Hazards & Road Surfaces

Study questions with answers

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

1. 1. For tracks or pavement seams that run parallel to your path, how should you cross them?

   Correct answer: Cross them at no less than a 45-degree angle

   Move far enough away to cross parallel seams at an angle of at least 45 degrees, then make a deliberate turn across them.

   Source: Handling Dangerous Surfaces — Railroad Tracks

2. 2. When you must ride over an obstacle you cannot avoid, at what angle should you try to hit it?

   Correct answer: As close to a 90-degree angle as possible

   Approach a smaller obstacle as close to a 90-degree angle as possible so the front wheel is less likely to be deflected.

   Source: Handling Dangerous Surfaces — Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles

3. 3. If an object such as a pebble or insect strikes you or your face shield while riding, you should:

   Correct answer: Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the bars

   Hold your gaze forward on the road and keep both hands gripping the bars, then stop later to check for damage.

   Source: Mechanical Problems — Flying Objects

4. 4. If you cannot avoid a large animal such as a deer or elk that is in your path, you should:

   Correct answer: Brake and prepare to stop

   For large, unpredictable animals, brake and prepare to stop.

   Source: Mechanical Problems — Animals

5. 5. If a dog begins chasing your motorcycle, the manual recommends you:

   Correct answer: Approach slowly, then speed up to leave it behind

   Downshift and approach the dog slowly, then accelerate to leave it behind; do not kick at it, and keep control while looking where you want to go.

   Source: Mechanical Problems — Animals

6. 6. Which of these surfaces provides poor traction, especially right after rain begins?

   Correct answer: Fresh pavement just as rain begins

   Wet pavement is most slippery just after rain starts, before surface oil washes toward the edge of the road.

   Source: Handling Dangerous Surfaces — Slippery Surfaces

7. 7. Where do patches of ice most often form?

   Correct answer: In shaded areas, on bridges and overpasses

   Ice forms first in shaded or low spots, and on bridges and overpasses, which cool faster and thaw last.

   Source: Handling Dangerous Surfaces — Slippery Surfaces

8. 8. How should you use the brakes on a slippery surface?

   Correct answer: Use both brakes with gentle, gradual pressure

   Use both brakes with gentle, gradual pressure; the front brake still works, but squeeze it carefully to avoid locking the front wheel.

   Source: Handling Dangerous Surfaces — Slippery Surfaces

9. 9. If the drive chain or belt breaks while you are riding, you will notice:

   Correct answer: A sudden drop in drive to the back wheel

   When a chain or belt snaps, drive to the back wheel vanishes at once; roll off the throttle and brake to a halt somewhere safe.

   Source: Mechanical Problems — Drive Train Problems

10. 10. When crossing rain grooves or a bridge grating that makes the bike weave, you should:

    Correct answer: Relax and ride straight across at a steady speed

    Relax, hold a steady speed, and ride straight across; the wandering feeling is generally not dangerous, but zigzagging is far more hazardous.

    Source: Handling Dangerous Surfaces — Grooves and Gratings

11. 11. What is usually the safest way to cross railroad or trolley tracks that run across your lane?

    Correct answer: Ride straight across within your lane

    It is generally safer to ride straight within your lane over the tracks rather than turning to take them at a sharp angle that could send you into another lane.

    Source: Handling Dangerous Surfaces — Railroad Tracks

12. 12. When it starts to rain, which part of the lane is often the best place to ride?

    Correct answer: In the tire tracks left by other vehicles

    Ride in the tire tracks left by other vehicles when it rains; the left tire track is frequently the best position.

    Source: Handling Dangerous Surfaces — Slippery Surfaces