themselves to in a single day to manage fatigue?

   Correct answer: About six hours

   Experienced riders rarely try to ride more than about six hours in a day, because riding is more tiring than driving a car.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Fatigue

9. 9. How should you sit to control a motorcycle well?

   Correct answer: Sit so your arms steer the bike rather than prop you up

   Sit so that your arms are free to steer instead of supporting your weight, with elbows slightly bent when you hold the grips.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Basic Vehicle Control: Body Position

10. 10. What is one sign of a good, protective helmet?

    Correct answer: It fits snugly all the way around and is free of cracks or frayed straps

    A good helmet meets DOT and state standards, hugs your head snugly all around, and shows no damage — no cracks, no loose padding, no frayed straps.

    Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Helmet Selection

11. 11. What should you do with your knees while riding to help keep your balance?

    Correct answer: Keep them pressed against the gas tank

    Keeping your knees against the gas tank helps you stay balanced as the motorcycle turns.

    Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Basic Vehicle Control: Body Position

12. 12. How often should you make a complete check of your motorcycle?

    Correct answer: Before every ride

    A motorcycle needs frequent attention, so make a complete check — tires, fluids, lights, signals, and brakes — before every ride.

    Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Check Your Motorcycle