Protective Gear & Helmets

Study questions with answers

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

1. 1. When should tinted eye protection be avoided?

   Correct answer: When there is little outside light

   Dark or tinted eye protection should not be used when there is little outside light, such as at dusk or night.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), Oklahoma edition — Wear the Right Gear

2. 2. Roughly what share of motorcycle crashes result in head or neck injuries?

   Correct answer: About one out of every five

   The manual notes that about one in five motorcycle crashes leads to injuries to the head or neck.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), Oklahoma edition — Wear the Right Gear

3. 3. Riding boots or shoes should be tall and sturdy enough to do what?

   Correct answer: Cover and support the ankles

   Footwear should reach high enough to cover and support your ankles.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), Oklahoma edition — Wear the Right Gear

4. 4. Is a windshield mounted on the motorcycle an acceptable substitute for a face shield or goggles?

   Correct answer: No, because most will not shield your eyes from the wind

   A mounted windshield does not replace eye protection because most windshields will not keep wind out of your eyes.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), Oklahoma edition — Wear the Right Gear

5. 5. Steady exposure to engine and wind noise over time can lead to what, even for a rider in a full-face helmet?

   Correct answer: Permanent hearing damage

   Extended noise from the engine and the wind can bring on lasting hearing loss, so earplugs are advised even inside a full-face helmet.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), Oklahoma edition — Wear the Right Gear

6. 6. Why is it important that cold-weather clothing keep you warm?

   Correct answer: You cannot control the motorcycle well when numb

   You cannot control a motorcycle well when you are numb from the cold, so warm clothing matters for control.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), Oklahoma edition — Wear the Right Gear

7. 7. Why should a helmet always be kept securely fastened while you ride?

   Correct answer: So it does not fly off before it can protect you

   An unfastened helmet can come off during a crash before it has a chance to protect your head.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), Oklahoma edition — Wear the Right Gear

8. 8. Besides meeting DOT and state standards, which label offers added assurance that a helmet is well made?

   Correct answer: A Snell Memorial Foundation label

   A helmet carrying a Snell Memorial Foundation label gives an extra indication of quality beyond the basic standards.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), Oklahoma edition — Wear the Right Gear

9. 9. The manual recommends two main helmet styles offering different levels of coverage. What are they?

   Correct answer: Three-quarter and full face

   The two primary recommended helmet types are the three-quarter helmet and the full-face helmet.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), Oklahoma edition — Wear the Right Gear

10. 10. At the speeds under 30 mph where most crashes happen, a quality helmet can cut head and neck injuries by about how much?

    Correct answer: About one-half

    At typical crash speeds below 30 mph, a helmet can cut how often head-and-neck injuries happen and how serious they are by roughly half.

    Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), Oklahoma edition — Wear the Right Gear

11. 11. Why is wearing a riding jacket worthwhile even on a warm day?

    Correct answer: It helps prevent dehydration

    A proper jacket helps guard against dehydration, so it is worth wearing even in hot weather.

    Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), Oklahoma edition — Wear the Right Gear

12. 12. Which material offers the most protection for a riding jacket and pants?

    Correct answer: Leather

    Leather provides the most protection, though sturdy synthetic materials also protect well.

    Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), Oklahoma edition — Wear the Right Gear