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. ↗
On a non-ABS motorcycle, the front wheel locks during straight-line braking. What should you do with the front brake?
Correct answer: Release it immediately and completely, then reapply smoothly.
A locked front wheel compromises steering and balance. Releasing and smoothly reapplying is the manual’s lockup response; do not confuse it with normal ABS operation or a rear-wheel skid.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual, DL-001 (10/12), publicly hosted mirror; PDF page 31, printed page 22; Quick Stops. General riding guidance, not current licensing rules. ↗
You must slow urgently in a curve, but immediately straightening would carry you into oncoming traffic. What is the safer approach?
Correct answer: Brake smoothly while reducing lean as speed and space permit.
Do not run into another hazard merely to straighten first. Use controlled braking, reduce lean as you slow and increase braking only as traction becomes available; finish the stop upright with the handlebars squared.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual, DL-001 (10/12), publicly hosted mirror; PDF page 32, printed page 23; Quick Stops. 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. ↗
You cannot avoid a small obstacle that can be safely crossed. Which approach helps reduce the risk?
Correct answer: Slow first and approach close to square-on with the bike upright.
For a traversable obstruction, the manual recommends slowing before contact, keeping the motorcycle straight and approaching as close to 90 degrees as safely possible. Do not cross into another lane to force the angle.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual, DL-001 (10/12), publicly hosted mirror; PDF page 34, printed page 25; Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles (continues on PDF page 35). General riding guidance, not current licensing rules. ↗
When crossing a small unavoidable bump, what body adjustment helps absorb the impact?
Correct answer: Rise slightly off the seat with weight supported through the footrests.
A slight rise lets bent knees and elbows absorb shock rather than transmitting it rigidly through the rider. Keep control and use this only for an obstacle that can be safely crossed.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual, DL-001 (10/12), publicly hosted mirror; PDF page 35, printed page 26; Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles. General riding guidance, not current licensing rules. ↗
You ride over debris and the motorcycle still seems to handle normally. What should you do when safe?
Correct answer: Pull off and inspect the tires and rims before continuing.
A strike may damage a tire or wheel without causing immediate loss of control. Stop at a safe place and inspect rather than relying only on how the motorcycle initially feels.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual, DL-001 (10/12), publicly hosted mirror; PDF page 35, printed page 26; Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles. General riding guidance, not current licensing rules. ↗
Why can pavement be especially slippery soon after rain starts?
Correct answer: Surface oil may remain before the rain washes it away.
Early rain can leave an oil-contaminated wet surface. Choose the best available traction and space, often a vehicle tire track, rather than assuming that any wet pavement is equally safe.
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. ↗
On slippery pavement, how should a rider use separate conventional brake controls for a necessary stop?
Correct answer: Use both smoothly, building pressure gently without locking a wheel.
The front brake remains useful on slippery pavement. Reduced traction requires lower speed, more stopping room and gentle, coordinated controls, not abrupt or rear-only braking.
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. ↗
You are certain the rear tire is flat and must brake as you slow. Which brake does the manual advise using gradually?
Correct answer: The front brake, on the wheel whose tire is not flat.
If braking is needed and you are sure which tire failed, gradually use the brake on the sound tire. This depends on identifying the failed tire; do not turn it into a universal instruction for every handling problem.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual, DL-001 (10/12), publicly hosted mirror; PDF page 37, printed page 28; Tire Failure. General riding guidance, not current licensing rules. ↗
The throttle stays stuck after you try to free it. What paired action removes engine power from the rear wheel?
Correct answer: Use the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch together.
Cutting the engine and disengaging the clutch separates the rear wheel from unwanted engine power. Once controlled, stop safely and resolve the fault before riding again.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual, DL-001 (10/12), publicly hosted mirror; PDF page 37, printed page 28; Stuck Throttle. General riding guidance, not current licensing rules. ↗
The front wheel and handlebars suddenly shake from side to side. Which response fits the manual’s wobble guidance?
Correct answer: Hold firmly and ease the throttle closed without braking or fighting it.
Accelerating or braking can worsen a wobble. Close the throttle gradually, keep a firm controlled grip, move weight forward and low, and leave the road safely to have the cause corrected.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual, DL-001 (10/12), publicly hosted mirror; PDF page 38, printed page 29; Wobble. General riding guidance, not current licensing rules. ↗
The engine begins losing power and may be seizing. What control action helps prevent it from driving or locking the rear wheel?
Correct answer: Squeeze the clutch to disengage the engine.
Disengage the engine from the rear wheel and stop safely. Investigate the mechanical problem rather than continuing to ride a machine that may lock up.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual, DL-001 (10/12), publicly hosted mirror; PDF page 38, printed page 29; Engine Seizure. 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. ↗
