Signals & Pavement Markings

Study questions with answers

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

1. 1. How can you make your brake light more noticeable to a driver behind?

   Correct answer: Tap the foot brake to flash it before slowing

   Flashing the brake light by tapping the foot brake helps a following driver notice you are slowing.

   Source: Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual - Section 4: See and Be Seen

2. 2. On most motorcycles the brake light is harder to notice because it:

   Correct answer: Comes on together with the taillight and headlight

   Because the taillight is already on with the headlight, the brake light stands out less than a car's.

   Source: Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual - Section 4: See and Be Seen

3. 3. It is especially important to flash your brake light when you will:

   Correct answer: Slow more suddenly, or where others will not expect it

   Flash the brake light when slowing unexpectedly, such as turning off a fast highway or mid-block.

   Source: Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual - Section 4: See and Be Seen

4. 4. You should use your turn signals:

   Correct answer: Any time you plan to change lanes, even if no one seems near

   Signal every lane change and turn, even when you think no one is around, because unseen cars cause trouble.

   Source: Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual - Section 4: See and Be Seen

5. 5. At night, which type of gear helps drivers spot you best?

   Correct answer: Reflective material on your helmet and jacket

   Reflective material works best at night, helping drivers ahead, behind, and to the side see you.

   Source: Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual - Section 4: See and Be Seen

6. 6. Using your high beam during the day tends to:

   Correct answer: Make you more noticeable to oncoming drivers

   A daytime high beam increases the chance oncoming drivers will spot you.

   Source: Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual - Section 4: See and Be Seen

7. 7. Which clothing is best for being seen during daytime riding?

   Correct answer: Bright or fluorescent orange, yellow, or green

   Bright, fluorescent clothing is best for daytime visibility, while reflective gear works best at night.

   Source: Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual - Section 4: See and Be Seen

8. 8. Each marked traffic lane effectively gives a motorcyclist how many usable paths of travel?

   Correct answer: Three, each about four feet wide

   A lane offers roughly three four-foot paths, letting you position for the best visibility.

   Source: Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual - Section 4: See and Be Seen

9. 9. Leaving a turn signal on after your turn is:

   Correct answer: As dangerous as never signaling at all

   A signal left on may make a driver think you will turn again and pull into your path, so cancel it.

   Source: Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual - Section 4: See and Be Seen

10. 10. During the day, a motorcycle running with its lights off is:

    Correct answer: Twice as likely to be overlooked by other drivers

    Research indicates that in daylight a bike running without its lights is roughly twice as easy to miss.

    Source: Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual - Section 4: See and Be Seen

11. 11. The 'grease strip' in the center of a lane is usually:

    Correct answer: No more than about two feet wide

    Because the grease strip is usually under two feet wide within a four-foot center portion, you can ride beside it.

    Source: Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual - Section 4: See and Be Seen

12. 12. To be seen by other drivers, when should your headlight be on?

    Correct answer: At all times while riding

    Keeping the headlight on at all times is the best way to help others notice your motorcycle.

    Source: Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual - Section 4: See and Be Seen