A rider approaches a busy shopping area. What does the Scan step of SIPDE call for?
Correct answer: Search actively for hazards while there is time to respond
Scanning gathers information early enough to choose and carry out a response. It is an active search, not a wait for another road user to create an emergency.
Source: 2026 NJ Driver Manual, Chapter 10 Motorcycle Manual, printed 184, physical 186 > Use the SIPDE System > Scan ↗
Why should a rider include a guardrail and roadside trees when identifying hazards?
Correct answer: They can limit escape space or obstruct the rider's view
Stationary features can shape a safe riding strategy even when they do not move into the lane. Account for how they affect visibility and available space.
Source: 2026 NJ Driver Manual, Chapter 10 Motorcycle Manual, printed 185, physical 187 > Use the SIPDE System > Identify ↗
Two vehicles are equally close to a motorcycle. One is moving away; the other may cross its path. What deserves particular attention when predicting a conflict?
Correct answer: The direction each vehicle may take relative to the motorcycle
Predicting means considering what may happen next, including a hazard's direction. A vehicle moving into the motorcycle's path creates a different problem from one moving away.
Source: 2026 NJ Driver Manual, Chapter 10 Motorcycle Manual, printed 185, physical 187 > Use the SIPDE System > Predict ↗
A rider sounds the horn at a driver who may move into the lane. What should the rider also be ready to do?
Correct answer: Be ready to change speed or position
Communication depends on another person's response. The Decide step also considers changes to speed or position, so a signal alone is not a complete avoidance plan.
Source: 2026 NJ Driver Manual, Chapter 10 Motorcycle Manual, printed 185, physical 187 > Use the SIPDE System > Decide ↗
A rider identifies an escape option that requires a maneuver they cannot reliably perform. What principle should guide the decision?
Correct answer: Choose actions within the rider's demonstrated ability
Executing a decision requires riding skill. The manual directs riders to stay within their abilities; identifying an option does not make an unpracticed maneuver reliable.
Source: 2026 NJ Driver Manual, Chapter 10 Motorcycle Manual, printed 186, physical 188 > Use the SIPDE System > Execute ↗
A motorcycle's mirrors show no vehicle beside it. Before changing lanes, what additional check is needed?
Correct answer: Turn the head to check the area the mirrors do not show
Mirrors have blind spots. A head check adds information about the intended lane before the rider moves into it.
Source: 2026 NJ Driver Manual, Chapter 10 Motorcycle Manual, printed 186, physical 188 > Check Blind Spots > Using Head Checks ↗
On a multilane road, a rider wants to enter an empty lane. Why also check the lane beyond it?
Correct answer: Another vehicle may be moving into the same space
A gap can be approached by vehicles from both sides. Checking farther across the road helps detect another driver heading for the same space.
Source: 2026 NJ Driver Manual, Chapter 10 Motorcycle Manual, printed 186, physical 188 > Check Blind Spots > Using Head Checks ↗
A car appears well behind in a motorcycle's convex mirror. What should the rider remember when judging the gap?
Correct answer: The car can be closer than the mirror makes it appear
Convex mirrors provide a wider field of view but make vehicles appear farther away. Allow for that distortion and do not substitute the mirror for a final head check.
Source: 2026 NJ Driver Manual, Chapter 10 Motorcycle Manual, printed 187, physical 189 > Check Blind Spots > Using Mirrors > convex-mirror paragraph ↗
While stopped at an intersection, what useful information can a rider get by checking the mirrors?
Correct answer: Whether approaching traffic behind appears to be slowing
Mirror checks while stopped help the rider monitor approaching traffic from behind. They do not reveal every blind spot or replace watching the intersection.
Source: 2026 NJ Driver Manual, Chapter 10 Motorcycle Manual, printed 187, physical 189 > Check Blind Spots > Using Mirrors > stopped-at-an-intersection bullet ↗
After making the required stop, a rider still cannot see around an obstruction at an intersection. How should the rider improve the view before entering?
Correct answer: Edge forward cautiously, stopping again short of the crossing lane
The manual describes a second cautious viewing position after the initial stop. Keep the front wheel out of cross traffic while looking; limited visibility is not a reason to enter blindly.
Source: 2026 NJ Driver Manual, Chapter 10 Motorcycle Manual, printed 188, physical 190 > Check Blind Spots > Positioning > Stopping at blind intersections ↗
