Motorcycle Practice Test

Motorcycle Positioning & Being Seen Practice Questions

Positioning & Being Seen makes up 9 of every 50 questions on a Tigertest Motorcycle practice test. Here are 10 of the 36 questions on it, each with the answer and the reason.

Updated 2026-11-10 by the Tigertest team. Based on the MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual used by nearly every state. Check your state's handbook for local rules.

1. 1. A rider is choosing gear for a sunny commute in heavy traffic. Which choice makes the rider easiest for drivers to see?

   • A.A matte black helmet with a tinted visor
   • B.A bright-colored jacket and helmet
   • C.A dark leather jacket with no trim
   • D.Black riding gear for a matched look

   Answer: B. Bright or fluorescent colors on the upper body and helmet stand out best against traffic. Dark gear blends into the background and makes the rider harder to notice.

2. 2. When should a motorcyclist ride with the headlight turned on?

   • A.Only from sunset to sunrise
   • B.Only in rain, fog, or snow
   • C.Only on highways and freeways
   • D.At all times, day and night

   Answer: D. Using the headlight at all times makes a motorcycle more likely to be noticed by other drivers, even in daylight.

3. 3. A rider on a fast highway is about to slow down to turn into a driveway where drivers behind may not expect it. What should the rider do first?

   • A.Tap the brakes to flash the brake light
   • B.Wave an arm at the traffic behind
   • C.Swerve toward the shoulder to warn drivers
   • D.Downshift hard without touching the brakes

   Answer: A. Tapping the brakes a few times flashes the brake light and warns following drivers before you slow. Downshifting alone does not light the brake light.

4. 4. Many motorcycle turn signals do not cancel themselves. What should a rider do after completing a turn or lane change?

   • A.Leave it on until the next intersection
   • B.Tap the rear brake to cancel it
   • C.Turn the signal off by hand
   • D.Flash the headlight to reset it

   Answer: C. A signal left on can fool drivers into pulling out in front of you, so turn it off as soon as the turn is complete.

5. 5. Why should a motorcyclist use turn signals even when no other traffic seems to be around?

   • A.Signals improve the bike's stability in turns
   • B.Unused signals tend to stop working over time
   • C.A vehicle you have not noticed may be nearby
   • D.Signaling lets you skip the mirror checks

   Answer: C. Signal every turn and lane change because the vehicle you fail to see is the one most likely to cause trouble. Signals never replace mirror and head checks.

6. 6. A rider sees a driver in a parked car ahead who appears ready to pull out into the lane. How should the rider use the horn?

   • A.Give a light tap to alert the driver
   • B.Honk only after the car pulls out
   • C.Give a long blast to scold the driver
   • D.Avoid it; horns are for emergencies only

   Answer: A. A quick tap of the horn is a good way to make sure a driver who may pull out has noticed you. Waiting until the car moves wastes valuable time.

7. 7. In a true emergency, how should a motorcyclist use the horn?

   • A.Tap it lightly once to avoid startling anyone
   • B.Never use it while also braking
   • C.Use it only after the danger has passed
   • D.Press it loud and long, and be ready to act

   Answer: D. In an emergency, press the horn button loud and long while being ready to stop or swerve away from the danger.

8. 8. At which times is it most important for a rider to check the mirrors?

   • A.Only when riding at night
   • B.Before changing lanes, slowing, or stopping
   • C.Only after a turn is complete
   • D.Only when merging onto a busy freeway or highway

   Answer: B. Check the mirrors before any lane change, before slowing or stopping, and while waiting at intersections so you know what is behind you.

9. 9. Many motorcycles have convex (curved) mirrors. How do vehicles behind the rider appear in these mirrors?

   • A.Larger and faster than they really are
   • B.Farther away than they really are
   • C.Closer than they really are
   • D.Exactly as far as they really are

   Answer: B. Convex mirrors give a wider view but make vehicles seem farther away than they are, so judge distances carefully and get used to them first.

10. 10. A rider wants to change lanes to the left on a multi-lane road. After checking the mirror, what should the rider do?

    • A.Sound the horn and then move over
    • B.Speed up sharply to clear any cars
    • C.Change lanes at once if the mirror is clear
    • D.Turn the head to check the blind spot

    Answer: D. Mirrors leave blind spots, so a quick head check over the shoulder is needed before every lane change.