Parking & Stopping

Study questions with answers

11 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. When carrying a passenger, how should you adjust your approach to stops?

   Correct answer: Start slowing earlier and keep more space

   With a passenger the motorcycle takes longer to slow, so you should start slowing earlier as you approach a stop and keep a larger space cushion.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Carrying Passengers and Cargo (Riding With Passengers)

2. 2. When a group of riders parks together, what parking arrangement does the manual encourage?

   Correct answer: So the group can pull through and leave as a unit

   The manual suggests parking as a group where you can pull through, avoiding downhill or head-in parking, so the group can depart smoothly as a unit.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Group Riding (Parking)

3. 3. Before you leave the road to rest or check your motorcycle on a soft or grassy shoulder, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Check that the surface is firm and slow down first

   You should make sure the roadside surface is firm enough to ride on, and if it is soft grass or loose sand, slow way down before you turn onto it.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Crash Avoidance (Getting Off the Road)

4. 4. For normal stops, how many brakes should a rider use?

   Correct answer: Both brakes together

   You should always use both brakes every time you slow or stop, which builds the habit of using both properly in an emergency.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Ride Within Your Abilities (Braking)

5. 5. The front brake on most motorcycles can supply what share of the total stopping power?

   Correct answer: 70 percent or more

   The front brake is more powerful and can provide 70 percent or more of your total stopping power, so you should always use both brakes.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Ride Within Your Abilities (Braking)

6. 6. When parking a two-wheel motorcycle next to a curb, how should you position it?

   Correct answer: At an angle with the rear wheel to the curb

   The manual advises parking a motorcycle at an angle with the rear wheel to the curb, though some cities require parallel parking instead.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Ride Within Your Abilities (Parking at the Roadside)

7. 7. How should a three-wheel motorcycle or a motorcycle with a sidecar be parked at a curb?

   Correct answer: Parallel to the curb with the parking brake set

   Because of its width and length, a three-wheel motorcycle should be parked parallel to the curb with the parking brake set, rather than at a 90-degree angle.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Three-Wheel Supplement (Parking at the Roadside)

8. 8. To make a quick stop, how should you apply the front brake?

   Correct answer: Squeeze it firmly and progressively without grabbing

   For a quick stop, squeeze the front brake lever firmly and progressively; do not grab it, and apply the rear brake at the same time.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Crash Avoidance (Quick Stops)

9. 9. Even when stopped behind a vehicle, why should you keep well back from it?

   Correct answer: So you can escape if hit from behind or if it rolls back

   Keeping well behind a stopped vehicle makes it easier to move out of the way if someone bears down from behind and gives space if the vehicle ahead rolls back.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Ride Within Your Abilities (Following Another Vehicle)

10. 10. When you signal that you will slow down and pull off the road, why is it especially important to check behind first?

    Correct answer: Drivers behind may not expect you to slow

    Drivers behind may not expect you to slow down, so you should give a clear signal and check your mirror and blind spot before slowing and changing direction.

    Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Crash Avoidance (Getting Off the Road)

11. 11. If you accidentally lock the rear brake on a good-traction surface while stopping in a straight line, what can you do?

    Correct answer: Keep it locked until fully stopped if upright and straight

    On good traction you can keep the rear wheel locked until you completely stop, and you can still control the motorcycle if it is upright and traveling straight.

    Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Crash Avoidance (Quick Stops)