Michigan SOS Motorcycle Practice Test 65

  • Questions20
  • Correct to pass16
  • Passing score80%
  • Minimum age16 years

20 questions. Pick an answer to see if it is right and why; you need 16 correct answers to pass.

  1. 1. Where should a touring rider keep the rain suit?

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    Answer B: Somewhere it can be reached quickly without unpacking everything

    Rain gear only helps if you can get to it before you are soaked, so pack it where a quick roadside stop is enough to reach it.

  2. 2. You park at the roadside on a hill, facing downhill. What keeps the motorcycle from rolling away?

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    Answer D: Leaving it in first gear with the front wheel turned toward the curb

    A motorcycle has no parking brake, so the transmission left in gear stops the wheel turning and the front wheel turned into the curb blocks any roll.

  3. 3. You are approaching the crest of a hill and cannot see the road beyond it. What should you do?

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    Answer C: Slow down and keep well to the right

    Beyond a blind crest there may be a stopped vehicle, a cyclist or an oncoming driver crossing the center line, so reduce speed and hold your own side.

  4. 4. School warning signs use which background and legend colors?

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    Answer A: A black legend and border on a fluorescent yellow-green background

    School warning signs carry a black legend and border on a fluorescent yellow-green background, a shade chosen so they stand out from ordinary yellow warning signs.

  5. 5. During a pre-ride check, what should the throttle do when it is released?

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    Answer A: Snap back to the closed position on its own

    A throttle that does not close by itself can leave the engine running fast when the rider expects it to slow, so a sticking cable must be repaired before riding.

  6. 6. It is dusk and a jogger in dark clothing is running along the edge of the road. What should you do?

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    Answer D: Slow down and scan the edges of the road

    Dusk is the hardest light for spotting people, and dark clothing removes most of your warning, so lower speed and a careful scan of the roadsides are the answer.

  7. 7. What should a passenger do when the motorcycle leans into a curve?

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    Answer A: Lean with the operator, staying directly behind them

    A passenger who leans with the operator lets the motorcycle follow its natural line, while leaning against the lean fights the operator's control inputs.

  8. 8. Why can a motorcycle ahead of you slow down without any warning light showing?

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    Answer B: The rider may slow by downshifting or rolling off

    Riders often lose speed by closing the throttle or changing down, which does not switch on the brake light, so watch the machine itself and keep back.

  9. 9. What is meant by keeping a space cushion?

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    Answer C: Keeping open space on all sides of your vehicle so you always have somewhere to go

    Open space ahead, behind and to the sides gives you time to react and an escape path when a hazard appears, which is the core idea of defensive driving.

  10. 10. An arrow panel in a work zone shows four flashing lamps in caution mode instead of an arrow. What does that display mean?

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    Answer A: Warning only, so pass the work area with caution in your current lane

    Caution mode gives a general warning without directing a lane change, so drivers stay alert and pass the activity with care.

  11. 11. A white regulatory sign shows the silhouette of a truck inside a red circle with a diagonal slash. What does it mean?

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    Answer A: Trucks are not allowed to use that road

    The circle and slash over a symbol always means the movement or vehicle shown is prohibited, so trucks must keep off that roadway.

  12. 12. A black on white regulatory sign at an intersection reads NO TURNS. What may a driver do there?

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    Answer B: Only continue straight through the intersection

    The NO TURNS sign bans turns in every direction at that intersection, so the only lawful movement from that approach is straight through.

  13. 13. A sign showing a figure with an outstretched thumb inside a red circle with a slash means that

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    Answer B: soliciting a ride is prohibited there

    The no hitchhiking sign bars standing beside the road to solicit a ride, and it is common along freeway ramps and shoulders.

  14. 14. A ball rolls into the street from between parked cars ahead of you. What should you expect and do?

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    Answer A: Expect a child to follow it and be ready to stop

    A ball is usually followed by a child who is watching the ball and not the traffic. Slow down and be prepared to stop immediately.

  15. 15. Unless otherwise posted, what is the Michigan speed limit on a highway segment within a business district?

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    Answer C: 25 mph

    Michigan law fixes 25 mph on highway segments within a business district, within a public park and within a residential subdivision.

  16. 16. The circular sign shape is reserved for which warning?

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    Answer C: Advance warning of a highway-rail grade crossing

    A round yellow sign with a black X and the letters RR is the grade crossing advance warning sign, and the circular outline is used for no other message.

  17. 17. Where are children in the greatest danger around a school bus?

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    Answer B: In the roadway right around the bus, especially in front

    The danger zone is the band of roadway around the bus where the driver's view is poorest, and children crossing in front of the bus are hardest to see.

  18. 18. What must you be sure of before you pull out to pass on a two-lane road?

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    Answer A: That the road ahead is clear far enough for the whole pass

    You need enough clear road to pull out, pass and return before any oncoming vehicle arrives, and you must judge that distance before you start.

  19. 19. In the T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection, what does the first item cover?

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    Answer C: Tires and wheels

    T stands for tires and wheels, where the rider checks pressure, tread, damage, rims, spokes and bearings before anything else.

  20. 20. A friend who has been drinking insists on driving home. What is the right thing to do?

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    Answer B: Take the keys and arrange a sober ride, even if the friend objects

    An impaired driver is dangerous on any street at any speed, and coffee does not lower blood alcohol. Keeping the keys and finding another way home is the only safe choice.