A helmet fits your head, but its strap is frayed and padding is loose. What should you do before riding?
Correct answer: Choose an undamaged, snug-fitting approved helmet that fastens securely.
Fit alone is not enough. Damaged padding or a damaged strap can compromise protection and retention; the helmet needs to be sound and securely fastened.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual, REV. 2/15, currently linked by Alaska DMV; Helmet Selection; printed page 2, physical PDF page 9. Riding guidance reviewed September 28, 2026. ↗
Before an evening ride, you notice that your tinted face shield is scratched enough to blur headlights. Which choice best protects your vision?
Correct answer: Use clear, undamaged eye or face protection that stays secure and resists fogging.
A rider needs a clear view, including to the sides. The manual advises against tinted protection in low light and calls for secure, scratch-free protection with airflow to reduce fogging.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual, REV. 2/15, currently linked by Alaska DMV; Eye and Face Protection; printed pages 2-3, physical PDF pages 9-10. Riding guidance reviewed September 28, 2026. ↗
A ride will continue through cold rain. Which clothing plan best supports safe motorcycle control?
Correct answer: Wear protective riding clothing that also keeps you warm and dry.
Cold and wet conditions can cause numbness and fatigue, making control harder. Clothing should protect your body, keep out the weather, and allow you to move.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual, REV. 2/15, currently linked by Alaska DMV; Clothing; printed page 3, physical PDF page 10. Riding guidance reviewed September 28, 2026. ↗
During the pre-ride check, the throttle stays partly open after you release it. What is the appropriate next step?
Correct answer: Have the sticking throttle corrected before riding.
The throttle should move smoothly and return when released. A sticking control can leave power applied when you need to slow, so resolve the fault before entering traffic.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual, REV. 2/15, currently linked by Alaska DMV; Check the Motorcycle: While Sitting on the Cycle; printed page 4, physical PDF page 11. Riding guidance reviewed September 28, 2026. ↗
The brake light works when you press the rear pedal. What additional check is needed?
Correct answer: Operate the front brake separately and confirm that it also lights the brake light.
Each brake control should activate the brake light. Testing only the rear control can miss a fault in the front brake-light switch.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual, REV. 2/15, currently linked by Alaska DMV; Check the Motorcycle: While Sitting on the Cycle; printed page 4, physical PDF page 11. Riding guidance reviewed September 28, 2026. ↗
You borrow a motorcycle whose gear pattern and switches differ from yours. How should you prepare to enter traffic?
Correct answer: Locate and try its controls first, then ride cautiously while learning its response.
Familiarize yourself with control locations and operation before setting off. On an unfamiliar motorcycle, use gentle acceleration, slower turns, and extra stopping room.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual, REV. 2/15, currently linked by Alaska DMV; Get Familiar with the Motorcycle; printed page 5, physical PDF page 12. Riding guidance reviewed September 28, 2026. ↗
Why does the manual advise starting with your right wrist down on the throttle grip?
Correct answer: It helps prevent unintentionally applying too much throttle.
A low right-wrist position reduces the chance of accidentally opening the throttle, particularly when you need to reach suddenly for the front brake.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual, REV. 2/15, currently linked by Alaska DMV; Control for Safety: Body Position; printed page 5, physical PDF page 12. Riding guidance reviewed September 28, 2026. ↗
While riding, where should your feet normally be?
Correct answer: Firmly on the footpegs, near the controls, with your toes kept up.
Stable footing helps balance and gives ready access to the controls. A dragging foot or lowered toe can catch the road or another object and cause a loss of control.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual, REV. 2/15, currently linked by Alaska DMV; Body Position; printed page 6, physical PDF page 13. Riding guidance reviewed September 28, 2026. ↗
You are approaching an unfamiliar curve. When should you make the main reduction in speed?
Correct answer: Before entering the curve, while you can slow smoothly.
Entering too fast can force a rider out of the lane or into abrupt braking. Reduce speed before the curve and choose a speed that lets you maintain a controlled path.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual, REV. 2/15, currently linked by Alaska DMV; Turning; printed page 6, physical PDF page 13. Riding guidance reviewed September 28, 2026. ↗
On a motorcycle with separate front and rear brakes, which habit prepares you for effective stopping?
Correct answer: Practice using both brakes together smoothly during normal slowing and stops.
Both brakes contribute to stopping, and the front provides most of the stopping power. Regular, coordinated use builds the skill needed when a quick stop becomes necessary.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual, REV. 2/15, currently linked by Alaska DMV; Braking; printed page 6, physical PDF page 13. Riding guidance reviewed September 28, 2026. ↗
You are slowing downhill and want to select a lower gear. What should you check before releasing the clutch?
Correct answer: That road speed is low enough for the lower gear.
Downshifting at too high a speed can make the motorcycle lurch and the rear tire skid. Use the brakes to reduce speed as needed before the shift.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual, REV. 2/15, currently linked by Alaska DMV; Shifting Gears: Downshifting; printed page 7, physical PDF page 14. Riding guidance reviewed September 28, 2026. ↗
Your motorcycle is stopped facing uphill. After selecting first gear, how can you prevent rolling backward while starting?
Correct answer: Hold with the rear brake, ease the clutch into engagement, then release that brake gradually.
The rear brake can hold the motorcycle while the right hand works the throttle. Coordinate power and gradual clutch engagement, then ease off the brake as the engine takes the load.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual, REV. 2/15, currently linked by Alaska DMV; Shifting Gears: Starting Uphill; printed page 7, physical PDF page 14. Riding guidance reviewed September 28, 2026. ↗
Before carrying a passenger, which motorcycle arrangement is appropriate?
Correct answer: A suitable passenger seat and separate passenger footpegs, with adjustments for the added load.
A passenger needs a proper seat and independent foot support. Check the manufacturer's load-related tire and suspension guidance and adjust the mirrors and headlight as needed.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual, REV. 2/15, currently linked by Alaska DMV; Passengers: Equipment; printed page 30, physical PDF page 37. Riding guidance reviewed September 28, 2026. ↗
What should you tell a motorcycle passenger about stopping at a traffic light?
Correct answer: Keep both feet on the passenger footpegs, even while the motorcycle is stopped.
Brief the passenger before starting. Keeping feet on the pegs avoids unexpected movements that can upset the motorcycle; the passenger should also stay clear of the exhaust.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual, REV. 2/15, currently linked by Alaska DMV; Passengers: Instructing Passengers; printed page 30, physical PDF page 37. Riding guidance reviewed September 28, 2026. ↗
You are packing a motorcycle for a trip. Which arrangement best preserves balance and control?
Correct answer: Keep the load low and forward, distribute weight evenly, and secure and recheck it.
High or rearward loads can upset handling, and uneven loads can pull the motorcycle to one side. Secure cargo so it cannot enter a wheel or chain, and check it during the trip.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual, REV. 2/15, currently linked by Alaska DMV; Carrying Loads; printed page 31, physical PDF page 38. Riding guidance reviewed September 28, 2026. ↗
A motorcycle tire looks adequately inflated. What is the reliable way to check whether its pressure is correct?
Correct answer: Use a pressure gauge and compare the reading with the manufacturer's recommendation.
Appearance alone is not a reliable pressure check. Incorrect pressure affects braking and turning, and low pressure can contribute to tire failure.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual, REV. 2/15, currently linked by Alaska DMV; Motorcycle Care: Tires; printed pages 36-37, physical PDF pages 43-44. Riding guidance reviewed September 28, 2026. ↗
