NS Motorcycle Test flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Octagonal red sign

A stop sign; its unique shape identifies it from any angle, including the back. A full stop and yield to traffic and pedestrians is required before proceeding.

Flashing red signal

Treat it exactly like a stop sign: come to a complete stop, yield to cross traffic and pedestrians, and proceed only when the way is clear and safe.

Solid yellow center line

Marks the center of a two-way road and forbids passing on the side of the line where it is solid. Broken yellow lines allow passing when safe.

Uncontrolled intersection right-of-way

The first vehicle to arrive proceeds first. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the one on the left yields to the one on the right.

Left turn right-of-way

A rider or driver turning left must yield to all oncoming traffic going straight or turning right, and to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Two-second following rule

Watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed object and count seconds until you pass it. Two seconds is the minimum gap; four or more in rain, night, or poor visibility.

Lane sharing with cars

A single motorcycle may not share a lane with a car; lane splitting and riding beside a car in the same lane are not permitted.

SIPDE scanning process

A defensive riding method: Scan the road ahead, Identify hazards, Predict what may happen, Decide a response, and Execute the action smoothly.

Covering the controls

Resting fingers over the front brake and clutch lever without applying them, so you can react faster at intersections and other high-risk spots.

Left-turn collision risk

The most common motorcycle collision involves an oncoming vehicle turning left across the rider's path. Reduce speed and plan an escape route.

Riding in rain

Reduce speed, increase following distance, brake earlier and gently, avoid painted lines and metal grates, and keep the visor clear for visibility.

Front brake control

The front brake lever is on the right handlebar and provides most of the stopping power; apply it with the throttle closed and fingers over the lever.

Clutch lever location

The clutch lever is on the left handlebar; squeeze it to disengage the engine before shifting or stopping, and release it smoothly to engage.

Shift lever pattern

The shift lever is on the left footpeg; one down for first gear, then lift up through the gears, with neutral between first and second.

Kill switch purpose

The engine stop switch on the right handlebar cuts the engine immediately without moving the hands off the controls, useful in a fall or emergency.

T-CLOCS inspection

A pre-ride checklist covering Tires and wheels, Controls, Lights and electrics, Oil and fluids, Chassis, and Stands before every ride.

Cold tire pressure check

Check tire pressure when the tires are cold, before riding, using the manufacturer's recommended pressure; hot tires give falsely high readings.

Chain tension check

Verify the chain has the specified slack and is lubricated; a loose chain can derail and a tight chain damages bearings and seals.

Spongy brake lever

A brake lever that feels soft or travels too far usually indicates air in the hydraulic system or low brake fluid, requiring service before riding.

Countersteering

At speeds above roughly 12-15 mph, push the handlebar in the direction of the turn to lean the motorcycle and complete the turn.

Look through the turn

Turn your head and eyes toward the exit of the curve; the motorcycle tends to follow the rider's gaze, so look where you want to go.

Braking in a curve

Brake before entering the curve, not while leaned over; braking while leaned uses traction needed for cornering and can cause a slide.

Low-speed friction zone

At walking speeds, use the clutch friction zone, slight throttle, and rear brake to keep the motorcycle balanced and controlled.

Legal alcohol limit

For riders 21 and older, the limit is typically 0.08% blood alcohol; riders under 21 face zero-tolerance limits near 0.00-0.02%.

Refusing a chemical test

Refusing a breath or blood test after a lawful request usually triggers automatic license suspension, separate from any DUI charge.

Fatigue remedy

Drowsiness slows reaction time and causes micro-sleeps; the only effective remedy is to stop and rest, not to ride faster or open the visor.

Distracted riding

Any activity that takes hands, eyes, or mind off riding, such as texting or adjusting a GPS, increases crash risk even for a brief moment.

Truck no-zones

Large trucks have blind spots at the front, rear, and both sides; never ride alongside a truck's cab or trailer where the driver cannot see you.

Crosswalk right-of-way

Pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk have the right-of-way; riders must yield and be ready for a pedestrian stepping out.

Crossing railroad tracks

Slow down, look both ways, and cross the tracks at a right angle; never stop on the tracks and watch for a train even if signals are off.

Motorcycle endorsement

A motorcycle endorsement or separate motorcycle license is required to ride on public roads; a standard driver's license alone is not sufficient.

Liability insurance requirement

Most states require liability insurance covering injury and property damage to others; riding without it can bring fines, suspension, and personal liability.