California Motorcycle Safety Program Test

When coming to a stop to park your motorcycle, what's the first thing you should do? What's the second thing?

First - Hit your engine kill switch with your right thumb Second - turn off your ignition

Stop vehicle within go many feet of a crosswalk?

Five

What is the maximum recommended number of riders in a group?

Five

How soon and how far to signal before a turn?

Five seconds or 100 feet.

Situations with a 10 second path of travel require what?

Immediate response. AGGRESSIVELY scan for situations 10 seconds ahead of you.

How should you release the clutch when downshifting?

Slowly - SMOOTHLY

How is the front brake applied to stop quickly in a straight line?

Smooth, firm and with increasing pressure.

Green parking zone

Temporary parking

In an accident, what area of the helmet is the most likely to be impacted?

The chin

How do you use the friction zone?

Uses minor clutch slipping to ease power to wheels - SMOOTHLY let the clutch out until you feel power start to deliver to the rear wheels and ease on the gas as you smoothly let the clutch slip out the rest of the way

What's the benefit of wearing earplugs while riding?

blocks wind noise which improves your comfort and concentration. Won't impair your ability to hear traffic

Where is the choke located?

left side of motorcycle

Where is the fuel supply valve located?

left side of motorcycle

What's the maximum tire lifetime regardless of miles driven?

sportbike tires is 2 years, sport touring 3 years, tour, standard and cruiser is 4 years

What 3 controls are on the left handlebar of your motorcycle?

1. High Beam/Low Beam 2. Turn Signal 3. Horn

What are the three benefits of a face shield and goggles

1. Impact and penetration resistant 2. Protects against exposure 3. Provides comfort and improves vision

What is an expert motorcyclist?

A rider who uses expert judgement to avoid using expert skills

What two words best describe scanning?

-Aggressive -Purposeful

What are three examples of impairment?

-Alcohol -Medications -Fatigue

What instructions do you give to your passenger and when?

-Before first ride -Notify when you mount or dismount. -Hold on to waist. -Look over shoulder in direction of turn. -No sudden weight shifts.

How does riding under the influence affect the SIPDE process?

-Decreases your ability to concentrate and reason.

What must you remember when using your motorcycle turn signal?

-Does not self cancel

If you experience a wobble, what three things should you do?

-Look ahead -Hold handlebars firmly -Ease off throttle

Where should you carry heavier items?

-Low -Ahead of rear axle

Where do you find the maximum load capacity for your motorcycle?

-Motorcycle owners manual.

Why aren't ordinary glasses or sunglasses sufficient eye protection?

-Not impact resistant (not shatter proof) -Not secured

What four conditions when group riding should you move to single file?

-Passing -Entering, exiting -Approaching corners -Limited visibility

How can you be prepared for long-distance riding? (3)

-Rest frequently -Mechanically sound bike -Plan

What is the difference between retro-reflective and reflective?

-Retro reflective reflects the light back to the source. -Reflective can reflect in any direction.

What is the purpose of the engine cut-off switch and where is it located?

-Shuts off engine. -Right handgrip.

Describe three components of good riding posture.

-Sitting up -Relaxed -Neutral

What should you do if you come upon deer alongside the roadway?

-Slow down -Anticipate more

How should you ride across low-traction surfaces?

-Slow down -Decrease lean angle.

What are three ways of intervening to prevent a friend from driving under the influence?

-Stop serving -Time and food -Take the keys

What two methods are the quickest way to stop in a curve? (2)

-Straighten, then brake. -Braking in a lean.

What are the five primary controls and where is each located?

-Throttle -Clutch lever -Gearshift lever -Front brake lever -Rear brake pedal

What two items should you adjust if you are carrying loads?

-Tire pressure -Suspension

What is the recommended minimum following distance?

-Two seconds

How do you link turns smoothly?

-Use a late apex line. -Start outside, aim towards apex as soon as you see exit of turn, then towards outside for next turn.

What four items should you consider when choosing a lane position?

-Visibility -Line-of-sight -Space cushion -Escape route

What five items can you improve your visibility to other traffic?

-Wearing bright colored gear. -Wear reflectivity. -Drive with headlights on. -Flash break lights when stopped -Signal well in advance

What are some ways that long-distance riding can lead to riding impaired?

-Weather and long hours can cause fatigue

What are the 3 helmet standards worldwide for safety? List them in order of increasing safety

1) DOT - Department of Transportation 2) Snell Memorial Foundation 3) (ECE) - U.N. Economic Commission for Europe

What three (3) weather dependent ailments can proper equipment help manage/prevent?

1) Dehydration 2) Heat injuries 3) Hypothermia

What are the 4 types/styles of helmets? List them in decreasing order of safety (safest first)

1) Full face helmets 2) Modular Helmets 3) Three-quarter shell helmet 4) Half-Shell Helmet

What are the 5 locations where the electronic toll transponder can be placed?

1) Pocket. 2) Tank bag. 3) License plate device. 4) Other storage compartment. 5) On the windshield.

What are 5 main benefits of wearing a helmet?

1) Protect your head and brain against injury 2) Protects hearing and vision 3) Reduces exposure to weather and debris 4) Increase visibility with bright colors/reflective 5) Does not limit peripheral vision

What are 6 qualities of good riding gear?

1) Protects against injury, wind, flying debris, dirt, rocks, etc. 2) Improve concentration and safety 3) Improves comfort for all riding conditions 4) Reflective for night riding (retro-reflective ideally) 5) Abrasion-resistant materials 6) Protective armor (pants and jacket)

What's the protective benefit of motorcycle jackets, pants and boots?

1) Reduce exposure to wind, weather and debris 2) Improves visibility of you to other drivers 3) Vented and weather tight for temperature control a) Warmer in the cold weather b) Cooler in the hot weather 4) Improves concentration 5) Reduces injury and abrasian

What are the four steps to turning?

1) Speed, Position, Aim, Steer (Course) 2) Slow, look, press, roll (DMV)

What are the 6 main primary controls on a motorcycle?

1) Throttle 2) Clutch lever 3) Gearshift lever 4) Front brake lever 5) Rear brake pedal 6) Handlebars

What are the 6 steps for mounting your motorcycle?

1. Approach from the left side only 2. Grip the handlebars and squeeze front brake 3. Mount the motorcycle from the left side 4. Sit and straighten the motorcycle 5. Raise sidestand 6. Adjust mirrors

What are 5 ways you can command and communicate your presence on the road as a motorcyclist?

1. Bright and Reflective Clothing 2. Headlights 3. Signals 4. Brake light (flash before stopping if appropriate) 5. Horn

What are the three steps to stopping any engine?

1. Engine cut-off switch 2. Ignition off 3. Fuel suppy valve to off (if not fuel injected)

What comprises a good riding position?

1. Head and eyes up and forward 2. Shoulders relaxed 3. Arms slightly bent 4. Left hand covering clutch 5. Right wrist low 6. Knees against tank (squeezing it) 7. Rest the balls of your feet on the footpegs

If you need to stop your motorcycle (stoplight, intersection etc.), what's the basic procedure?

1. Keep eyes up and ahead 2. Roll off throttle 3. Squeeze clutch 4. Apply both front and rear brakes 5. Downshift to first 6. Left foot down first

What five items make up Rider Readiness?

1. Mentally readiness (focused unimpaired distraction free) 2. Physical Readiness (rested, healthy, free of stress/impairements) 3. Proper riding gear 4. Understanding your abilities and limitations 5. Knowledge of the riding conditions (road and weather etc.) 6. Motorcycle in good condition and awareness of your motorcycles capabilities and limitations

Give five reasons why motorcycling is more risky than driving a car.

1. More vulnerable 2. Maneuvers are more dangerous 3. Have to balance. 4. Skids and spins 5. Exposed to wind and rain

What are 4 benefits of wearing gloves?

1. Protect hands from elements 2. Reduces vibration 3. Protects against abrasion and other injury in a crash 4. Improves grip

What are the 5 steps for dismounting your motorcycle (after killing your engine and turning off your ignition)?

1. Sidestand down 2. Lean bike onto sidestand 3. Squeeze front brake 4. Dismount 5. Turn handlebards towards sidestand

What does a pre-ride check include?

1. Tires 2. Check controls 3. Electrics (indicator lights, headlight, brakes etc.) 4. Fluids (Everything up to the fill line and doesn't look like muck) 5. Drive chain (check that the chain or drive is in good repair

What is countersteering and when should you use it?

Countersteering - lean in when going faster

You cannot park within how many feet of a fire hydrant?

15 ft.

What's the speed limit when driving near a school or where children are crossing the street?

25 mph

How many times more dangerous is driving a motorcycle than a car?

38 times more dangerous

What percentage of rider fatalities are alcohol related?

52%

Rider wearing any over the ankle boot were what percentage less likely to have an injury to their feet or ankles?

53%

What is the maximum speed when towing?

55 miles per hour

Children under what age may not be left unattended in a vehicle?

6 years of age

What is the max speed of most highways?

65 mph

Front brakes produce what percentage of your stopping power?

70%

High quality armor can reduce impact energy by as much as?

70%

Rider's wearing body armor were what percentage LESS likely to have open wound injuries during an accident?

73%

What percentage of motorcycle accidents result in injury?

80% of motorcycle accidents result in injury

How loud can exhaust be in California?

88 decibles

What approach angle is recommended when crossing obstacles?

90 degrees

What's a leading cause of motorcycle accidents at intersections? What should you watch out for the most?

A car that does not see you, making a left into your path regardless of whether you have the right of way. Most common is drivers not seeing you to their left and making a left into you (same direction) but also very common left turn from opposite direction.

How do we manage fear?

Accept whatever is happening is what is normal and should be happening. We manage fear through knowledge and skill, and practice (muscle memory)

D.U.I. blood alcohol for adults and minors?

Adult: .08% Minors under 21 years old: .01%

When should you consider carrying a passenger?

After much experience driving solo.

If you have not triggered a light sensor, when can you proceed?

After two light cycles

At what point should you turn toward the apex?

After you've entered the outside of the turn.

What two adjectives would describe HOW WE SCAN/SEARCH?

Aggressive and Purposeful

Where should you look when crossing obstacles?

Ahead, forecast your path of travel.

How can you stay cool, hydrated and protected?

Cooling vest or wet shirt with vents open.

What is counterbalancing and when should you use it?

Counterbalance - lean away when going slower

What is the friction zone?

Area of the clutch travel where the power is first transmitted from the engine to the rear wheel

When should you turn your head for cornering?

As soon as you can see your target.

What do the double double yellow lines mean?

Barrier, no driving.

Why is the "aim" step important?

Because your likely to ride where you look and aim.

Lane splitting should be done in what lane numbers?

Between the number one lane and number two lane.

What should you always avoid while swerving?

Braking

How does S.I.P.D.E help make you an expert rider?

By learning to anticipate and act on hazards

When being passed, what section of the lane should you drive in?

Center.

What does lifting or pressing on the shift lever accomplish?

Change gears

What kind of tests are permitted during DUI stops for hemophiliacs or persons taking anticoagulants?

Chemical Urine tests

How do you know what type of bike to choose?

Choose a bike for your style of riding and goals. Get a bike that you are able to move around, balance, and hopefully not drop. (probably a lighter bike to start). Able to reach and operate controls. Your feet can touch the ground. Adjust Handlebars, brakes, gearshift lever, clutch lever if it's possible on your bike for a more ideal fit

What does it mean to "accept your responsibility"?

Choose to ride within your limits every single time

What is the difference between a Class M1 and M2 endorsement?

Class M1—You may operate any two-wheel motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or motorized scooter and all vehicles listed under Class M2—You may operate any motorized bicycle, moped or a bicycle with an attached motor or motorized scooter.

How do daily events affect Rider Readiness?

Decrease your ability to concentrate.

How does cold/hypothermia impair you?

Decreases alertness and ability to analyze

How does heat/dehydration impair you?

Decreases alertness and ability to analyze

What are the leading causes of single-vehicle crashes?

Failure to negotiate turns.

What are the different kinds of DUI test you can get when being stopped?

Field sobriety test, chemical urine test, blood test, breathalyzer, remember ALL OF THE ABOVE

What is SMOG-C used for? What is it?

Used for changing lanes: Signal Mirror Over the shoulder Go Cancel Signal

Which brake provides more stopping power? How much does it provide?

Front, 70%

What functions of the brain does fear interrupt?

Frontal lobes - logic, planning, judgement, skill, fight or flight takes over and you lose good judgement abilities

What are the three benefits of wearing apparel specifically designed for motorcycling?

Improves -Comfort -Concentration -Safety

Where can you legally mount phones/com devices?

In a car, anywhere but the middle -> on a motorcycle, as long as it's not blocking the instrument cluster/panel!

If someone is tailgating you, what should you do?

Increase your space cushion by applying your brakes. Plan b: move to the side to let them pass

What three items should you consider when shopping for riding gear?

Increases: -Comfort -Protection -Visibility

What is target fixation and how do we avoid it?

Intense focus on an object causes awareness of other objects to diminish. We tend to move towards what we are trying to avoid. Avoid by: Keep your head on a swivel and keep your focus on your objective, not what you're trying to avoid

Where do most multi-vehicle collisions occur?

Intersections

What is ONE-C?

It's how you start your motorcycle: -O - ignition/fuel turn ON -N - Neutral -E - Engine cut-off switch to on -C - Clutch pull in and press starter button

Where is your engine start button? How long do you need to hold it down?

Right side of handlebar, hold it until you hear the engine has started

What's the basic upshift procedure?

Roll - Squeeze - Lift - Ease - Roll 1. Roll off the throttle 2. Squeeze in the clutch 3. Lift up on gear shift lever 4. Ease out the clutch smoothly 5. Roll back on the throttle

How is the rear brake applied to stop quickly in a straight line?

Light to lighter pressure.

What is the 20-second visual lead?

Look ahead to scan your path for potential dangers ahead - situational awareness

What is a head check?

Looking over shoulder prior to changing lanes or turning

How can you shift without using the clutch?

Match road speed with RPPM

What's the basic downshift procedure?

Roll-squeeze-press-ease 1. Roll off throttle 2. Squeeze in clutch 3. Down on gear shift lever 4. Ease out clutch

What is S.I.P.D.E?

S-Scan ahead I-Identify vehicles, people, hazards P-Predict hazard will do D-Decide what you are going to do E-Execute plan

When changing lanes, what should you do? (ACRONYM)

SMOG-C Signal Mirror Over the shoulder Go Cancel Signal

Where do you find the recommended maintenance schedule for your motorcycle?

Motorcycle Owners Manual (MOM)

Where do you find information about proper tire pressure?

Motorcycle owners manual

Can you legally always drive the speed limit?

No, the law says NEVER faster than is safe for conditions

What method do you use to start your motorcycle? (think acronym)

ONE-C -O - ignition/fuel turn ON -N - Neutral -E - Engine cut-off switch to on -C - Clutch pull in and press starter button

Penalty for evading police pursuit?

One year or less in jail.

What's so dangerous about U-turns? What can you do about other drivers making u-turns?

Other cars often don't see motorcyclists and make sudden U-turns cutting off your path of travel. Slow down and try to get their attention - be ready to act

How do helmets work? What roll does the outer and inner shell play during an accident?

Outer shell resists penetration and distributes energy of the impact Inner shell absorbs energy during impact

What acronym do we use for turning and describe it's use?

SPAT 1. Speed -Accelerate, decelerate, maintenance throttle -Do not squeeze clutch or use brakes in turn, 2. Position -Body, lane, traffic, group -Lean your shoulders into the turn -Traffic - adjust for traffic -Group - adjust for the group 3. Aim -Look, Plan, Connect the Dots -Look as far as you can into the turn and stay, plan your path 4. Turn -Steering, leaning -Steer with handlebars and lean -Push in the direction you want to go

How should the passenger be dressed?

Same as rider, full safety gear.

What indicates a potential change in roadway traction?

Shiny surfaces.

Yellow parking zone

Passengers or freight.

White Parking Zone

Passengers or mail

What two compounds should you not expose your helmet to?

Petroleum products or aerosols. If you are at the gas station leave your helmet on - don't expose it to the vapors of gas

What are the 5 factors that determine a good lane position?

Pick a lane that allows you to: 1. See and be seen 2. Maintain a space cushion 3. Maintain an escape route 4. Protect your lane (don't let cars come into your lane 5. Avoid surface hazards (debris, potholes etc.)

What should you do if you suspect your sidestand will sink into the parking surface?

Place flat object underneath kickstand.

What's the benefit of wearing motorcycle boots? What do they protect your ankles and feet from?

Protect ankles and feet from: 1. Elements 2. Hot and sharp parts 3. Injury in a crash Rubber soles and low heels improve your grip and control

How can you dress to increase visiblity?

Retro-reflective material (NOT reflective) Bright colors!

Crash research shows that motorcyclist who get into crashes fail to do what 5 things?

Riders fail to: 1. Actively Scan for hazards 2. Command attention 3. Communicate presence and intentions 4. Detect motorists 5. Anticipate right-of-way violations

Where in the formation should the least experienced rider be?

Right behind leader

Where is the engine cutoff switch?

Right handlebar

When braking in a lean, what is important to remember?

The more friction used in the lean, the less traction available for braking.

When two vehicles arrive at an intersection, who has the right of way?

The vehicle on the right.

How do you calculate the following distance in a staggered formation?

Two seconds off the leaders rear tire.

How do you know if you are overriding your headlight?

Unable to see and react to hazards past your headlight field

What is a primary cause of tire failure?

Under inflated tires

Which vehicle has the right of way, uphill traveling vehicle or downhill traveling vehicle?

Uphill traveling vehicle has the right of way.

What can you do to reduce reaction time in hazardous situations?

Use SIPDE

On a tire you will find an oval with 4 digits. What do the digits mean exactly?

They define the expiration date. The first two digits is the week, and the 2nd two digits represent the year the tire was manufactured in

How much money does damage from accidents/injury need to exceed to require a report? When that happens who do you report it to? How many days do you have to report it?

When accident damage exceeds $1k you need to report it to the DMV within 10 days

Are motorcycles allowed to be in the carpool/HOV lanes?

Yes

What should you check before making a stop?

Your rear view mirror for oncoming hazards from behind

If you drop or compress the inner liner of your helmet, how many more times can you use it?

Zero times, get a new helmet

What is the minimum vehicle insurance coverage in California?

• $15,000 for injury or death of one person; • $30,000 for injury or death of two or more people; and • $5,000 for property damage.