M1 Safe Riding Practices 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the safest way to position your motorcycle within a lane when traffic conditions are normal?
- Ride in the center where oil and grease build up
- Ride in the left or right portion of the lane for visibility and space (Correct answer)
- Ride on the far right edge near the curb
- Constantly weave between all three lane positions
Correct answer: Ride in the left or right portion of the lane for visibility and space
Riding in the left or right third of the lane improves your visibility to other drivers and gives you an escape path.
Question 2: Before changing lanes on a motorcycle, in addition to using mirrors and signaling, you should always:
- Rev the engine to warn others
- Turn your head to check your blind spot (Correct answer)
- Close your eyes briefly to focus
- Brake hard to slow down first
Correct answer: Turn your head to check your blind spot
Mirrors have blind spots, so turning your head to look before changing lanes is essential.
Question 3: What is the recommended minimum following distance behind another vehicle under ideal conditions?
- 1 second
- 2 seconds (Correct answer)
- 4 seconds
- Half a second
Correct answer: 2 seconds
A minimum two-second following distance gives you time to react and stop safely.
Question 4: When riding at night, how should you adjust your following distance and speed?
- Increase following distance and reduce speed (Correct answer)
- Decrease following distance to see brake lights better
- Keep everything the same as daytime
- Increase speed to reach your destination faster
Correct answer: Increase following distance and reduce speed
Reduced visibility at night means you should slow down and allow more space to react to hazards.
Question 5: What should you do when being passed by another vehicle?
- Speed up to prevent the pass
- Move to the far edge of your lane away from the passing vehicle
- Stay in the center portion of your lane and hold your speed (Correct answer)
- Swerve toward the passing vehicle to claim your space
Correct answer: Stay in the center portion of your lane and hold your speed
Holding a steady speed in the center portion of your lane keeps you predictable and avoids wind blast turbulence.
Question 6: Why should a motorcyclist avoid riding in the 'No-Zone' of large trucks?
- It is illegal in every state
- The truck driver cannot see you in those blind spots (Correct answer)
- It uses more fuel
- The road surface is always worse there
Correct answer: The truck driver cannot see you in those blind spots
Large trucks have extensive blind spots where the driver cannot see a motorcycle.
Question 7: What is the best strategy for handling a group ride safely?
- Ride side by side to stay close together
- Use a staggered formation to maintain space and visibility (Correct answer)
- Tailgate the rider ahead to reduce gaps
- Ride single file only on the highway
Correct answer: Use a staggered formation to maintain space and visibility
A staggered formation keeps riders spaced with room to maneuver while staying grouped.
M1 Safe Riding Practices 2
What is the safest way to position your motorcycle within a lane when traffic conditions are normal?