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. What does the manual recommend for a rider's footwear?

   Correct answer: Sturdy footwear that covers and supports the ankles

   Boots or shoes should be tall and sturdy enough to cover and support the ankles, with hard, slip-resistant soles and short heels.

   Source: Wear the Right Gear — Clothing

2. 2. How does the manual describe a windshield mounted on the motorcycle as eye protection?

   Correct answer: It is not a substitute for a face shield or goggles

   A windshield is not an acceptable replacement for a face shield or goggles; most will not keep the wind out of a rider's eyes.

   Source: Wear the Right Gear — Eye and Face Protection

3. 3. A label from the Snell Memorial Foundation on a helmet tells a buyer that the helmet:

   Correct answer: Offers an extra assurance of quality

   A Snell label gives an added assurance of quality on top of meeting DOT and state standards.

   Source: Wear the Right Gear — Helmet Selection

4. 4. The manual describes two primary helmet styles that provide different levels of coverage. They are:

   Correct answer: Three-quarter and full face

   The two recommended coverage styles are three-quarter and full-face helmets.

   Source: Wear the Right Gear — Helmet Selection

5. 5. Why is it important to keep a helmet securely fastened whenever you ride?

   Correct answer: It could fly off in a crash before protecting you

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

   Source: Wear the Right Gear — Helmet Selection

6. 6. Most motorcycle crashes described in the manual happen on trips that are:

   Correct answer: Shorter than about five miles

   Crashes tend to occur on short outings of under five miles, often only a few minutes after the rider sets off.

   Source: Wear the Right Gear — Helmet Use

7. 7. Which condition should cause you to reject a helmet when choosing one?

   Correct answer: It has cracks, loose padding, or worn straps

   Reject any helmet showing obvious defects, for example a crack, padding that has come loose, or worn straps, and confirm it fits snugly.

   Source: Wear the Right Gear — Helmet Selection

8. 8. Compared with a rider who is not wearing one, a helmeted rider's chance of surviving a head injury is about:

   Correct answer: Three times greater

   Regardless of speed, a rider who has a helmet on during a crash is about three times as likely to survive a head injury compared with one who wears none.

   Source: Wear the Right Gear — Helmet Use

9. 9. Why does the manual suggest wearing a riding jacket even during warm weather?

   Correct answer: To help prevent dehydration

   A jacket helps guard against dehydration, and many are built to protect without causing the rider to overheat.

   Source: Wear the Right Gear — Clothing

10. 10. Under Utah law, which riders must wear approved protective headgear on public streets and highways?

    Correct answer: Everyone younger than 21 years of age

    Utah makes headgear meeting federal standards mandatory for anyone under 21 who operates or rides a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle on a public road.

    Source: Protective Headgear (Helmets)

11. 11. Which clothing material does the manual say offers a rider the greatest protection?

    Correct answer: Leather

    Leather is singled out as offering the most protection, though sturdy synthetic gear also provides substantial coverage.

    Source: Wear the Right Gear — Clothing

12. 12. What advantage does a shatter-resistant face shield give a rider that goggles do not?

    Correct answer: It shields the whole face, not just the eyes

    A face shield covers and protects the entire face, while goggles guard only the eyes.

    Source: Wear the Right Gear — Eye and Face Protection