Protective Gear and Passenger/Cargo Safety
Protective Gear and Passenger/Cargo Safety
This domain tests what to wear, how to carry a passenger, and how to load a motorcycle without upsetting its balance.
Gear
Wear a DOT-compliant helmet that fits snugly and fastens under the chin. Add eye protection, gloves, a jacket, long pants and over-the-ankle boots. Bright or retro-reflective material helps drivers see you. A helmet is not optional in North Carolina, and a novelty helmet does not meet the standard.
Passengers
A passenger needs a proper seat and footrests. Adjust tire pressure and suspension for the extra weight. Before moving, tell the passenger to wait until you say mount, keep feet on the pegs even at stops, hold your waist or the grab rail, and lean with you in turns. Start and stop more gently.
Cargo
Keep cargo low, centered and secure. Balance weight on both sides and stay within the motorcycle's load limit. Loose or oversized loads can shift in a turn or block the lights and plate.
Worked example
A rider plans to strap a heavy box to the rear rack, hanging off the right side. Reasoning: off-center weight will make the bike lean and handle unevenly. The rider should center the load, secure it, and reduce speed. If it cannot be balanced, it should not be carried.
Traps
Letting a passenger mount before the rider is ready, carrying a passenger on a permit, and using a helmet that is not DOT-approved. The exam rewards the conservative load and the properly equipped bike.