Maryland Motorcycle practice
Maryland Motorcycle: Hazards & Road Surfaces practice test
Gravel, wet pavement, grooved roads, and railroad tracks — reading and handling surfaces that matter far more on two wheels.
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
9 questions · pass with 7 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
Study questions with answers
9 sample Hazards & Road Surfaces questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.
Show all 9 questions with answers
1. How should you handle riding over rain grooves or a bridge grating?
Correct answer: Relax, keep a steady speed, and ride straight across
The wandering feeling on grooves or gratings is generally not dangerous; relax, keep a steady speed, and ride straight across rather than zigzagging.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Handling Dangerous Surfaces: Grooves and Gratings
2. How should you cross railroad or trolley tracks that run across your lane?
Correct answer: Ride straight within your lane to cross them
In most cases it is safer to hold a straight path inside your own lane when crossing tracks; swinging over to meet them squarely could push you into another lane.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Handling Dangerous Surfaces: Railroad Tracks and Pavement Seams
3. For pavement seams or tracks that run parallel to your path, at what angle should you cross them?
Correct answer: At least a 45-degree angle
Move far enough away, then cross parallel seams or tracks at an angle of at least 45 degrees with a quick, sharp turn so your tires don't get caught.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Handling Dangerous Surfaces: Railroad Tracks and Pavement Seams
4. If you must ride over an obstacle you can't avoid, at what angle should you approach it?
Correct answer: As close to a 90-degree angle as possible
Approach an unavoidable obstacle as close to a 90-degree angle as possible, slow down first, and rise slightly off the seat to absorb the shock.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Handling Dangerous Surfaces: Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles
5. How should you use your high beam when riding at night?
Correct answer: Use it when not following or meeting a car
Use the high beam to get all the light you can whenever you are not following or meeting another car, switching to low beam near traffic.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Riding at Night
6. The oily strip that collects drippings in the center of a lane is usually about how wide?
Correct answer: About two feet
The greasy center strip is normally no more than about two feet wide, and unless the road is wet the surface around it still gives good traction.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Keeping Your Distance: Lane Positions
7. What should a rider do at night to compensate for reduced visibility?
Correct answer: Reduce speed and increase following distance
At night, reduce speed so you don't override your headlight, increase following distance, and use your high beam when not near other cars.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Riding at Night
8. If you are being chased by a dog, what is the recommended response?
Correct answer: Approach slowly, then accelerate and steer away as you near it
Downshift and approach the dog slowly, then as you near the point where paths would meet, accelerate and steer away from it.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Animals
9. As you approach a slippery surface, when should you slow down?
Correct answer: Before you get to the slippery surface
Slow down before you reach the slippery surface to reduce your chance of skidding, since the bike needs more distance to stop there.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Handling Dangerous Surfaces: Slippery Surfaces
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