Signals & Pavement Markings

Study questions with answers

12 sample Signals & Pavement Markings questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. How does using your turn signal help when you are entering a freeway?

   Correct answer: Drivers coming up behind are more likely to see the blinking signal and make room

   A blinking signal makes you easier to spot; drivers approaching from behind are more likely to notice it and open space for you to merge.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Signals

2. 2. Before joining a group ride, what should you learn about the group's communication?

   Correct answer: The hand signals the group uses among its riders

   Group riders often use their own set of hand signals, so ask about and become familiar with them before you ride together.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Group Riding

3. 3. At night, what can the taillights of the car ahead tell you about the road?

   Correct answer: If they bounce up and down, they can warn you of bumps or rough pavement

   Watching the taillights of the car ahead at night can reveal the road's condition; taillights that bounce up and down warn of bumps or rough pavement.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Riding at Night

4. 4. What is a characteristic of the rounded (convex) mirrors found on many motorcycles?

   Correct answer: They give a wider view but make cars appear farther away than they really are

   Convex mirrors provide a wider view of the road behind, but they also make following vehicles look farther away than they really are, so riders must learn to judge distance with them.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Using Your Mirrors

5. 5. Before changing lanes, why is checking your mirrors alone not enough?

   Correct answer: Motorcycles have blind spots, so you must also turn your head to look

   Like cars, motorcycles have blind spots that mirrors can't cover, so turn your head and look to the side before changing lanes.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Head Checks

6. 6. When is it especially wise to flash your brake light before slowing down?

   Correct answer: When you will slow more sharply than others expect, or in a spot where they wouldn't anticipate it

   Flash the brake light before slowing when you will decelerate more sharply than others expect, or where they would not expect you to slow, such as mid-block or at an alley.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Brake Light(s)

7. 7. If someone is following you too closely, flashing your brake light before you slow can help by doing what?

   Correct answer: Warning the tailgater and discouraging them from following so closely

   Flashing the brake light warns a close follower that you are about to slow, alerting them to hazards ahead and discouraging tailgating.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Brake Light(s)

8. 8. When should a motorcyclist use turn signals?

   Correct answer: Any time they plan to change lanes or turn, even if no one seems to be around

   Because riders are more vulnerable and harder to see, use turn signals whenever you plan to change lanes or turn, even when you think no one is watching.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Signals

9. 9. When should you switch to your low beam?

   Correct answer: At night, in bad weather, and when meeting or following other traffic

   Use the low beam at night, in inclement weather, and when meeting or following other vehicles, so you don't blind them.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Headlight(s)

10. 10. What is the best way to help other drivers notice your motorcycle?

    Correct answer: Keep the headlight on at all times

    Keeping the headlight on whenever you ride is the single best way to make your motorcycle more noticeable to others.

    Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Headlight(s)

11. 11. How can your headlight beam make you more visible to oncoming drivers during the day?

    Correct answer: Use the high beam in daylight to stand out to oncoming traffic

    Using the high beam during daylight increases the chance that oncoming drivers will see you; switch to low beam at night and when following or meeting traffic.

    Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Headlight(s)

12. 12. Why is it important to make sure your turn signal is off after you complete a turn?

    Correct answer: So another driver does not think you plan to turn again and pull into your path

    A signal left blinking after a turn can lead a driver to assume you will turn again and pull into your path, so cancel it once the turn is finished.

    Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Signals