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. Why should you stay in first gear while stopped in traffic?

   Correct answer: So you can move out of the way quickly if you need to

   Staying in first gear when stopped lets you pull away quickly if you suddenly need to move.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Shifting Gears

2. 2. How does a slippery surface affect your stopping needs?

   Correct answer: Your motorcycle needs more distance to stop, so slow down beforehand

   On slippery pavement your bike needs more room to stop, so reduce speed before you reach the slick surface, especially before wet curves.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Slippery Surfaces

3. 3. How can you check whether you are keeping a four-second following distance?

   Correct answer: Pick a fixed marker; when the vehicle ahead passes it, count to four before you reach it

   Choose a roadside marker; when the vehicle ahead passes it, count "one-thousand-one" to "one-thousand-four" — if you reach the marker before four, you are too close.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Following Another Vehicle

4. 4. If you find yourself riding beside vehicles in the lanes on both sides, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Speed up or drop back to find a spot clear of traffic on both sides

   To avoid being boxed in, adjust your speed — moving ahead or falling back — until you have open space on both sides.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Cars Alongside

5. 5. Before shifting into a lower gear, why must you make sure you are riding slowly enough?

   Correct answer: Otherwise the bike may lurch and the rear wheel may skid

   Downshifting when you are going too fast can make the motorcycle lurch and the rear wheel skid, so slow enough before you shift down.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Shifting Gears

6. 6. When carrying a passenger, how should you adjust your spacing and timing?

   Correct answer: Open up a larger space cushion and start slowing earlier

   A loaded motorcycle responds more slowly, so ride a bit slower, begin slowing sooner, keep a larger cushion, and wait for bigger gaps in traffic.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Riding with Passengers

7. 7. If there is no open lane to move into when a car is merging onto the highway, what can you do?

   Correct answer: Adjust your speed to open up space for the merging driver

   When you can't change lanes for a merging vehicle, change your speed to create a gap that lets the driver enter safely.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Merging Cars

8. 8. What is a common cause of riders running wide and crossing into another lane in a curve?

   Correct answer: Taking the curve too fast for their skill

   Riders often enter turns too fast, then can't hold the line and drift into another lane or off the road, so approach curves within your skill and the posted limit.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Turning

9. 9. What is the first thing to do when you see a slippery surface ahead?

   Correct answer: Slow down before you reach it to cut your chance of skidding

   Slowing before you get to a slippery patch reduces your risk of skidding and gives you more control.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Slippery Surfaces

10. 10. What does the handbook describe as the best protection you can have while riding?

    Correct answer: A cushion of space all around your motorcycle

    A cushion of space around the motorcycle gives you time to react and room to maneuver if another driver makes a mistake.

    Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Keeping Your Distance

11. 11. How should your following distance change when riding at night?

    Correct answer: Open it up wider than during the day

    Distances are harder to judge at night, so open up a greater following distance and allow more room to pass and be passed.

    Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Riding at Night

12. 12. Why can the center strip of a lane sometimes offer less traction?

    Correct answer: It collects oil and grease dripped from cars, especially at busy intersections

    The center of a lane collects oil and grease from cars; that strip is usually about two feet wide and is most slippery when wet or at busy intersections and toll booths.

    Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Lane Positions