At night, the tail lamps of a car ahead bounce noticeably up and down. What may that warn you about?
Correct answer: A bump or rough pavement along your approaching path.
Movement of the vehicle ahead may reveal uneven pavement that is difficult to see directly. Use the clue to prepare while maintaining a safe following distance.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual, DL-001 (10/12), publicly hosted mirror; PDF page 31, printed page 22; Riding at Night. General riding guidance, not current licensing rules. ↗
An obstacle appears too close for a complete stop, but a clear safe escape path is available. Which skill may be needed?
Correct answer: A controlled swerve into the verified clear path.
A quick stop is not the only avoidance option. Choosing a swerve requires an available safe path and practiced control; use qualified training to develop the skill.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual, DL-001 (10/12), publicly hosted mirror; PDF page 32, printed page 23; Swerving or Turning Quickly. General riding guidance, not current licensing rules. ↗
As you approach a bend, why check whether its radius gets smaller farther around?
Correct answer: A tightening turn may require a different speed and path than expected.
Curves may tighten, widen or lead into additional turns. Read the developing road, stay within your lane and skills, and avoid assuming the whole bend matches its entrance.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual, DL-001 (10/12), publicly hosted mirror; PDF page 33, printed page 24; Cornering. General riding guidance, not current licensing rules. ↗
A piece of debris is in your path. What should determine whether you attempt to ride over it?
Correct answer: First consider safe avoidance and whether the object is traversable.
The manual first recommends slowing or avoiding an obstacle. If crossing is unavoidable, assess whether it is possible; the technique for a small obstruction is not permission to cross an impassable one.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual, DL-001 (10/12), publicly hosted mirror; PDF page 34, printed page 25; Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles. General riding guidance, not current licensing rules. ↗
A painted lane marking and a steel cover are wet ahead of you. How should you regard these surfaces?
Correct answer: As possible low-traction areas requiring smooth, cautious inputs.
Wet paint and metal can offer poor traction. Anticipate them, reduce speed before the hazard when appropriate and avoid abrupt changes while crossing.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual, DL-001 (10/12), publicly hosted mirror; PDF page 35, printed page 26; Slippery Surfaces. General riding guidance, not current licensing rules. ↗
Railroad tracks cross your lane at an angle. Should you swerve into another lane just to meet them at 90 degrees?
Correct answer: No; it is generally safer to continue straight within your lane.
Do not create a traffic conflict merely to force a square crossing. The manual distinguishes tracks crossing your route from tracks or seams running parallel to it.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual, DL-001 (10/12), publicly hosted mirror; PDF page 36, printed page 27; Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks and Pavement Seams. General riding guidance, not current licensing rules. ↗
A deer is close to the roadway ahead. What should a rider prepare to do?
Correct answer: Brake and stop if necessary because its movement is unpredictable.
Large animals may move suddenly or unpredictably. Reduce the risk with controlled braking and readiness to stop instead of assuming a particular response.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual, DL-001 (10/12), publicly hosted mirror; PDF page 38, printed page 29; Animals. General riding guidance, not current licensing rules. ↗
An insect hits your face shield and smears your view. What should you prioritize?
Correct answer: Keep control and pull off safely before cleaning the shield.
Keep attention on the road and your hands on the handlebars. When safe, leave the road and correct the visibility problem without turning it into a loss of control.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual, DL-001 (10/12), publicly hosted mirror; PDF page 39, printed page 30; Flying Objects. General riding guidance, not current licensing rules. ↗
