Braking & Emergency Stops

Study questions with answers

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

1. 1. If you cannot straighten immediately before braking in a curve, you should:

   Correct answer: Brake smoothly and gradually, reducing lean as you slow

   When you cannot straighten first, brake gently and ease off the lean, adding brake pressure as the bike comes upright.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Stopping Quickly in a Curve

2. 2. To stop as quickly as possible in a curve, it is best to first:

   Correct answer: Straighten the motorcycle and square the handlebars, then brake

   The safest quick stop in a curve begins by bringing the bike upright and squaring the bars before braking hard.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Stopping Quickly in a Curve

3. 3. An ABS system can release and reapply brake pressure:

   Correct answer: More than 15 times per second

   ABS can cycle brake pressure more than fifteen times a second to keep braking effective.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS)

4. 4. In normal conditions, the minimum following distance behind the vehicle ahead is:

   Correct answer: Two seconds

   A minimum two-second gap gives room to stop or swerve if the vehicle ahead stops suddenly.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Following Another Vehicle

5. 5. As you brake and the motorcycle's weight shifts forward, the front wheel:

   Correct answer: Gains grip, letting you apply the front brake more firmly

   Braking moves weight forward, giving the front tire more grip so the front brake can be pressed harder.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Maximum Straight-Line Braking

6. 6. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are designed mainly to:

   Correct answer: Prevent wheel lock-up and skids in straight-line hard stops

   ABS helps prevent the wheels from locking and skidding during hard, straight-line braking.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS)

7. 7. For normal slowing or stopping, you should use:

   Correct answer: Both brakes every time

   Using both brakes every time you slow builds the habit needed for emergencies.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Braking

8. 8. In the last few feet of a stop, you should straighten the handlebars to:

   Correct answer: Keep your balance and stay upright

   Squaring the handlebars in the final feet of a stop helps you balance and remain upright.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Stopping Quickly in a Curve

9. 9. The front brake can supply about how much of a motorcycle's total stopping power?

   Correct answer: At least 70 percent

   The front brake is the stronger of the two and can provide at least 70% of stopping power.

   Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Braking

10. 10. Any time the motorcycle is leaned over, the traction available for braking is:

    Correct answer: Reduced

    Leaning uses up traction for cornering, leaving less available for braking.

    Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Braking in a Corner

11. 11. A linked braking system:

    Correct answer: Applies both brakes when either the lever or pedal is used

    Linked brakes tie the front and rear together so using either control applies pressure to both.

    Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Linked and Integrated Braking Systems

12. 12. Suppose you lock the rear brake by accident on a surface with good grip. You can then:

    Correct answer: Keep it locked until you stop, as long as you are upright and going straight

    A locked rear wheel can be held locked to a stop if the motorcycle is upright and traveling in a straight line.

    Source: Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual, Quick Stops