South Carolina Motorcycle Control, Lane Position and Space Practice Test

What the South Carolina Motorcycle and Moped Operator Manual says about control, lane position and space

• Starting the Engine

  Use the choke for cold starts; squeezing the clutch before pressing the starter (needed on many motorcycles) guards against starting in gear. Avoid using the throttle, raise the side stand if the bike has a cut-out, and if it doesn't start within 5 to 8 seconds, stop and repeat the steps. p. 4-2

• Shifting Gears

  To shift down: close the throttle as you squeeze the clutch, press the shift lever down firmly without stomping, then ease the clutch out to avoid skidding the rear tire. p. 4-4

• Stopping

  Use both brakes every time you slow or stop: using both shortens stopping distance. Squeeze the front lever and press the rear pedal gradually; grabbing the front or jamming the rear can lock the brakes and cause control problems. p. 4-5

• Turning

  New riders need to know turns and curves are difficult; riders often try to take them too fast. Reduce speed before entering the turn and keep that speed through it. p. 4-6

• Lane Positions

  The oily strip down the center of a lane, from car drippings, is usually no more than 2 feet wide and gives enough traction unless the road is wet; you can ride to either side of it and still be in the lane's center portion. Avoid big oil and grease buildups at busy intersections and toll booths. p. 5-10

• Following Another Vehicle

  Open up five seconds or more of following distance when your motorcycle will take longer than normal to stop: riding 40 mph or faster, on slippery pavement, behind a vehicle you can't see through, or in heavy traffic where someone may squeeze in. p. 5-11

Where it is in the South Carolina Motorcycle and Moped Operator Manual

• p. 4-1–4-8Section 4 · Basic vehicle control
• p. 5-9–5-21Section 5 · Lane position, space, being seen and speed

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