Michigan SOS Motorcycle Practice Test 16
- Questions20
- Correct to pass16
- Passing score80%
- Minimum age16 years
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1. Rain has been falling steadily for half an hour. How does traction compare with the first minutes of the shower?
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Answer C: It usually improves somewhat, because the early oil film has washed away
Rain floats oil and dust to the top at first, so the road is most slippery in the early minutes, and a longer downpour rinses much of that film away. The pavement is still wet and grips less than when it is dry.
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2. In the code that governs pavement markings, what does a double line stand for?
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Answer B: A maximum restriction
The marking code is consistent: a double line means the strongest restriction, a solid line discourages or forbids crossing, and a broken line is permissive.
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3. What do two solid yellow lines down the middle of a two-way road mean?
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Answer D: Passing is prohibited for traffic in both directions
A double solid yellow line marks a two-direction no-passing zone, so neither direction may cross it to overtake another vehicle.
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4. You are driving on a divided highway and see a solid yellow line along the left side of your lanes. What does it tell you?
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Answer D: It marks the left edge of the roadway for your direction
On a divided highway or a one-way roadway, the left edge of the traveled way is marked with a solid yellow line.
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5. What is the recommended way to park a motorcycle at a curb?
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Answer C: At an angle, with the rear wheel touching the curb
Backing the rear wheel to the curb at an angle keeps the motorcycle clear of traffic and lets the rider ride out forward instead of backing into the lane.
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6. How do strong emotions affect driving?
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Answer B: They narrow your attention and make risky decisions more likely
Anger, worry and excitement all take attention away from the driving task and push drivers toward decisions they would not normally make.
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7. Which items belong to the Controls step of the T-CLOCS inspection?
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Answer D: Handlebars, levers, cables, hoses and the throttle
The Controls step covers everything the rider operates by hand or foot, plus the cables and hoses that carry those inputs to the machine.
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8. Can a driver be charged with impaired driving after taking a legal over the counter medicine?
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Answer C: Yes, if the medicine impairs the ability to drive safely
Impaired driving laws cover any substance that affects driving, including cold remedies, allergy pills and sleep aids sold without a prescription.
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9. What is true about the oily strip down the center of a traffic lane?
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Answer D: It usually gives enough traction, but heavy buildups where vehicles idle should be avoided
Passing tires keep the central strip largely clear, but the thick deposits that collect at busy intersections and toll booths really are slick.
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10. Without a depth gauge, how can a rider tell that a tire has worn out?
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Answer A: The tread has worn down level with the wear bars set into the grooves
Wear bars are molded across the bottom of the tread grooves, and once the tread surface reaches them the tire has no usable depth left.
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11. Why does riding in moderately cold weather call for extra layers of clothing?
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Answer B: Chill and fatigue set in quickly and reduce the rider's control
Wind at riding speed strips body heat away fast, and a chilled, tired rider reacts more slowly and can slide into hypothermia.
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12. You know in advance that you will be drinking at an event. What is the most reliable plan?
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Answer A: Arrange a driver who will not drink, or another way home, before the event begins
A decision made before drinking is not affected by alcohol, while judging your own fitness afterward relies on the very ability alcohol impairs first.
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13. Which warning sign keeps its yellow background even when it is used inside a work zone?
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Answer D: The grade crossing advance warning sign
The round grade crossing advance warning sign keeps its black legend on yellow inside temporary traffic control zones because the railroad hazard it describes is not temporary.
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14. How many points within a two year period cause the Michigan Department of State to take driver assessment action?
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Answer D: 12 or more points
Accumulating 12 or more points in a two year period is one of the grounds for the department to impose driver assessment licensing controls.
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15. Under Michigan law, which combination defines a moped rather than a motorcycle?
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Answer A: Engine no larger than 100 cc, no manual gearshift, top speed of 30 mph or less
Michigan defines a moped as having an engine of no more than 100 cubic centimeters, a drive system that does not require shifting gears and a top speed of 30 mph or less, and anything beyond those limits is a motorcycle.
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16. A pedestrian steps off the curb without looking your way. What should you assume?
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Answer B: That the person has not seen you at all, and be ready to stop for them
Defensive driving means assuming you have not been seen until there is clear evidence that you have.
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17. Besides impact protection, how does a light colored helmet help the rider?
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Answer A: It sits above surrounding traffic, so drivers pick it out sooner
A light or high visibility helmet sits above the traffic around the rider and is often the first part of a motorcycle a driver notices.
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18. A friend asks for a ride and has no gear at all. What is the correct approach?
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Answer A: Provide a certified helmet, eye protection and covering clothing
A passenger hits the ground the same way the rider does, so a passenger needs the same protection: a certified helmet, eye protection, gloves, boots and covering clothing.
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19. A black and white regulatory sign facing traffic at a divided section reads KEEP LEFT. What does it require?
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Answer D: Passing the island or obstruction on its left side
Keep Left is posted at an island or obstruction that traffic must pass on the left, which is the opposite of the far more common Keep Right situation.
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20. Why is hard braking the wrong response to a tire blowout at speed?
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Answer C: Because it can pull the vehicle further out of line and start it spinning
With one tire gone the braking forces are uneven, so heavy braking increases the pull to one side and can spin the vehicle.