Top 10 DMV Test Questions – What You Must Know about Motorcycles
Sharing the Road with Motorcycles – What You Must Know
The increasing popularity of motorcycle riding is one reason for more DMV test questions about motorcycles on the permit exams.
Don’t ignore this chapter when studying your driver’s manual. In many states, questions about motorcycles are very likely to appear on the DMV test. You must be aware of several situations and conditions to share the road with motorcyclists safely.
Motorcyclists are More Vulnerable in Traffic
Motorcyclists are much more likely than a driver of a passenger car to die or become injured in a crash. According to NHTSA, motorcyclist deaths occurred 27 times more frequently than fatalities in other vehicles.
In a collision between a motorcycle and a passenger car, occupants of the passenger car are protected by the vehicle itself, safety belts, and airbags. Motorcyclists have very little to protect them. As a result, motorcyclists are often seriously injured in a crash.
Motorcyclists Have the Same Rights and Responsibilities
Look at the following DMV question example:
Compared to other highway users, motorcyclists:
- A. Have fewer rights and more responsibilities
- B. Have the same rights and responsibilities
- C. Have more rights and fewer responsibilities
The correct answer is B.
Motorcycles have the same rights to use our highways as any other vehicle. But many motorists fail to respect the rights of motorcyclists.
Responsibilities are also basically the same. Helmet use and a special license represent the minor differences between bikers and other motorists.
Some Road Conditions are Hazardous to Motorcyclists
Road conditions, which may be minor annoyances to the driver of the passenger car, can pose significant hazards to motorcyclists. Potholes, gravel, debris, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement can cause motorcyclists to change speed or direction abruptly.
You can avoid unnecessary accidents by being aware of a motorcycle’s limitations and the effect of poor road conditions. Keep a safe following distance and be alert to the motorcyclist’s maneuvers.
Bad Weather and Slippery Roads
Rain, wind, fog, and smog affect a motorcyclist’s vision far more than a passenger car’s driver. Face shields, windshields, or goggles may help the motorcyclist but cannot wholly compensate for poor visibility.
Motorcycle riders will often slow down under these conditions and may drive slower than the traffic flow. Respect a rider who adjusts speed and lane position due to weather conditions.
Slippery roads pose a hazard to both car drivers and motorcyclists. Always increase your following distance and consider that a motorcyclist can lose balance on a slippery road. Having just two or three tires means that a motorcycle has less traction against the road and less balance.
When roads are slick due to rain, snow, or ice, it is a good idea to double your normal following distance.
Where are Crashes between Cars and Motorcycles Most Likely to Occur?
Can you answer this question?
Where are car/motorcycle collisions most likely to occur?
- A. Open expressways
- B. Rural highways
- C. Intersections
Correct answer is C.
About half of all crashes involving a motorcycle, and a passenger vehicle occur at intersections.
The driver of a passenger vehicle turning left in front of oncoming motorcyclist results in many serious crashes. In this type of crash, the driver of the car is usually at fault.
Motorcycles are Small and Often Overlooked by Motorists
When a driver doesn’t see an oncoming motorcyclist, it is because of the motorcycle’s small size. Many drivers fail to pick the cyclist out of the traffic scene. Because of the small size, drivers also fail to judge the distance and speed of the motorcycle.
Before turning left at an intersection, be sure you see motorcycles and all other vehicles. Judge the distance and speed of any bike. Don’t turn until you know the way is clear.
If an oncoming motorcycle flashes its turn signal, wait until you are sure the motorcyclist will turn. Motorcycle signals aren’t always self-canceling; the cyclist may have forgotten to turn them off.
Look and Look Again
When changing lanes and turning, you should also be aware that a small motorcycle can easily disappear into your blind spots. Look, and look again to avoid sideswiping a motorcyclist.
To check your blind spots, glance quickly over your shoulder.
A driver of a passenger car should drive beside and share a lane with a motorcyclist:
- A. In no situation
- B. When overtaking on narrow roads
- C. In business or residential districts
Don’t Share the Lane with a Motorcycle
Respect the rights of motorcycle riders. Like all other vehicles on the highway, they are entitled to use the entire lane. Even if it isn’t illegal to share the lane in all states, it is unsafe.
Riders can change positions within the lane to see and be seen or to avoid small obstacles. Even if the lane is wide and the motorcyclist is riding far to the right side, there is not enough room for the two of you.
Remember, driving beside a motorcycle in the same lane is dangerous and often against the law. When you overtake a bike, always go all the way into another lane or move entirely to the left side of a two-way roadway. Never try to crowd cyclists in any way or force them to the edge of the road.
However, two motorcycles riding side by side may be permitted by state law.
Points to Remember for Your DMV Test
- Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other highway users.
- Motorcycles are small and often overlooked by other motorists.
- Because of their small size, it can be hard to judge the speed and distance of motorcycles.
- Most crashes occur at intersections when a car driver turns in front of a motorcycle.
- Motorcycle signals usually are not self-canceling, and riders sometimes forget to turn them off.
- It is illegal for a car driver to share the lane with a motorcycle.
More DMV questions and answers at FreeDMVTest.org: DMV Test Questions about Motorcyclists
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