Safe Riding Practices and Motorcycle Operation
This domain tests how you control a motorcycle and manage risk before and during a ride. Expect pre-ride inspection, braking and cornering technique, lane position, following distance, and passenger/load rules.
Pre-ride and gear
- Use the T-CLOCS check: Tires and wheels, Controls, Lights and electrics, Oil and fluids, Chassis, and Stands. Check tire pressure and tread, levers, throttle, brake light, turn signals, horn, chain or belt, and mirrors.
- Wear a DOT helmet, eye protection, gloves, abrasion-resistant jacket and pants, and over-ankle boots. Bright or reflective gear improves being seen.
- Adjust mirrors and levers. Increase tire pressure and adjust suspension when carrying a passenger or heavy load.
Control skills
- Use both brakes. The front brake provides most of the stopping power; squeeze it progressively rather than grabbing. Keep the motorcycle upright for maximum braking.
- For turns, use slow, look, press, roll: slow before the curve, look through it, press the inside grip to countersteer, and roll on smoothly.
- At low speed, use the clutch friction zone and rear brake to control speed. Do not coast with the clutch pulled in through a turn.
Space and lane position
- Apply SEE: Search, Evaluate, Execute. Scan well ahead, identify escape paths, then act smoothly.
- Keep at least a two-second following distance in good conditions; increase to three or four seconds in rain, at night, or when traction is poor.
- Ride in a tire track rather than the oily center at intersections. Use lane position to increase visibility and space from hazards.
- In groups, use staggered formation; go single file in curves and turns. Do not ride side-by-side in the same track.
Passengers and loads
- A passenger needs a proper seat and footrests. Permit holders cannot carry passengers.
- Instruct the passenger to hold the rider or grab rail, keep feet on pegs, and lean with the motorcycle. Adjust speed and braking distance for the extra weight.
Worked example
A rider enters a curve too fast and stares at the outside edge. Correct action: look through the curve to the exit, press the inside grip to lean more, and roll on smoothly. Grabbing the front brake mid-corner stands the bike up and runs it wide. If speed is truly excessive, smooth, gentle slowing is safer than a panic grab.
Traps
- Using only the rear brake.
- Grabbing the front brake in a panic.
- Target fixation on the edge or on a hazard.
- Following too closely.
- Assuming the lane center is always safest.
- Forgetting to adjust for a passenger.