Signals & Pavement Markings

Study questions with answers

12 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. Holding one arm with the index finger pointed straight up is the group signal for:

   Correct answer: Ride single file

   An arm with the index finger pointed straight up tells the group to form a single file.

   Source: Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual — Hand Signals

2. 2. In an emergency, the manual says to sound your horn:

   Correct answer: Loud and long while preparing to stop or swerve

   For an emergency, use a long, loud blast and be ready to brake or steer away from the danger.

   Source: Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual — Increasing Conspicuity: Horn

3. 3. The manual stresses that turn signals matter even more for motorcyclists than for drivers of cars because riders are:

   Correct answer: More vulnerable in traffic

   A rider's added vulnerability makes clear signaling especially important so others know your intentions.

   Source: Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual — Increasing Conspicuity: Signals

4. 4. The manual says to make a special point of checking your mirrors:

   Correct answer: While stopped at an intersection to watch traffic coming from behind

   Watch your mirrors when stopped at an intersection because inattentive drivers approaching from behind may not notice you.

   Source: Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual — Increasing Conspicuity: Using Your Mirrors

5. 5. Because mirrors alone cannot reveal blind spots, before changing lanes you should:

   Correct answer: Turn your head and look to the side

   Motorcycles have blind spots, so a head check to the side is needed in addition to a mirror check before changing lanes.

   Source: Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual — Increasing Conspicuity: Head Checks

6. 6. The manual suggests flashing your brake light before slowing mainly because a motorcycle's brake light is:

   Correct answer: Usually less noticeable than a car's

   A motorcycle brake light is typically not as noticeable as a car's, so flashing it helps others realize you are slowing.

   Source: Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual — Increasing Conspicuity: Brake Light

7. 7. The manual suggests a quick beep of the horn is a good idea:

   Correct answer: Before passing someone who might move into your lane

   A short beep is a good idea before passing anyone who could drift into your lane, such as a driver tailgating the car ahead.

   Source: Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual — Increasing Conspicuity: Horn

8. 8. The manual recommends riding with your headlight on:

   Correct answer: At all times, including in daylight

   Keeping the headlight on at all times makes the motorcycle far easier to notice; by day a lit machine is about twice as likely to be seen.

   Source: Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual — Increasing Conspicuity: Headlight

9. 9. Most motorcycle mirrors are convex, which means they:

   Correct answer: Give a wider view but make vehicles look farther away

   Rounded convex mirrors show a wider view of the road behind but make following vehicles appear more distant than they really are.

   Source: Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual — Increasing Conspicuity: Using Your Mirrors

10. 10. In the group riding hand signals, extending the left arm straight down with the palm facing back means:

    Correct answer: Stop

    An arm extended straight down with the palm to the rear is the hand signal for stop.

    Source: Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual — Hand Signals

11. 11. Opening and closing the hand with fingers and thumb extended tells the group that:

    Correct answer: A rider's turn signal was left on

    Opening and closing the hand with fingers and thumb spread is the reminder that a turn signal has been left blinking.

    Source: Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual — Hand Signals

12. 12. It is especially wise to flash your brake light before slowing:

    Correct answer: Where a following driver would not expect it, such as mid-block or at an alley

    Flash the brake light when you slow more sharply than expected or in spots others don't anticipate, like the middle of a block or an alley.

    Source: Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual — Increasing Conspicuity: Brake Light