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. Which headlight beam should you use at night and in fog?

   Correct answer: Low beam at night and in fog

   Use the low beam at night and in fog; use the high beam whenever you are not following or meeting another vehicle to gather all the light you can.

   Source: Missouri Motorcycle Operator Manual — Increasing Conspicuity: Headlight

2. 2. Why are head checks needed in addition to checking your mirrors before changing lanes?

   Correct answer: Motorcycles have blind spots that mirrors don't show

   Motorcycles have blind spots just like cars, so before changing lanes you must turn your head and look to the side, checking both the next lane and the far lane.

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

3. 3. What does the manual say about relying on your motorcycle's horn?

   Correct answer: It is not as loud as a car's, so use it but don't rely on it

   A motorcycle horn is not as loud as a car's, so you should use it but not rely on it; keep time and space to maneuver as well.

   Source: Missouri Motorcycle Operator Manual — Increasing Conspicuity: Horn

4. 4. Why is keeping your headlight on during the day recommended?

   Correct answer: A daytime headlight makes you about twice as likely to be noticed

   Studies show that during the day a motorcycle with its headlight on is about twice as likely to be noticed by other drivers.

   Source: Missouri Motorcycle Operator Manual — Increasing Conspicuity: Headlight

5. 5. When should reflective clothing be worn according to the manual?

   Correct answer: Both day and night

   Reflective, bright-colored gear helps you be seen and should be worn both day and night, since reflective material helps drivers spot you from the front, sides, and behind.

   Source: Missouri Motorcycle Operator Manual — Increasing Conspicuity: Clothing

6. 6. After completing a turn, what should you do with your turn signal?

   Correct answer: Turn it off so drivers aren't misled

   Make sure the signal is turned off after your turn; a signal left blinking may lead a driver to pull into your path expecting you to turn again.

   Source: Missouri Motorcycle Operator Manual — Increasing Conspicuity: Signals

7. 7. Which hand signal tells the group to slow down?

   Correct answer: Arm straight out, palm down, swung downward

   To signal slow down, extend your arm straight out with the palm facing down and swing it down toward your side.

   Source: Missouri Motorcycle Operator Manual — Hand Signals

8. 8. When is it MOST important to flash your brake light before slowing?

   Correct answer: When you will slow suddenly or where others won't expect it

   Flash your brake light before you slow more quickly than others expect, such as turning off a high-speed highway, or where they may not expect it, such as mid-block or at an alley.

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

9. 9. In group riding hand signals, how is a full stop indicated?

   Correct answer: Arm extended straight down, palm facing back

   The stop hand signal is given with the arm extended straight down and the palm facing back.

   Source: Missouri Motorcycle Operator Manual — Hand Signals

10. 10. How is a road hazard on the right side of the path signaled to a group?

    Correct answer: By pointing with the right foot

    A hazard in the roadway on the right is indicated by pointing with the right foot, while a hazard on the left is pointed out with the left hand.

    Source: Missouri Motorcycle Operator Manual — Hand Signals

11. 11. To increase your chances of being seen, which clothing colors does the manual recommend?

    Correct answer: Bright, reflective colors like orange, yellow, or green

    Bright colors such as orange, red, yellow, or green help you be seen, and reflective, bright-colored gear is best because your body is half of the rider-and-motorcycle visible surface.

    Source: Missouri Motorcycle Operator Manual — Increasing Conspicuity: Clothing

12. 12. What is a characteristic of the convex (rounded) mirrors found on most motorcycles?

    Correct answer: They give a wider view but make cars seem farther away

    Convex mirrors give a wider view of the road behind but make cars appear farther away than they really are, so riders should practice judging distance and allow extra room.

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