IL Motorcycle Permit Test flashcards

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

Countersteering

At speeds above about 12-15 mph, pushing the grip on the side you want to turn toward causes the motorcycle to lean and turn in that direction.

Front brake share

The front brake provides roughly 70 percent of a motorcycle's stopping power; use both brakes together for maximum controlled braking.

T-CLOCS inspection

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

Following distance

Motorcycles should follow at least 3 seconds behind other vehicles in normal conditions, and 4 or more seconds on wet or poor roads.

Curve technique

Slow before the curve, look through it toward the exit, and roll on the throttle smoothly; avoid braking while the bike is leaned over.

Riding in rain

Reduce speed, increase following distance, and avoid painted markings and metal surfaces because wet pavement roughly doubles stopping distances.

Alcohol and riding

Alcohol impairs balance and judgment first; Illinois treats a BAC of 0.08 or higher as per se intoxication for motorcycle operators.

Swerving

To avoid an obstacle, keep the bike upright, brake first if space allows, then swerve and countersteer around the hazard without locking the brakes.

Class M license

Illinois requires a Class M license or an M endorsement on a valid driver's license to operate a motorcycle on public roads.

Instructional permit limits

An Illinois motorcycle permit restricts riding to no passengers and no nighttime riding, and the rider must be supervised per permit rules.

Lane splitting prohibited

Illinois law prohibits riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent rows of vehicles; each motorcycle needs its own lane space.

Sharing a lane

Two motorcycles may ride side by side in one lane only with both riders' consent; a motorcycle may not share a lane with a car.

Uncontrolled intersection

The first vehicle to arrive goes first; if two arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right of way.

Turn signal distance

Illinois requires a turn signal to be given continuously for at least the last 100 feet before a turn.

Illinois speed limits

Unless posted otherwise, limits are 30 mph in urban districts, 55 mph on most two-lane highways, and 70 mph on rural interstates.

Passenger requirements

A motorcycle carrying a passenger needs a permanently attached seat and footrests, and the passenger must face forward astride the seat.

Stop sign shape

A red octagon always means stop; come to a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection.

Yellow diamond signs

Yellow diamond signs warn of hazards ahead such as curves, intersections, and pedestrian crossings; slow down and be prepared.

Orange signs

Orange signs mark construction and work zones; reduce speed and watch for workers, equipment, and changed lane patterns.

Solid yellow line

A solid yellow line on your side of the centerline means passing is prohibited; a double solid yellow prohibits passing in both directions.

Solid white line

A solid white line marks the right edge of the roadway or separates lanes where changing lanes is discouraged; dashed white permits lane changes.

Flashing red signal

A flashing red signal means stop, then proceed when clear, exactly as at a stop sign; a flashing yellow means slow and proceed with caution.

Steady yellow light

A steady yellow light means the signal is about to turn red; stop if you can do so safely instead of accelerating to beat it.

Railroad crossbuck

A crossbuck marks a railroad crossing; a round yellow sign with an X and RR warns of a crossing ahead, and flashing lights require a stop.

Yellow pennant sign

A yellow pennant-shaped sign marks the start of a no-passing zone on the left side of a two-lane road.

Motorcycle rights

Motorcycles have the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicles; drivers must not follow a motorcycle more closely than 3 seconds.

Blind spots

Motorcycles are narrow and easily hidden; riders should avoid lingering in a driver's blind spot and position where mirrors can see them.

Manual signal cancel

Many motorcycle turn signals do not self-cancel; riders must cancel them manually so drivers do not pull out in front of them.

Staggered formation

Group riding uses a staggered pattern with 2-second gaps between riders in the same track and 1 second between tracks; single file in curves.

Reduced traction surfaces

Gravel, sand, wet leaves, and painted markings reduce grip; cross them with the bike upright, throttle steady, and avoid sudden braking or turning.

Truck turbulence

Wind gusts and air turbulence from large trucks can push a motorcycle sideways; expect buffeting when passing or being passed by semi-trailers.

Night visibility

Use the high beam when alone on the road, dim it for oncoming traffic within 500 feet, and when following within 200 feet.

Mirror visibility test

If you can see a driver's face in the vehicle's mirror, that driver can see you; if not, you are in a blind spot.