Speed & Space Management

Study questions with answers

10 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. If no traffic is present, what is a good cornering line through a curve?

   Correct answer: Start outside, move to the inside, then exit to the outside

   With no traffic, start at the outside of the curve to widen your line of sight, move toward the inside as you turn, then move to the outside to exit.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Cornering

2. 2. How many paths of travel does each traffic lane offer a motorcycle?

   Correct answer: Three

   Each lane gives a motorcycle three paths of travel, and you should pick the one that best lets you see, be seen, and hold a space cushion.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Lane Positions

3. 3. A common cause of single-vehicle motorcycle crashes in curves is what?

   Correct answer: Running wide in the curve and hitting the road or an object

   Many single-bike crashes come from drifting wide mid-corner and striking the pavement or a fixed object, so stay within your ability and the posted limit.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Cornering

4. 4. If vehicles or hazards are only on your left, which lane paths are generally better?

   Correct answer: Path 2 or 3, away from the hazards on your left

   When problems are on your left only, ride in path 2 or 3; when hazards are on your right only, stay in path 1 or 2.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Lane Positions

5. 5. What minimum following distance should a motorcycle normally keep behind the vehicle ahead?

   Correct answer: At least three seconds

   Keep at least a three-second following distance in normal conditions, since a motorcycle needs about as much room to stop as a car does.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Following Another Vehicle

6. 6. Does the oily strip in the center of a lane make it unsafe to ride there?

   Correct answer: No, unless the road is wet the center portion still has enough traction

   The greasy center strip is usually no wider than about two feet, and unless the road is wet the rest of the center portion still gives enough traction to ride safely.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Lane Positions

7. 7. When should you increase your following distance beyond the normal minimum?

   Correct answer: When the road is slippery, you cannot see ahead, or someone may cut in

   Open up more space when the pavement is slippery, when you cannot see past the vehicle ahead, or when heavy traffic might let someone cut in front of you.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Following Another Vehicle

8. 8. How can you check whether your following distance is at least three seconds?

   Correct answer: Count seconds from a fixed marker after the vehicle's bumper passes it

   Pick a fixed marker ahead; when the vehicle's rear bumper passes it, count the seconds. If you reach the marker before a count of three, you are too close.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Following Another Vehicle

9. 9. When vehicles are traveling on both sides of you, which lane position is usually best?

   Correct answer: The center of the lane, path 2

   With traffic on either side, path 2 in the middle of the lane is generally the safest place to keep a cushion of space.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Lane Positions

10. 10. What is the best all-around protection a rider can keep on the road?

    Correct answer: A cushion of space around the motorcycle

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

    Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Keeping Your Distance