OH Motorcycle Permit Test flashcards

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

Ohio helmet law

Ohio requires a DOT-compliant helmet for operators and passengers under 18 and for holders of a temporary instruction permit during their first riding year.

Eye protection requirement

In Ohio, riders must wear eye protection unless the motorcycle has a windshield or screen; goggles and face shields should meet DOT standards.

Helmet fit test

A properly fitted helmet is snug, sits level on the head, and cannot be rolled forward off the head with the chin strap fastened.

Visibility gear colors

Fluorescent colors such as orange and yellow improve daytime visibility, while retroreflective materials make a rider easier to see at night.

FINE-C check

A pre-ride routine: Fuel, Ignition, Neutral, Engine cut-off switch, Choke or fuel valve, and Clutch - all checked before pressing the starter.

T-CLOCS inspection

Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis, and Stands: the six categories a rider checks during a complete pre-ride inspection of the motorcycle.

Control locations

The right hand works the throttle and front brake; the right foot works the rear brake; the left hand the clutch; the left foot the shifter.

Clutch friction zone

The part of the clutch lever travel where the clutch begins to engage; used with throttle and rear brake for slow-speed control and smooth starts.

Countersteering

Above walking speed, pressing the handgrip on the side you want to go makes the motorcycle lean and turn in that direction.

Eyes in a curve

Keep your head up and look at the exit of the curve; a motorcycle tends to travel toward whatever the rider is looking at.

Crossing an obstacle

Slow down first, hold the handlebars straight, rise slightly off the seat, and roll on the throttle to lighten the front wheel.

Lane position choice

Riders may use the left, center, or right part of their lane; the left third usually gives the best view and mirror visibility.

Center-of-lane hazard

Oil drips from cars collect in the center of a lane and float to the surface when rain starts, making that strip slippery.

Two-second rule

Stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead in good conditions, and increase to four or more in rain, darkness, or heavy traffic.

Left-turn crash

The most common motorcycle crash: an oncoming vehicle turns left across the rider's path; slow down and cover the brakes near intersections.

Hand signal right turn

Extend the left arm with the forearm bent upward at 90 degrees. This is the hand signal for a right turn.

Ohio lane splitting

Ohio does not allow riding between lanes of traffic; a motorcycle is entitled to a full lane, though two may ride abreast in it.

Headlight requirement

Ohio requires a motorcycle's headlight to be on whenever the motorcycle is operated, day or night, to help others see it.

School bus red lights

Traffic traveling in both directions must stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights; motorcycles get no exemption from this rule.

Front brake share

On dry pavement the front brake provides about 70 percent of stopping power, so squeeze the lever progressively instead of grabbing.

Slow, look, press, roll

The cornering sequence: slow down before the curve, look through to the exit, press the handgrip, then roll on the throttle smoothly.

Rear wheel skid

On a motorcycle without ABS, keep a locked rear wheel locked until you stop; releasing it can cause a sudden, violent high side.

Swerving without braking

Press the handgrip toward the swerve direction, keep your body upright, and avoid braking while the bike is leaned.

First rain slickness

The first minutes of rain are the slickest because oil and dirt float on the water; slow down and follow in the tire tracks ahead.

Railroad crossing technique

Cross tracks at close to a 90-degree angle, rise slightly off the seat, and avoid braking, accelerating, or leaning while on the rails.

Stuck throttle response

Squeeze the clutch, flip the engine cut-off switch, and brake smoothly to a stop; know where these controls are before you ride.

Crosswind riding

Lean the motorcycle into a steady crosswind and expect sudden gusts when passing trucks or leaving a bridge or sheltered area.

Ohio BAC limits

For riders 21 and older, 0.08 percent blood alcohol is legally impaired in Ohio; riders under 21 are impaired at 0.02 percent.

Alcohol effects on riding

Alcohol degrades judgment, balance, and coordination before a rider feels drunk, and it also blurs vision and slows reactions.

Fatigue and drugs

Prescription and over-the-counter medicines, marijuana, and fatigue all slow reaction time; combining them with alcohol multiplies impairment.

Passenger pre-ride adjustments

Carrying a passenger requires more tire pressure, higher suspension preload, readjusted mirrors, longer following distance, and gentler braking.

Staggered group formation

In a staggered group, riders alternate left and right lane positions so each has room to swerve, and the group goes single file in curves.