Hazards, special riding situations and surface conditions
What the exam tests
Hazard questions test speed adjustment, path selection, and smooth inputs when traction or visibility is reduced. Rain, wet leaves, gravel, sand, tar snakes, painted lines, and metal all reduce grip; slow before them, stay upright, and avoid sudden braking or leaning. Cross railroad tracks as close to 90 degrees as possible and do not brake on the rails. In strong wind, lean into the wind and watch for gaps near trucks and buildings. At night, reduce speed, increase following distance, and use high beam only when legal. Fog calls for low beam and extra space.
Worked example
A rider meets a railroad crossing at a shallow angle in the rain. The wrong move is to brake hard while crossing the wet rails. The correct sequence is to slow early, straighten the bike as much as possible before the tracks, cross at a right angle, keep the throttle steady, and avoid steering or braking on the rails. After crossing, resume normal speed. The reasoning is that steel rails plus water can remove traction instantly, and a leaned bike is more likely to slide.
Traps
Braking on gravel or wet paint; crossing tracks at a shallow angle; accelerating into a wind gust; using high beam in fog; and riding at normal speed after rain begins, when oil and water are mixed on the surface.