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. In a slow, tight turn the manual recommends counterbalancing by:

   Correct answer: Leaning the motorcycle while keeping your body upright

   In slow, tight turns you counterbalance by leaning the motorcycle only while keeping your body upright and straight.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Turning

2. 2. The manual notes that most convex (rounded) motorcycle mirrors:

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

   Convex mirrors give a wider view of the road behind but make vehicles appear farther away than they really are.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity (Using Your Mirrors)

3. 3. To make a motorcycle lean and turn at normal road speed, the rider should press the handgrip:

   Correct answer: In the direction you want to go

   Press the handgrip on the side you want to go: press left to lean left and go left, press right to lean right and go right.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Turning

4. 4. For riding at night, the manual recommends that you:

   Correct answer: Slow down, increase distance, and use your high beam when clear

   At night, reduce your speed, increase following distance, and use your high beam when not following or meeting another vehicle.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity (Riding at Night)

5. 5. Keeping your knees against the gas tank while riding helps you:

   Correct answer: Maintain balance through turns

   Pressing your knees to the tank helps you keep your balance as the motorcycle turns.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Basic Vehicle Control (Body Position)

6. 6. Experienced riders search for hazards roughly how far ahead to spot situations before they become urgent?

   Correct answer: About 12 seconds ahead

   Riders look ahead to an area about 12 seconds away, giving time to prepare before a situation turns immediate.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - SEE Strategy (Search)

7. 7. To keep a proper grip and precise steering, the manual says a rider's hands should be positioned so the handgrips are:

   Correct answer: Even with or below your elbows

   Adjust the handlebars so your hands are even with or below your elbows, letting you use the proper muscles for precision steering.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Basic Vehicle Control (Body Position)

8. 8. Which of these is one of the manual's key points for lessening your chance of a crash?

   Correct answer: Maintain an adequate space cushion around you

   Being visible, communicating intentions, keeping a space cushion, searching ahead, separating hazards, and being ready to act all reduce crash risk.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Know Your Responsibilities

9. 9. When riding on a wet or grease-collecting road, why is the center strip of the lane usually still safe to use in dry conditions?

   Correct answer: Because a dry center strip offers adequate traction

   Unless the road is wet, the average center strip provides adequate traction, and you can ride to either side of the grease strip while staying in the center third.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Keeping Your Distance (Lane Positions)

10. 10. The manual advises which default lane position for good visibility, while noting no part of the lane must always be avoided?

    Correct answer: The left third of the lane as a default

    Many riders treat the left third of the lane, the left tire track, as their default position, then vary it as conditions warrant.

    Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Keeping Your Distance (Lane Positions)

11. 11. In busy, high-risk areas such as intersections or school zones, the manual says covering the clutch and both brakes:

    Correct answer: Reduces your reaction time

    Covering the clutch and both brakes reduces the time you need to react if something goes wrong.

    Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - SEE Strategy (Execute)

12. 12. When looking through a turn, the manual says a rider should turn:

    Correct answer: Just your head, keeping eyes level with the horizon

    Turn just your head, not your shoulders, and keep your eyes level with the horizon while looking where you want to go.

    Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Turning