Braking & Emergency Stops

Study questions with answers

5 sample Braking & Emergency Stops questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. What should you do if your front wheel locks up during hard braking?

   Correct answer: Release the front brake immediately, then reapply it smoothly

   Release the front brake at once to let the wheel roll again and regain traction, then reapply it smoothly. A locked front wheel can cause you to fall.

   Source: California Motorcycle Handbook — Handling a Skid: Front Wheel

2. 2. To stop as quickly as possible, how should a motorcyclist use the brakes?

   Correct answer: Use both brakes firmly; the front brake gives most of the stopping power

   Use both brakes every time you stop. The front brake provides most of your stopping power, so applying both firmly gives the shortest safe stop.

   Source: California Motorcycle Handbook — Stopping Quickly: Using Both Brakes

3. 3. According to the handbook, what should you do if your rear wheel locks while you are traveling in a straight line?

   Correct answer: Keep the rear brake locked until you have stopped

   If you are straight up and going straight, keep the rear brake locked until you stop. Releasing it when the wheel is out of line can throw the motorcycle upright suddenly and cause a fall.

   Source: California Motorcycle Handbook — Handling a Skid: Rear Wheel

4. 4. A hazard appears so close that you do not have room to stop in time. What is usually the better choice?

   Correct answer: Swerve around the hazard, then brake if needed once upright

   If you cannot stop in time, swerving around the hazard is often your best option. Swerve first, then brake if you still need to once you are upright and traveling straight.

   Source: California Motorcycle Handbook — Swerving or Stopping

5. 5. If you must swerve to avoid a hazard, what should you do about braking?

   Correct answer: Do not brake while swerving; brake before or after, not during

   Never brake while swerving, because braking and turning at the same time can cause a loss of traction. Brake before or after the swerve, but not during it.

   Source: California Motorcycle Handbook — Swerving and Quick Stops