Parking & Stopping

Study questions with answers

8 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. How should you park a motorcycle at a curb in North Carolina?

   Correct answer: At a 90-degree angle with the rear wheel to the curb

   Set the motorcycle at a right angle to the curb, with the back wheel resting against it.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Intersections

2. 2. When you pull off to the side of the road, why should you get as far off as you can?

   Correct answer: Because a roadside motorcycle is hard to see and could be hit

   A stopped motorcycle is very hard to spot from the road, so getting well clear keeps another driver from pulling off into the same spot.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Getting Off the Road

3. 3. Which move by a driver near parked cars does the manual call the most dangerous?

   Correct answer: Making a sudden U-turn

   A sudden U-turn is the most dangerous, since it can block the whole road and leave you nowhere to go.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Intersections

4. 4. If you see someone sitting in the driver's seat of a parked car, you should:

   Correct answer: Slow down, get their attention, and pass with caution

   Slow down, get the driver's attention with your horn if needed, and continue with caution in case they pull out or open a door.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Increasing Conspicuity

5. 5. When passing a row of parked cars, where within your lane is it best to ride?

   Correct answer: Toward the left of your lane

   Stay toward the left of your lane so you avoid opening doors, people stepping out, and drivers getting out of cars.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Intersections

6. 6. When passing parked cars with oncoming traffic present, where is it usually best to ride?

   Correct answer: In the middle of the lane to keep the biggest cushion

   With oncoming traffic, it is usually best to hold the middle of the lane to keep the widest possible cushion on both sides.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Intersections

7. 7. What is a major hazard a driver of a parked car can create for a passing rider?

   Correct answer: Pulling away from the curb into your path

   The driver may pull away from the curb without checking behind, or fail to see you and cut into your path.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Intersections

8. 8. When parking off the pavement, what can make it hard to set the side or center stand securely?

   Correct answer: Loose or sloped shoulder surfaces

   Loose or sloped shoulders can make the stand hard to set securely, so park carefully in those spots.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Getting Off the Road