A small raised obstacle cannot be avoided, but you have determined you can ride over it. What approach angle is preferred?
Correct answer: As close to a right angle as practical
If the obstacle cannot safely be avoided and can be crossed, approach near a right angle with the motorcycle straight. Slow before contact; do not force this path into surrounding traffic.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual, PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 26 (physical PDF page 28) > Ride Within Your Abilities > Handling Dangerous Surfaces > Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles ↗
When is ordinary wet pavement often most slippery?
Correct answer: Soon after rain begins, before surface oil washes away
The first rain mixes with accumulated oil and debris, temporarily reducing traction.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual, PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 27 (physical PDF page 29) > Ride Within Your Abilities > Handling Dangerous Surfaces > Slippery Surfaces ↗
While riding on wet pavement at normal road speeds, how should a motorcyclist change speed?
Correct answer: Use smooth, gradual inputs and avoid sudden speed changes
Smooth control inputs and reduced speed help preserve the limited traction available.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual, PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 27 (physical PDF page 29) > Ride Within Your Abilities > Handling Dangerous Surfaces > Slippery Surfaces > Avoid Sudden Moves ↗
A motorcycle with independent front and rear brakes suddenly has a flat tire. What should the rider do first?
Correct answer: Hold the grips firmly, ease off the throttle and keep straight
Maintain balance and control, then slow and pull off safely. If braking is needed, apply the sound tire's brake gradually only when you are sure which tire failed.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual, PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 29 (physical PDF page 31) > Ride Within Your Abilities > Mechanical Problems > Tire Failure ↗
On a manual motorcycle with a cable throttle, it remains stuck after you try freeing it. What should you do immediately?
Correct answer: Use the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch together
Use the cut-off switch and clutch together to remove drive from the rear wheel, then stop safely off the road. Do not ride again until the throttle works freely.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual, PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 29 (physical PDF page 31) > Ride Within Your Abilities > Mechanical Problems > Stuck Throttle ↗
The handlebars begin shaking rapidly from side to side. How should you manage the throttle and brakes during this wobble?
Correct answer: Close the throttle gradually without applying the brakes
Adding power or braking can worsen a wobble. Hold the grips firmly without fighting the shaking, reduce throttle smoothly and pull off safely to address the problem.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual, PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 30 (physical PDF page 32) > Ride Within Your Abilities > Mechanical Problems > Wobble (continued) ↗
While controlling a motorcycle wobble, where should you shift your weight?
Correct answer: Forward and down
The manual recommends moving your weight forward and down during a wobble while holding the grips firmly without fighting the shake. Ease off the throttle and avoid braking.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual, PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 30 (physical PDF page 32) > Ride Within Your Abilities > Mechanical Problems > Wobble (continued), weight-position bullet ↗
A manual motorcycle engine starts to seize. What control disconnects it from the rear wheel?
Correct answer: The clutch lever
Pull in the clutch to separate the engine from the rear wheel, then pull off safely and stop to investigate. Do not continue riding a motorcycle with a seizing engine.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual, PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 30 (physical PDF page 32) > Ride Within Your Abilities > Mechanical Problems > Engine Seizure ↗
A bridge grating makes the motorcycle feel as if it is wandering slightly. What is usually the appropriate response?
Correct answer: Stay relaxed and travel straight at a steady speed
Do not turn the normal grating sensation into abrupt steering or zigzagging.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual, PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 28 (physical PDF page 30) > Ride Within Your Abilities > Handling Dangerous Surfaces > Grooves and Gratings ↗
Tracks cross your lane at an angle. Must you swerve out of your lane to cross them at 90 degrees?
Correct answer: No, a straight path within your lane is usually safer
Do not create a traffic conflict merely to square up to crossing tracks.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 28 / physical PDF page 30 > Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks and Pavement Seams ↗
A rail or deep seam runs parallel to your path. Once space is safe, what minimum crossing angle does the handbook recommend?
Correct answer: 45 degrees
A deliberate crossing angle reduces the chance that a tire follows or catches the seam.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 28 / physical PDF page 30 > Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks and Pavement Seams ↗
An insect strikes and smears your face shield. What should you do while finding a safe place to stop?
Correct answer: Keep control with both hands and continue watching the road
Deal with impaired visibility at a safe stopping place rather than surrendering control in traffic.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 30 / physical PDF page 32 > Flying Objects ↗
You intend to pull onto a soft or uncertain shoulder. When should you greatly reduce speed?
Correct answer: Before turning onto the shoulder
Slowing before the surface transition reduces the risk of losing traction.
Source: PennDOT Motorcycle Operator Manual PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 31 / physical PDF page 33 > Getting Off the Road > Check the roadside ↗
A small obstacle cannot be avoided and is safe to ride over. After slowing and keeping the motorcycle straight, what body position helps absorb the impact?
Correct answer: Rise slightly on the footrests with knees and elbows flexed
Your legs and arms can absorb shock when you rise slightly, reducing the chance of being thrown off. This applies only after judging that the obstacle can be crossed.
Source: PennDOT PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 26 / physical PDF page 28 > Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles ↗
You have just ridden over an object in the roadway. The motorcycle still seems to roll normally. What should you do next?
Correct answer: Pull off safely and inspect the tires and rims for damage before continuing
An impact can damage a tire or rim without an immediate obvious failure. Inspect at a safe stopping place.
Source: PennDOT PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 27 / physical PDF page 29 > Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles continuation ↗
Rain has wet a steel plate across part of the lane. How should the rider regard that surface?
Correct answer: As a possible low-traction hazard requiring a smooth, cautious approach
Wet steel plates, manhole covers and lane markings can provide poor traction. Reduce speed beforehand when needed and avoid sudden inputs.
Source: PennDOT PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 27 / physical PDF page 29 > Slippery Surfaces ↗
After stopping for chain slippage, a rider finds a worn chain and worn sprockets. What should happen before riding again?
Correct answer: Have the worn components replaced as needed
Adjustment does not correct worn components. The manual calls for replacing worn chain or sprockets before continuing.
Source: PennDOT PUB 147 (11-24), printed page 30 / physical PDF page 32 > Drivetrain Problems > Slippage ↗
