Road Signs

Study questions with answers

12 sample Road Signs questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. Opening and closing the hand with the fingers and thumb spread tells a fellow rider that:

   Correct answer: their turn signal is still on

   The open-and-close hand gesture reminds a rider that a turn signal has been left blinking.

   Source: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual — Hand Signals

2. 2. The 'follow me' group signal is given by:

   Correct answer: raising the arm straight up from the shoulder, palm forward

   Raising the arm straight up from the shoulder with the palm facing forward means follow me.

   Source: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual — Hand Signals

3. 3. A rider extends the forearm and makes a short up-and-down motion with a clenched fist. This signals:

   Correct answer: a comfort stop

   A clenched fist bobbing up and down is the signal for a comfort (rest) stop.

   Source: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual — Hand Signals

4. 4. A lead rider extends a left arm straight down with the palm turned toward the rear. What does this mean?

   Correct answer: Come to a stop

   An arm pointed down with the palm facing backward is the group hand signal to stop.

   Source: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual — Hand Signals

5. 5. Before passing slower traffic on a two-lane road, the manual reminds riders to:

   Correct answer: know their signs and roadway markings, since passing is legal only where permitted

   Passes must stay within the posted limit and be made only where signs and markings permit passing.

   Source: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual — Passing

6. 6. In a group ride, how does a rider signal that everyone should move into single file?

   Correct answer: Raise the arm with only the index finger pointing straight up

   One raised index finger tells the group to form a single line; two raised fingers would request double file.

   Source: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual — Hand Signals

7. 7. Tapping the top of your helmet with an open palm tells other riders to:

   Correct answer: switch to high beam

   A palm tapped on top of the helmet is the signal to switch to high beam.

   Source: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual — Hand Signals

8. 8. Which hand signal asks the riders behind you to form a double-file (paired) formation?

   Correct answer: The arm raised with the index and middle fingers extended upward

   Two fingers held straight up requests a two-column formation, while a single finger requests single file.

   Source: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual — Hand Signals

9. 9. To warn the group of a hazard on the right side of the road, a rider:

   Correct answer: points toward it with the right foot

   Hazards on the right are pointed out with the right foot, while hazards on the left are pointed out with the left hand.

   Source: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual — Hand Signals

10. 10. How does a rider signal that a fuel stop is needed?

    Correct answer: Extending the arm to the side, pointing a finger at the tank

    Pointing to the fuel tank with an extended finger while the arm is out to the side indicates the need to refuel.

    Source: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual — Hand Signals

11. 11. The signal for a refreshment (food or drink) stop is made by:

    Correct answer: closing the fingers and moving the thumb toward the mouth

    Bringing the thumb toward the mouth with the fingers closed signals a stop for food or drink.

    Source: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual — Hand Signals

12. 12. Which motion signals the group to slow down?

    Correct answer: Arm out, palm down, swept down toward your side

    A palm-down arm swept downward toward your side asks the riders behind you to reduce speed.

    Source: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual — Hand Signals