Speed & Space Management

Study questions with answers

12 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. Why is speeding up to escape a tailgater a poor idea?

   Correct answer: You usually just end up tailgated at a higher speed

   Outrunning a tailgater usually just leaves you with the same tailgater, now following at a higher and riskier speed.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Six — Being followed

2. 2. On a curvy road or in poor visibility, which formation and spacing is preferred for a group?

   Correct answer: Single file with at least a two-second following distance

   Single file with a minimum two-second following distance is preferred on curves, in poor visibility, on bad surfaces, or entering and leaving highways.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Nine — Group riding

3. 3. What minimum following distance does the manual recommend for new riders?

   Correct answer: Four seconds

   New riders should keep at least a four-second following distance behind the vehicle ahead for room to stop and maneuver.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Six — Following another vehicle

4. 4. When should you open your following distance to five seconds or more?

   Correct answer: When riding 40 mph or faster, on slippery pavement, or in heavy traffic

   Stretch to five seconds or more when riding 40 mph or faster, on slippery pavement, when you can't see past the vehicle ahead, or in heavy traffic.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Six — Following another vehicle

5. 5. Increasing your following distance primarily gives you which two things?

   Correct answer: Time to react and space to maneuver

   A larger space cushion provides time to react and room to maneuver around hazards.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Six — Space management

6. 6. If hazards are on your left, which lane paths are generally best?

   Correct answer: Path 2 or 3, away from the hazard

   Ride in path 2 or 3 when hazards are on your left, and path 1 or 2 when they are on your right.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Six — Lane positions

7. 7. Each traffic lane gives a motorcycle how many usable paths of travel?

   Correct answer: Three

   A single lane offers three paths of travel, and a rider changes among them as conditions change.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Six — Lane positions

8. 8. About how wide is the oily strip that collects drippings in the center of a lane?

   Correct answer: No more than about two feet

   The center oil strip is usually no wider than two feet, and unless the road is wet, the center still offers adequate traction.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Six — Lane positions

9. 9. When following other motorcycles, what formation should you use?

   Correct answer: A staggered formation

   Ride in a staggered formation rather than pairing up, and move to single file for curves, turns, and highway entrances or exits.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Nine — Group riding

10. 10. What happens to your available lean angle on a crowned road?

    Correct answer: It is reduced, so you should slow down

    A crowned road reduces ground clearance and the available lean angle, so slow down and use caution.

    Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Eight — Crowned roads

11. 11. When you must ride through a long stretch of sand or gravel in a work zone, what does the manual advise?

    Correct answer: Downshift and hold a steady speed

    For long sand or gravel stretches, downshift and hold a steady speed, braking lightly in a straight line if needed.

    Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Eight — Work zones

12. 12. To measure your following distance, you count seconds using what?

    Correct answer: A fixed roadside object that the vehicle ahead passes

    Pick a fixed roadside object; when the vehicle ahead passes it, count the seconds until you reach the same point.

    Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Six — Estimating following distance