Being Seen & Visibility

Study questions with answers

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

1. 1. Keeping your headlight on during the day makes a motorcycle about how much easier to notice?

   Correct answer: About twice as likely to be noticed

   Studies show a daytime motorcycle running its headlight is roughly twice as likely to be seen.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), Oklahoma edition — Increasing Conspicuity

2. 2. Flashing your brake light before you slow matters most in which situation?

   Correct answer: Where drivers may not expect it, such as mid-block

   It especially helps to flash the light before slowing where others would not expect it, such as mid-block.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), Oklahoma edition — Increasing Conspicuity

3. 3. At night, how should you adjust your speed and following distance?

   Correct answer: Slow down and keep three seconds or more of following distance

   Ride slower than in daylight and open your following distance to three seconds or more at night.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), Oklahoma edition — Increasing Conspicuity

4. 4. After you finish a turn, what should you check about your signal?

   Correct answer: That it has switched off

   Make sure your turn signal has switched off after the turn so a driver does not think you plan to turn again.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), Oklahoma edition — Increasing Conspicuity

5. 5. Which clothing colors are best for being seen by other drivers?

   Correct answer: Bright orange, red, yellow, or green

   Bright orange, red, yellow, or green garments are among the best choices for visibility.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), Oklahoma edition — Increasing Conspicuity

6. 6. When should you use your turn signals?

   Correct answer: Any time you change lanes or turn, even if no one seems near

   Signal whenever you change lanes or make a turn, even if it seems that nobody is nearby.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), Oklahoma edition — Increasing Conspicuity

7. 7. Assuming that other drivers cannot see you (pretending you are invisible) encourages you to do what?

   Correct answer: Stay hyper-aware of your surroundings

   Riding as if you are invisible keeps you hyper-aware and more likely to notice details around you.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), Oklahoma edition — Increasing Conspicuity

8. 8. Most motorcycles use convex mirrors. What is one thing to remember about them?

   Correct answer: They make cars look farther away than they are

   Convex mirrors give a wider view but make vehicles look farther away than they really are.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), Oklahoma edition — Increasing Conspicuity

9. 9. Because motorcycles have blind spots, what should you do before changing lanes?

   Correct answer: Turn your head to check the side for traffic

   Before changing lanes, glance over your shoulder toward the next lane for traffic, since mirrors alone leave blind spots.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), Oklahoma edition — Increasing Conspicuity

10. 10. Using the headlights of the car ahead at night can do what?

    Correct answer: Show the road better than your own high beam

    The headlights of the vehicle ahead can reveal the road better than even your own high beam.

    Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), Oklahoma edition — Increasing Conspicuity

11. 11. Because a motorcycle's brake light is less noticeable than a car's, what helps warn drivers behind you?

    Correct answer: Flashing the brake light before you slow

    Flashing your brake light before you slow helps others notice that you are slowing.

    Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), Oklahoma edition — Increasing Conspicuity

12. 12. How does a motorcycle's horn compare with a car's, and what does that mean for you?

    Correct answer: It is quieter, so use it but do not rely on it

    A motorcycle horn is not as loud as a car's, so use it but do not depend on it alone.

    Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), Oklahoma edition — Increasing Conspicuity