You are checking your following gap using a fixed roadside marker. When should you begin counting?
Correct answer: When the rear of the vehicle ahead passes the marker.
Time the interval from the leading vehicle passing a fixed point until you reach it. Increase the space for limited visibility, traffic conflicts or reduced traction; no single interval fits every situation.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual, DL-001 (10/12), publicly hosted mirror; PDF page 20, printed page 11; Following Another Vehicle. General riding guidance; current state laws are cited separately. ↗
You stop at the marked line, but a building still blocks your view. What should you do next?
Correct answer: Edge forward carefully and stop again before entering cross traffic.
After the required initial stop, improve your view cautiously while keeping the front wheel out of the cross-traffic lane. Check for approaching traffic before proceeding.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual, DL-001 (10/12), publicly hosted mirror; PDF page 27, printed page 18; Blind Intersections. General riding guidance; current state laws are cited separately. ↗
Parked cars are on your right and traffic is approaching on your left. What should guide your lane position?
Correct answer: Balance space from opening doors and from oncoming vehicles.
Leave room for doors and pedestrians without crowding approaching traffic. The center portion may best balance those hazards when traffic limits the space to the left.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual, DL-001 (10/12), publicly hosted mirror; PDF page 27, printed page 18; Passing Parked Cars. General riding guidance; current state laws are cited separately. ↗
A person in a parked car may pull away into your path. What response helps manage the uncertainty?
Correct answer: Slow down and create safe room, remaining ready to react.
The driver may fail to notice you or make a sudden U-turn. Reduce the risk by controlling speed, increasing separation when possible and staying prepared.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual, DL-001 (10/12), publicly hosted mirror; PDF page 27, printed page 18; Passing Parked Cars. General riding guidance; current state laws are cited separately. ↗
You will slow for an alley where following traffic may not expect it. If conditions permit, what helps warn the driver behind?
Correct answer: Briefly flash the brake light before the slowdown.
An early brake-light warning can call attention to an unexpected change of speed. Use it only when the situation permits and still slow smoothly with adequate space.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual, DL-001 (10/12), publicly hosted mirror; PDF page 29, printed page 20; Brake Light. General riding guidance; current state laws are cited separately. ↗
You plan to move into the next lane on a multilane road. Why also check the lane beyond it?
Correct answer: Another driver may be moving into the same space you want.
Check the destination lane and traffic beyond it, using a head check as well as mirrors. Two vehicles can otherwise converge on the same apparently empty space.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual, DL-001 (10/12), publicly hosted mirror; PDF page 30, printed page 21; Head Checks. General riding guidance; current state laws are cited separately. ↗
