Delaware Motorcycle Permit Test flashcards

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

Right-hand controls

The right hand operates the front brake lever and the throttle. On most motorcycles the front brake provides the majority of stopping power, so it is the primary braking control at speed.

T-CLOCS inspection

A pre-ride check covering Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis, and Stands. Checking all six areas before every ride catches defects that could cause a crash or breakdown.

Chain slack

Measured at the midpoint of the lower chain run and adjusted to the owner's manual spec. Too tight damages the countershaft bearing; too loose risks the chain derailing or breaking.

Friction zone

The range of clutch lever travel where engine power begins to transfer to the rear wheel. Keeping the lever partly engaged in this zone gives smooth control at low speed.

Countersteering

Above roughly 12-15 mph, pressing forward on the grip in the direction of the intended turn initiates lean and turns the motorcycle. It is the normal way to steer at speed.

Slow, look, press, roll

The four-step cornering sequence: reduce speed before the curve, look to the exit, press the grip to lean, then roll on the throttle smoothly through the turn.

Target fixation

The tendency to steer toward whatever you look at. Because the motorcycle follows your head and eyes, fixating on a hazard steers you into it; look where you want to go.

Rear brake at low speed

At walking pace, use the rear brake with clutch slip to modulate speed. The front brake alone at low speed risks a tip-over because it can abruptly stop the front wheel.

Three-second following rule

Pick a fixed object and count three seconds after the vehicle ahead passes it. Add a second in rain and more in poor visibility; three seconds is a minimum in good conditions.

Left lane position

Riding in the left portion of your lane makes you visible in a driver's side mirror and increases your line of sight past the vehicle ahead.

Blind spot check

Before changing lanes, check mirrors, signal, and turn your head to check the blind spot. Mirrors alone leave a gap beside the motorcycle that can hide a vehicle.

Cover the brakes

Keep fingers on the front brake lever and foot near the rear pedal when approaching intersections, driveways, or any situation where a hazard could appear suddenly.

Truck blind spots

Large trucks have deep blind spots directly behind, alongside the cab, and on both sides. If you cannot see the driver's mirror, the driver cannot see you.

Truck right-turn squeeze

A truck's rear wheels track inside its front wheels on a turn. Never ride between a large vehicle and the curb in the space it needs to complete a wide right turn.

Passing a large vehicle

Pass quickly and completely; do not linger alongside. Expect turbulence and a vacuum effect as you pass, and leave extra following distance behind large vehicles.

Left-turning vehicle

A driver turning across your path at an intersection is a leading cause of motorcycle crashes. Slow down, cover the brakes, and be ready to swerve or stop.

Conspicuousness

Ride with headlights on day and night and wear bright, high-visibility gear. Being seen by other drivers is a core defense against intersection and lane-change crashes.

Slick lane center

Gravel, sand, oil, and wet leaves collect in the center of the lane and at intersections. The center of the lane often holds the slickest surface, especially when wet.

Alcohol and riding

Alcohol impairs balance, judgment, and reaction time before a rider reaches the legal limit. Riding under the influence is illegal in every state and raises crash risk sharply.

Fatigue

Fatigue slows reaction time and can cause micro-sleeps. If you feel drowsy, stop and rest; caffeine and cold air are not substitutes for sleep.

Swerving

Keep the bike upright, press the grip in the direction of the swerve, and do not brake while swerving. Braking and swerving together can cause a skid.

Emergency braking

Apply both brakes firmly and progressively with the bike upright and the front wheel straight. This maximizes stopping force and reduces the risk of a skid.

Front-wheel skid recovery

If the front wheel skids, release the front brake smoothly and re-apply. If the rear wheel skids, keep the rear brake applied and hold the bike straight.

Too fast in a curve

If you enter a curve too fast, look through the turn and lean more. If you must brake, do so smoothly and progressively to avoid a slide.

Intersection crash risk

Intersection crashes are the most common motorcycle crash type. Reduce speed, scan left-right-left, and cover the brakes on approach to every intersection.

Running wide on a curve

A leading cause of single-vehicle motorcycle crashes. Enter at a speed that lets you stay in your lane through the exit, and look through the turn.

Ride as if invisible

Assume other drivers have not seen you. Position yourself where you can be seen and where you have an escape path if a driver moves into your space.

Identify, decide, act

The hazard-response sequence: identify the hazard, decide whether to brake or swerve, and act. Practice makes the decision fast so you do not freeze.

Poor-traction surfaces

Wet roads, painted lines, metal grates, and manhole covers offer poor traction. Reduce lean angle and brake gently when crossing them to avoid a slide.

Lane splitting

Riding between lanes of moving traffic. Do not do it unless your state's law expressly permits it; the rules vary widely by state.

Throttle free play

The throttle must return to idle freely and not stick. A sticking throttle is a serious safety defect; check it as part of every pre-ride inspection.

Hill start

When stopping on a hill, hold the rear brake to keep the bike from rolling. Release it only as you add throttle and engage the clutch to move off.