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. ↗
On a clear daytime ride, what does the manual recommend for helping other drivers notice you?
Correct answer: Keep the motorcycle's headlight on.
The manual recommends using the headlight at all times to increase the motorcycle's visibility. Visibility aids help, but they do not guarantee that another driver will yield.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual, REV. 2/15, currently linked by Alaska DMV; Being Seen: Headlight; printed page 8, physical PDF page 15. Riding guidance reviewed September 28, 2026. ↗
You finish a right turn and continue straight toward another driveway. Why should you check that your signal has canceled?
Correct answer: A driver may otherwise believe you will turn again and enter your path.
A signal left on sends the wrong message. Cancel it after the turn so others do not act on an apparent plan to turn at the next opening.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual, REV. 2/15, currently linked by Alaska DMV; Signals: Turn Signals; printed page 9, physical PDF page 16. Riding guidance reviewed September 28, 2026. ↗
You plan to slow for an alley entrance that the driver behind may not notice. What can help communicate the slowdown in advance?
Correct answer: Briefly flash the brake light before beginning the slowdown.
A motorcycle's brake light is comparatively small. A brief flash can draw attention before a slowdown that following traffic may not expect; still slow smoothly and preserve space.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual, REV. 2/15, currently linked by Alaska DMV; Signals: Brake Light; printed page 9, physical PDF page 16. Riding guidance reviewed September 28, 2026. ↗
You have been riding beside the rear quarter of a car, where its driver may not see you. What is the better position?
Correct answer: Adjust speed safely so you are clear of the car's blind spot.
Do not linger in another driver's blind spot. Passing when safe or dropping back makes you easier to see and can restore room for an escape.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual, REV. 2/15, currently linked by Alaska DMV; Position for Being Seen: Stay Out of Blind Spots; printed page 10, physical PDF page 17. Riding guidance reviewed September 28, 2026. ↗
A driver waiting to turn across your path appears to look directly at you. What should you assume?
Correct answer: The driver may still enter your path, so keep monitoring and be ready to respond.
A driver can look toward a motorcycle without recognizing it or judging its approach correctly. Apparent eye contact is not a guarantee that the driver will yield.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual, REV. 2/15, currently linked by Alaska DMV; Looking for Trouble; printed page 13, physical PDF page 20. Riding guidance reviewed September 28, 2026. ↗
Traffic ahead is dense. Which scanning pattern gives you the best chance to recognize developing trouble?
Correct answer: Look both near and far ahead, checking traffic, road surfaces, and usable escape space.
Scanning near and far helps you see immediate surface hazards and changes developing farther ahead. Identifying open space early gives you more options if a conflict develops.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual, REV. 2/15, currently linked by Alaska DMV; The Road Ahead; printed page 13, physical PDF page 20. Riding guidance reviewed September 28, 2026. ↗
You are stopped at an intersection on your motorcycle. Why should you continue checking your mirrors?
Correct answer: To notice a vehicle approaching from behind that may not stop in time.
Stopping does not remove the risk from rear traffic. Watching vehicles coming up behind can provide warning that a driver has not noticed you.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual, REV. 2/15, currently linked by Alaska DMV; Using Your Mirrors; printed page 14, physical PDF page 21. Riding guidance reviewed September 28, 2026. ↗
Your mirror shows an open lane beside you. What should you do immediately before changing into it?
Correct answer: Check over your shoulder for traffic beside you and for another vehicle moving into that space.
Mirrors leave blind spots. A head check can reveal a vehicle beside you, and on a multilane road another driver may be moving into the same gap from a farther lane.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual, REV. 2/15, currently linked by Alaska DMV; Head Checks; printed page 14, physical PDF page 21. Riding guidance reviewed September 28, 2026. ↗
