Alabama Motorcycle Permit Test key terms

At speeds above walking pace, pushing the handlebar on the side you want to turn toward makes the motorcycle lean and turn that direction. Push left to go left, push right to go right.

The tilt of the motorcycle from vertical while turning. More speed or a tighter turn requires more lean, which is limited by tire traction and ground clearance.

The grip between the tires and the road surface. It is reduced by rain, gravel, oil, painted lines, and metal surfaces, so you must slow down and lean less on slippery pavement.

The gap between your motorcycle and the vehicle ahead. Use at least a two-second gap in good conditions and increase it in rain, at night, or when following large vehicles that block your view.

The area beside or behind a vehicle that the driver cannot see in the mirrors. Avoid riding in another driver's blind spot, and always turn your head to check your own before changing lanes.

A quick turn of the head to look over your shoulder before changing lanes or turning. It covers the blind spot that mirrors do not show and is required for safe lane changes.

Choosing where to ride within your lane. Ride in the left, center, or right portion to be seen, to avoid hazards, and to keep a space cushion, but do not ride on lane lines.

The area of clear space around your motorcycle that gives you room to react. Keep a cushion ahead, behind, and to both sides by adjusting speed and lane position.

A quick change of direction to avoid a hazard without braking. Swerve and brake separately; braking hard while swerving can cause a skid or loss of control.

Stopping as quickly as possible by applying both brakes firmly and progressively. Keep the motorcycle upright, squeeze the front brake to avoid locking the wheel, and use the rear brake too.

A wheel that has stopped turning while the motorcycle is still moving, which causes a skid and loss of steering control. If the front wheel locks, release the brake lever smoothly to regain control.

The tendency to steer toward whatever you are staring at. In a curve or emergency, look where you want to go, not at the hazard, so you do not ride into it.

Protective clothing including a helmet, eye protection, gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and over-the-ankle boots. Gear reduces injury and also protects against wind, sun, and road debris.

Head protection that meets federal safety standards (DOT). In Alabama, all riders and passengers must wear a helmet, and a proper fit and fastened chin strap are required.

Goggles, a face shield, or glasses that protect your eyes from wind, dust, and insects. Alabama requires eye protection unless the motorcycle has a windshield or the rider wears a helmet with a face shield.

A check of tires, brakes, controls, lights, oil, and fuel before every ride. It catches problems that could cause a breakdown or crash and is part of being a responsible rider.

The legal right to go first at an intersection or other meeting point. Never assume you have it; yield when required and make eye contact with other drivers before proceeding.

Slowing or stopping to let another vehicle or pedestrian go first. You must yield at stop signs, when entering a roadway, to pedestrians in crosswalks, and when turning left across oncoming traffic.

A place where two or more roads meet. Intersections are high-risk for motorcycles because drivers often fail to see them, so approach slowly, scan, and be ready to stop.

Riding between lanes of traffic or sharing a lane with another vehicle. It is not legal in Alabama, and sharing a lane with a car is unsafe and prohibited.

A light that shows your intention to turn or change lanes. Signal well in advance and cancel it after the turn so other drivers are not confused.

The maximum legal speed for a road, set by signs. Ride at a safe speed for conditions, which may be lower than the posted limit in rain, at night, or in traffic.

Overtaking another vehicle. Pass only when it is legal and safe, check your mirrors and blind spot, signal, and return to your lane only when you can see the passed vehicle in your mirror.

The percentage of alcohol in your blood. In Alabama, it is illegal to ride with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, and a lower limit applies to riders under 21.

Any condition that reduces your ability to ride safely, including alcohol, drugs, fatigue, and illness. Alcohol and drugs slow reaction time, reduce balance, and impair judgment, making crashes more likely.

Driving Under the Influence, the offense of operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. A DUI can result in license suspension, fines, and jail, and it applies to motorcycles.

By riding on Alabama roads, you agree to submit to a chemical test if lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusing the test can lead to license suspension even if you are not convicted.

A solid white line painted across your lane at a stop sign or signal. Stop before the line, or before the crosswalk if there is no line, so you do not block pedestrians.

The part of the road set aside for pedestrians to cross, often marked with white lines. You must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, and you may not pass a vehicle stopped for one.

A red octagonal sign that means come to a complete stop. Stop at the stop line or crosswalk, check for traffic, and yield before proceeding.

A red and white triangular sign meaning slow down and give way to traffic on the intersecting road. Stop if necessary, but you do not have to stop if the way is clear.

A yellow diamond-shaped sign that alerts you to a hazard ahead, such as a curve, railroad crossing, or slippery road. Slow down and be prepared to react.

A place where tracks cross the road, marked by a round yellow warning sign, pavement markings, and often a crossbuck. Slow down, look both ways, and never stop on the tracks.

Lines and symbols painted on the road, such as center lines, edge lines, and arrows. A solid line means do not cross, while a broken line means you may cross when safe.

Red, yellow, and green lights that control traffic. A steady red means stop, yellow means the light is about to turn red, and green means go if the way is clear.

A signal that flashes red or yellow. A flashing red light means stop and proceed when safe, like a stop sign; a flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution.

Being tired, which slows reaction time and reduces attention. Riding while fatigued is dangerous; stop, rest, and avoid long rides without breaks.