During a straight-line emergency stop on a motorcycle with functioning ABS, you feel the brakes pulsate. What should you do?
Correct answer: Maintain firm brake pressure instead of pumping or releasing the brakes because of the pulsation.
Pulsation can occur while ABS is operating. The manual instructs the rider to keep pressure on both brakes through the stop rather than release pressure because of that sensation.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (Schoolcraft College publication; older-source operating guidance, not verified as the current SOS edition or current law). Section Seven, Roadway Management > Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS); printed 46, PDF physical 52. ↗
A clear escape path gives you room to swerve around an obstruction, and you also need to reduce speed. How should the two actions be coordinated?
Correct answer: Do the braking before or after the swerve, not during it.
The manual separates braking from swerving. Combining heavy direction change with braking is not the instructed avoidance method; first ensure there is enough time and space for the escape path.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (Schoolcraft College publication; older-source operating guidance, not verified as the current SOS edition or current law). Section Seven, Roadway Management > Swerving, opening paragraph and concluding braking instruction; printed 47, PDF physical 53. ↗
At riding speed, you press the right handgrip to move around an obstruction to the right. Once the obstruction is cleared and the return path is open, which input brings you back toward your original direction?
Correct answer: Press the opposite, left handgrip to complete the return movement.
A swerve uses a quick directional change followed by the appropriate opposite handgrip pressure. Once the obstruction is clear, that second input returns the motorcycle toward the intended travel direction.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (Schoolcraft College publication; older-source operating guidance, not verified as the current SOS edition or current law). Section Seven, Roadway Management > Swerving, first and second handgrip bullets; printed 47, PDF physical 53. ↗
In a controlled swerve exercise with a clear path, what body position does the manual recommend while the motorcycle leans rapidly beneath you?
Correct answer: Keep your torso upright, knees against the tank and feet securely on the rests.
For a swerve, the manual calls for an upright body while allowing the motorcycle to lean. Secure knees and feet help you stay in position during the rapid change of direction.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (Schoolcraft College publication; older-source operating guidance, not verified as the current SOS edition or current law). Section Seven, Roadway Management > Swerving, body-position bullet; printed 47, PDF physical 53. ↗
After a dry stretch, you see wet, slippery pavement ahead on a straight road. How should you prepare before reaching it?
Correct answer: Reduce speed early and keep changes in speed and direction smooth.
Slowing before the traction change reduces the demand on the tires. Smooth inputs and more following space help avoid a skid and allow for a longer stop.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Six: Street Strategies > Speed Management > Slippery Surfaces; printed page 43, physical PDF page 49. ↗
Rain has left a metal utility cover and painted lane markings wet. What should a rider expect when choosing a path?
Correct answer: They can be especially slippery, so avoid abrupt inputs over them.
Wet metal, markings, leaves and similar surfaces may offer much less traction. Recognizing the change helps you choose a safer line and avoid sudden demands on the tires.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Six: Street Strategies > Slippery Surfaces > Shiny surfaces; printed page 44, physical PDF page 50. ↗
Most of a road has thawed, but a shaded bridge still looks icy. Which riding plan is safest?
Correct answer: Avoid the icy section instead of assuming the thawed approach makes it safe.
Thawing is uneven, and ice can remain in shade, low places, bridges and overpasses. The older guide recommends avoiding snow- and ice-covered surfaces.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Six: Street Strategies > Slippery Surfaces > Ice or snow covered surfaces; printed page 44, physical PDF page 50. ↗
Railroad tracks cross your lane at a slight angle. Making a perfect right-angle crossing would put you into an occupied adjacent lane. Which path is safer?
Correct answer: Continue straight within your own lane instead of chasing a 90-degree angle.
A rider should not create a traffic conflict merely to cross ordinary tracks at a right angle. The guide says riding straight within the lane is usually safer.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Six: Street Strategies > Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks and Pavement Seams; printed page 44, physical PDF page 50. ↗
A deep pavement seam runs alongside your path. You have checked that there is safe room within your lane to cross it. How should you avoid catching a tire along the seam?
Correct answer: Position for a crossing angle of at least 45 degrees rather than edging across.
When a seam runs parallel to travel, a deliberate crossing angle helps keep the tire from being trapped along it. Establish a safe path first; the advice is not permission to enter other traffic.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Six: Street Strategies > Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks and Pavement Seams; printed page 44, physical PDF page 50. ↗
Your motorcycle develops a mild weaving sensation while crossing a bridge grating. There is no other hazard ahead. How should you respond?
Correct answer: Maintain a steady speed and a straight path across the grating.
Grooves and gratings can produce this sensation. A steady straight crossing avoids the added control demands and lane wandering caused by zigzagging.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Six: Street Strategies > Grooves and Gratings; printed page 44, physical PDF page 50. ↗
You spot a small raised road obstruction too late to avoid it safely, but have time to reduce speed. What body adjustment helps absorb the motorcycle's reaction as you cross?
Correct answer: Rise slightly off the seat and let your legs absorb the movement.
Avoid obstacles when possible. When crossing cannot safely be avoided, adjust speed and use your legs to absorb the motorcycle's reaction instead of sitting rigidly.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Six: Street Strategies > Obstacles; printed page 44, physical PDF page 50. ↗
In a work zone, the next lane has been repaved and is noticeably higher. What is the main reason to avoid crossing that edge quickly at a very shallow angle?
Correct answer: The edge can upset control; scan for a smoother path and cross slowly and carefully.
A height difference between lanes can destabilize a motorcycle, especially at high speed and a narrow crossing angle. Scan ahead and choose a controlled, careful path.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Eight: Special Riding Situations > Work Zones > Rippled and uneven temporary pavement; printed page 49, physical PDF page 55. ↗
A long stretch of loose gravel covers a work-zone lane. After slowing before it, which approach is most appropriate?
Correct answer: Use an appropriate lower gear, keep speed steady and avoid sudden turns.
Loose material reduces grip. The guide advises slowing, avoiding sudden turns, braking lightly in a straight line when necessary, and using a lower gear with steady speed on a long stretch.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Eight: Special Riding Situations > Work Zones > Sand or gravel on pavement; printed page 49, physical PDF page 55. ↗
The road is noticeably higher in the middle than along its sides. Why should a rider allow extra caution and lower speed?
Correct answer: Ground clearance and the available lean angle may be less than on a flat road.
A pronounced road crown changes the surface beneath the motorcycle. Reduced clearance limits the lean available, so flat-road assumptions may not be safe.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Eight: Special Riding Situations > Crowned Roads; printed page 49, physical PDF page 55. ↗
As you come to a stop, you notice an oily patch where you were about to put your boot down. Why should you choose secure footing?
Correct answer: A slipping supporting foot can cause you to lose balance and drop the motorcycle.
At a stop, the rider's footing helps support the motorcycle. An oily surface can let that foot slip even though the wheels are no longer moving.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Six: Street Strategies > Slippery Surfaces > Oil spots; printed page 44, physical PDF page 50. ↗
A tire suddenly loses air while you are riding straight. Which initial response best preserves control?
Correct answer: Hold the grips firmly, ease off the throttle and keep a straight course.
A flat can change steering or make the rear sway. Maintain balance and direction while slowing, then move aside and stop to check the tires.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Eight: Special Riding Situations > Tire Failure (continues on printed 50 / physical 56); printed page 49, physical PDF page 55. ↗
Your motorcycle's rear tire is flat, and you are certain the front tire is still sound. If braking is needed while you slow, which use of the brakes matches the guide?
Correct answer: Gradually apply the front brake, which acts on the tire that is not flat.
The guide permits gradual use of the brake on the tire that is not flat when you are sure which tire failed. It does not advise indiscriminately grabbing both brakes.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Eight: Special Riding Situations > Tire Failure, braking qualification; printed page 50, physical PDF page 56. ↗
A dog begins chasing your motorcycle from the roadside. The roadway ahead is clear enough to change speed safely. Which response helps change its interception timing without sacrificing control?
Correct answer: Slow and downshift, then accelerate away as the dog approaches.
Changing speed can disrupt a dog's approach. Keep control and look toward your intended path; kicking at the animal makes motorcycle control more difficult.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Eight: Special Riding Situations > Animals; printed page 50, physical PDF page 56. ↗
A deer is standing partly in your lane ahead, and you have enough distance to stop. What is the most reliable response?
Correct answer: Stop before reaching it and wait for it to move away.
Large animals can move unpredictably. When stopping room is available, stop before the animal instead of gambling on a close pass or a predicted movement.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Eight: Special Riding Situations > Motorcycles and Deer; printed page 50, physical PDF page 56. ↗
Wind gusts on an exposed road are becoming too strong for you to maintain safe control. Which decision follows the guide?
Correct answer: Find a safe place to park and wait for conditions to improve.
Strong wind and large-vehicle turbulence can upset a motorcycle. If the wind becomes too dangerous, more effort or a cramped position beside a truck is not a substitute for stopping safely.
Source: Michigan Department of State, Motorcycle Operator Manual, May 2019 (older technical guidance; independently published by Schoolcraft College), Section Eight: Special Riding Situations > Wind; printed page 50, physical PDF page 56. ↗
