Safe Driving Practices

Study questions with answers

12 sample Safe Driving Practices questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. Where should you start your right wrist when gripping the throttle to help avoid using too much throttle?

   Correct answer: Flat

   Starting with your right wrist flat helps keep you from accidentally applying too much throttle.

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

2. 2. When passing a row of parked cars, which lane position is generally best?

   Correct answer: Toward the left of your lane

   Staying toward the left of your lane when passing parked cars helps you avoid opening doors and people stepping out from between vehicles.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Ride Within Your Abilities (Passing Parked Cars)

3. 3. According to the manual, how many hours a day do experienced riders seldom try to exceed to avoid fatigue?

   Correct answer: About six hours

   To limit fatigue, experienced riders seldom try to ride more than about six hours in a day and take frequent breaks.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Being in Shape to Ride (Fatigue)

4. 4. Which four steps describe the proper way to handle a turn on a motorcycle?

   Correct answer: Slow, Look, Press, Roll

   The recommended turning sequence is Slow, Look, Press, and Roll: reduce speed, look through the turn, press the handgrip to lean, then roll on the throttle.

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

5. 5. How far ahead does the SEE strategy suggest a rider search for hazards that are further out?

   Correct answer: About 12 seconds ahead

   The strategy recommends searching for distant hazards by looking ahead to an area it would take about 12 seconds to reach, giving time to prepare before a situation becomes urgent.

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

6. 6. To make a motorcycle lean to the left in a normal-speed turn, in which direction do you press the handgrip?

   Correct answer: Press the left handgrip

   To lean left you press on the left handgrip: press left to lean left and go left; press right to lean right and go right.

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

7. 7. As you approach an intersection, covering the clutch lever and both brakes helps you do what?

   Correct answer: Reduce your reaction time

   Covering the clutch and both brakes in high-risk areas like intersections reduces the time you need to react if a hazard appears.

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

8. 8. When riding at night, why should you avoid overriding your headlight?

   Correct answer: So you can stop within the distance your light shows

   You should not let your total stopping distance exceed the distance your headlight illuminates, so slow down enough that you can stop within the range you can see.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Ride Within Your Abilities (Riding at Night)

9. 9. How often should you stop and get off the motorcycle to reduce fatigue on a long ride?

   Correct answer: At least every two hours

   The manual advises taking frequent rest breaks, stopping and getting off the motorcycle at least every two hours.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Being in Shape to Ride (Fatigue)

10. 10. When riding at night, how does the manual suggest you adjust your following distance?

    Correct answer: Open up to three seconds or more

    Because distances are harder to judge at night, you should open up a following distance of three seconds or more and allow more room to pass and be passed.

    Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Ride Within Your Abilities (Riding at Night)

11. 11. Why is wearing bright or reflective clothing recommended, given that most crashes happen in daylight?

    Correct answer: It increases your chances of being seen

    Because most crashes occur during the day and a rider is half of the visible surface of the rider-motorcycle unit, bright colors increase your chances of being seen.

    Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Increasing Conspicuity (Clothing)

12. 12. To keep your balance and control while riding, where should your knees be positioned?

    Correct answer: Against the gas tank

    Keeping your knees against the gas tank helps you maintain balance as the motorcycle turns.

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