Braking & Emergency Stops

Study questions with answers

7 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. If the rear wheel locks and begins to skid during braking, you should:

   Correct answer: Keep the rear brake applied until you stop if the bike is going straight

   If the rear wheel locks while you are traveling in a straight line, keep it locked until you have stopped. Suddenly releasing a locked, out-of-line rear wheel can throw the rider off.

   Source: Georgia Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Braking

2. 2. To stop as quickly as possible in an emergency, a rider should:

   Correct answer: Apply both brakes firmly without locking either wheel

   Apply both brakes firmly at the same time without locking either wheel. A locked wheel loses traction and control, so squeeze progressively rather than grabbing the brakes.

   Source: Georgia Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Stopping Quickly

3. 3. If the front wheel locks up during hard braking, what should you do?

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

   A locked front wheel can cause a fall almost instantly. Release the front brake immediately to let the wheel roll again, then reapply it smoothly and progressively.

   Source: Georgia Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Braking

4. 4. Which brake provides the most stopping power on a motorcycle?

   Correct answer: The front brake

   The front brake supplies about three-quarters of a motorcycle's stopping power because weight shifts forward during braking. Use both brakes every time you slow or stop.

   Source: Georgia Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Braking

5. 5. If you must swerve to avoid an obstacle, when should you apply the brakes?

   Correct answer: Separate the actions: brake, then swerve, or swerve, then brake

   Never brake and swerve at the same time, because combining the two can overload traction and cause a fall. Separate the actions: brake first and then swerve, or swerve first and then brake.

   Source: Georgia Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Swerving

6. 6. For normal, everyday stops, which brake or brakes should a motorcyclist use?

   Correct answer: Both brakes together, every time

   Use both the front and rear brakes every time you slow or stop, not only in emergencies. Making it a habit means you will use both instinctively when you truly need maximum stopping power.

   Source: Georgia Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Braking

7. 7. To swerve quickly around a sudden obstacle, a rider should:

   Correct answer: Make two quick, separate presses on the handgrips while keeping the body upright

   Press the handgrip on the side you want to move toward, then press the other grip to bring the bike back on course. Keep your body upright with your knees against the tank, and do not brake while swerving.

   Source: Georgia Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Swerving