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. How should your following distance change when carrying a passenger?

   Correct answer: Allow a greater following distance than usual

   With a passenger the bike responds more slowly, so allow a greater following distance and more room on each side.

   Source: New Jersey Motorcycle Manual — Carrying Passengers and Cargo

2. 2. When a vehicle passes you from behind, where should you position within the lane?

   Correct answer: Toward the center of the lane

   Move toward the center of the lane when a vehicle passes, since a small mistake by either of you could cause a sideswipe.

   Source: New Jersey Motorcycle Manual — Keep the Proper Distance

3. 3. Why stay well back from the vehicle ahead even when stopped?

   Correct answer: So you can escape if someone bears down from behind

   Leaving room while stopped makes it easier to move out of the way if a vehicle bears down on you from behind.

   Source: New Jersey Motorcycle Manual — Keep the Proper Distance

4. 4. In a staggered group formation, how far behind is the third rider from the second?

   Correct answer: A normal two-second distance

   Riding staggered, the third rider sits on the left, keeping the usual two-second gap back from the second.

   Source: New Jersey Motorcycle Manual — Learning Group Riding

5. 5. Under normal conditions, what minimum following distance does the manual recommend?

   Correct answer: Roughly a two-second gap from the vehicle ahead

   Under ordinary conditions the manual sets a minimum gap of about two seconds to the car in front.

   Source: New Jersey Motorcycle Manual — Keep the Proper Distance

6. 6. When you find yourself alongside a vehicle in its blind spot, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Speed up to get past quickly or drop back

   When alongside a vehicle, either speed up to get past it quickly or drop back out of the blind spot.

   Source: New Jersey Motorcycle Manual — See, Be Seen, and Be Heard

7. 7. What does the manual advise about riding directly alongside another vehicle?

   Correct answer: Avoid it; speed up or drop back until both sides are clear

   Avoid riding alongside vehicles; a driver could change lanes into you or block your escape route, so speed up or drop back.

   Source: New Jersey Motorcycle Manual — Keep the Proper Distance

8. 8. How should you handle a driver tailgating you?

   Correct answer: Increase the space ahead and let them pass when it is safe

   Open up more space ahead so the tailgater has room to react, and slow down to let them pass when it is clear.

   Source: New Jersey Motorcycle Manual — Keep the Proper Distance

9. 9. How many possible travel paths does each marked lane offer a motorcyclist?

   Correct answer: Three

   Each lane gives a motorcyclist three possible travel paths, so the rider can choose the most visible position.

   Source: New Jersey Motorcycle Manual — See, Be Seen, and Be Heard

10. 10. How should riders in a staggered formation pass another vehicle?

    Correct answer: One at a time

    Riders in a staggered group should pass one at a time, with each rider moving up only after the one ahead is safely by.

    Source: New Jersey Motorcycle Manual — Learning Group Riding

11. 11. How does carrying a passenger affect the motorcycle's handling?

    Correct answer: Accelerating, braking, and cornering all take more time

    Because of the added weight, accelerating, braking, and turning all take more time.

    Source: New Jersey Motorcycle Manual — Carrying Passengers and Cargo

12. 12. What is a benefit of keeping a two-second following distance?

    Correct answer: It gives time to react and a clearer view of road hazards

    The gap gives you time to react if the driver ahead stops suddenly and a better view of hazards like potholes and debris.

    Source: New Jersey Motorcycle Manual — Keep the Proper Distance