Maine BMV Motorcycle Test flashcards

31 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 throttle and the front brake lever. Rolling the throttle toward you accelerates; squeezing the lever toward the grip applies the front brake.

Left hand controls

The left hand operates the clutch lever and the turn-signal and horn switches. Squeezing the clutch disengages engine power so you can shift gears or stop.

T-CLOCS inspection

A pre-ride checklist: Tires and wheels, Controls, Lights and electrics, Oil and fluids, Chassis, and Stands. Walk around the bike and check each item before every ride.

Cold tire pressure check

Check tire pressure with a gauge when tires are cold, before riding. Underinflated tires reduce handling and can overheat; compare to the owner's manual specification.

Chain slack adjustment

Measure slack at the midpoint of the lower chain run and set it to the manual's specification. Too tight a chain damages wheel bearings and the transmission; too loose a chain can derail.

Lane position left third

Riding in the left third of the lane makes you visible in a driver's rearview mirror and keeps an escape path to the right. It also avoids debris near the curb.

Following distance rule

Maintain at least a 2-second gap behind the vehicle ahead in good conditions. Increase to 3 or 4 seconds at night, in rain, or when the road surface is poor.

Blind spot awareness

A driver's blind spot hides a motorcycle even when the driver checks mirrors. If you cannot see the driver's face in the mirror, assume the driver cannot see you.

Staggered group formation

Group riders alternate left and right lane positions, with the second rider one second behind the leader. Staggering gives each rider room to swerve and avoids side-by-side collisions.

Left-turn intersection risk

An oncoming vehicle turning left across your path is a leading motorcycle crash cause. Slow, cover the brakes, and position to be seen before entering the intersection.

Lane ownership in Maine

In Maine a motorcycle is entitled to a full lane, and no other vehicle may share the lane with it. Lane splitting and sharing a lane with a car are not permitted.

Swerve maneuver

When a hazard appears too close to stop, swerve instead of braking hard. Push the grip on the side you want to go, keep your eyes on the escape path, and stay off the brakes.

Maximum braking technique

Apply both brakes together, squeezing the front progressively and pressing the rear. The front brake provides most stopping power; avoid locking either wheel.

Front wheel lock recovery

If the front wheel locks, release the brake lever immediately to let the wheel roll, then reapply smoothly. A locked front wheel causes an immediate loss of steering and a fall.

Rear wheel lock recovery

If the rear wheel locks, keep it locked and hold the bike straight until stopped. Releasing a locked rear wheel suddenly can cause a high-side crash.

Countersteering rule

Above walking speed, push the left grip to turn left and the right grip to turn right. The motorcycle leans in the direction of the push, producing the turn.

Look through the turn

Turn your head and look at the exit of the curve, not at the edge or oncoming traffic. The motorcycle tends to follow where your eyes are focused.

Tire blowout response

Hold the handlebars firmly with both hands, ease off the throttle, and avoid hard braking. Once the bike is stable, brake gently and steer to a safe stop.

DOT helmet requirement

Maine requires riders and passengers to wear a helmet meeting federal DOT standards. Novelty helmets do not meet the standard and do not satisfy the law.

Helmet fit check

The chin strap should be snug under the chin and the shell should not shift when you shake your head. A loose helmet can come off in a crash.

Eye protection rule

Riders must wear shatter-resistant eye protection such as goggles or a face shield unless the motorcycle has a windshield. Wind alone can cause tearing and blurred vision.

Abrasion-resistant clothing

Leather or heavy textile jackets and pants protect skin in a slide. Shorts, sandals, and bare arms provide no abrasion protection and leave skin exposed.

Boots and gloves

Boots that cover the ankle protect feet and ankles in a fall and from exhaust heat. Gloves protect hands, improve grip, and shield against wind and debris.

Conspicuity gear

Bright or reflective clothing and a light-colored helmet help drivers notice a motorcycle sooner. Conspicuity gear is most useful at night and in low light.

Maine adult BAC limit

For riders 21 and older, a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher is per se illegal. A BAC of 0.05 to 0.08 can still be used as evidence of impairment.

Under-21 zero tolerance

Maine riders under 21 are subject to a 0.00 BAC limit. Any measurable alcohol in the system can result in license consequences for a young rider.

Chemical test refusal

Refusing a chemical test after arrest triggers an administrative license suspension separate from the criminal case. Implied consent means submitting to testing is a condition of driving.

Prescription drug impairment

Antihistamines, pain medications, and other prescription or over-the-counter drugs can slow reaction time and harm balance. Check labels and ask a pharmacist before riding.

Fatigue impairment

Drowsiness slows reaction time and judgment much like alcohol. Plan rest breaks on long rides and do not ride when tired or after long hours without sleep.

Motorcycle endorsement

Maine requires a motorcycle endorsement on a valid driver's license, or a separate motorcycle license, to ride on public roads. Riding without it is illegal.

Headlight always on

Maine requires motorcycle headlights to be on at all times while riding. A lit headlight makes the motorcycle more visible to oncoming and crossing traffic.