Motorcycle Practice Test

Motorcycle Road Hazards Practice Questions

Road Hazards makes up 6 of every 50 questions on a Tigertest Motorcycle practice test. Here are 10 of the 24 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. Which road surfaces does the MSF manual identify as especially slippery for motorcycles?

   • A.Dry asphalt that was recently repaved
   • B.Gravel, wet lane markings, and steel plates
   • C.Dry concrete with a broom finish
   • D.Clean pavement in the car tire tracks

   Answer: B. Gravel, mud, snow, ice, wet pavement, painted lane markings, steel plates, and manhole covers all offer poor traction. Dry, clean pavement gives the best grip.

2. 2. Light rain has just started after a long dry spell. When is the pavement usually most slippery?

   • A.After several hours of steady rain
   • B.Only once deep puddles begin forming
   • C.After the rain has completely stopped
   • D.During the first few minutes of rain

   Answer: D. When rain first begins, oil and dirt on the road rise to the surface before being washed away, making the pavement especially slick. Later, steady rain rinses much of it off.

3. 3. When stopping at an intersection, why should a rider pay attention to the center of the lane?

   • A.Oil drips often collect there
   • B.The pavement is highest at the center
   • C.Lane markings are always painted there
   • D.Cars rarely drive over that area

   Answer: A. Oil and grease drip from cars and build up in the center of the lane, especially at intersections where vehicles stop. Watch for slick spots where you put your feet down.

4. 4. A rider must cross a stretch of wet pavement. Which part of the lane usually offers the best traction?

   • A.Directly on the painted lane line
   • B.Along the edge near the curb
   • C.The tire tracks left by cars
   • D.The center strip between tire tracks

   Answer: C. Ride in the tire tracks of other vehicles, where oil and debris have been worn away. The center strip collects oil, paint lines are slick when wet, and edges gather dirt and gravel.

5. 5. How should a rider brake when riding on a slippery surface?

   • A.Use only the rear brake firmly
   • B.Avoid using the front brake at all
   • C.Use both brakes gently
   • D.Pump the front brake hard and fast

   Answer: C. Even on slippery surfaces the front brake is more effective than the rear, so use both brakes and apply them gently. Sudden or hard braking on either wheel can cause a skid.

6. 6. A rider comes to a surface so slippery, such as ice, that it must be crossed at walking pace. What does the MSF suggest?

   • A.Stay upright and let your feet skim
   • B.Lean the bike and steer quickly across
   • C.Hold the front brake firmly the whole way across the patch
   • D.Accelerate hard to get across faster

   Answer: A. Keep the motorcycle straight up, go as slowly as possible, and let your feet skim along the surface for balance. Leaning, braking hard, or accelerating can make the tires lose grip.

7. 7. You see a wet manhole cover in your path as you ride through a gentle curve. What is the safest approach?

   • A.Brake firmly while riding over it
   • B.Lean further into the curve to swerve around it at speed
   • C.Speed up to spend less time on it
   • D.Cross upright and slowly, without braking

   Answer: D. If you cannot avoid a slippery surface such as a manhole cover or steel plate, keep the motorcycle as upright as possible and avoid braking or sudden changes while on it. Extra lean, hard braking, or acceleration can cause a slide.

8. 8. A rider must ride over a fallen branch that cannot be avoided. At what angle should it be approached?

   • A.Parallel to the length of the branch
   • B.As close to 90 degrees as possible
   • C.At a shallow angle of about 20 degrees
   • D.While leaning into a slight turn

   Answer: B. Square up to an obstacle so you hit it as close to 90 degrees as possible, with the motorcycle straight up. A shallow angle can deflect the front tire and throw you off balance.

9. 9. When crossing an obstacle that cannot be avoided, how should a rider position their body?

   • A.Shift your weight onto the handlebars
   • B.Rise slightly off the seat on the footpegs
   • C.Sit down firmly and lean back
   • D.Stand fully and lock the knees

   Answer: B. Rise slightly off the seat with your weight on the footpegs so your knees and elbows can absorb the shock. Sitting firmly or locking your joints transfers the jolt to your body and the bike.

10. 10. Just before the front tire meets an obstacle, which throttle action helps the motorcycle cross it?

    • A.Close the throttle all the way
    • B.Pull in the clutch and coast over
    • C.Hold the throttle while braking with the front
    • D.Roll on slightly to lighten the front

    Answer: D. Rolling on the throttle slightly just before contact lightens the front end so the tire rides over the obstacle more easily. Closing the throttle or braking loads the front tire and increases the jolt.