Parking & Stopping

Study questions with answers

12 sample Parking & Stopping questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. When you are stopped in traffic, why keep well back from the vehicle ahead?

   Correct answer: So you can escape if someone approaches from behind

   Keeping a gap while stopped lets you pull clear quickly if a vehicle rushes up behind you, or if the one ahead rolls backward.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Keeping Your Distance: Following Another Vehicle

2. 2. If you accidentally lock the rear wheel on good traction during a straight-line stop, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Keep it locked until you stop, staying straight

   On a good surface in a straight line you can keep the rear wheel locked until you have fully stopped, staying upright and straight.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Crash Avoidance: Quick Stops

3. 3. What is the safest technique if you must stop quickly while in a curve?

   Correct answer: Straighten the bike upright first, then brake

   The best method is to straighten the motorcycle upright first and then brake, since a leaning bike has less traction available for braking.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Crash Avoidance: Quick Stops

4. 4. If the front wheel locks during a quick stop, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Release it, then reapply firmly

   Let go of the front brake right away and then squeeze it firmly again, since a locked front wheel can send you out of control.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Crash Avoidance: Quick Stops

5. 5. Why should you avoid grabbing the front brake or stomping the rear brake?

   Correct answer: It can lock the brakes and cause loss of control

   Grabbing the front lever or stomping the rear pedal can lock the brakes and cause a loss of control.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Ride Within Your Abilities: Braking

6. 6. To stop quickly, how should you apply the front brake?

   Correct answer: Squeeze it firmly and progressively

   Squeeze the front brake lever firmly and progressively; don't grab it, and if the front wheel locks, release and reapply while pressing the rear brake.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Crash Avoidance: Quick Stops

7. 7. Which gear should you remain in while stopped so you can move quickly if needed?

   Correct answer: First gear

   Stay in first gear while stopped so you can pull away fast if you need to move out of the way.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Ride Within Your Abilities: Shifting Gears

8. 8. If you cannot straighten the motorcycle and must brake while leaning, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Apply light brakes and reduce throttle, then add more as you straighten

   Apply light brakes and reduce throttle, then as you slow and lean less, gradually add brake pressure until you are upright for maximum braking.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Crash Avoidance: Quick Stops

9. 9. When parking on the shoulder, why does the manual warn about loose or sloped ground?

   Correct answer: It can make setting the stand difficult

   Loose and sloped shoulders can make it hard to set the side or center stand, so choose your parking spot and set the stand carefully.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Getting Off the Road: Park Carefully

10. 10. In the normal-stop part of the two-wheel skill test, you must bring the motorcycle to a smooth stop using what?

    Correct answer: Both brakes

    The rider must come to a smooth normal stop, with the front tire's contact patch inside a marked box, using both brakes.

    Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — On-Cycle Skill Test: Cone Weave, Normal Stop

11. 11. Which brakes should you use every time you slow or stop?

    Correct answer: Both brakes together

    Always use both brakes when stopping; using both even for normal stops builds the habit you'll need for an emergency.

    Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Ride Within Your Abilities: Braking

12. 12. During a quick stop, weight shifts forward, so the front brake can provide about how much of the stopping power?

    Correct answer: About 70 percent or more

    Because weight transfers onto the front wheel, the front brake can supply 70 percent or more of the total stopping power.

    Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Crash Avoidance: Quick Stops