Virginia Motorcycle Control and Keeping Your Distance Practice Test

What the Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual says about control and keeping your distance

• Braking

  A motorcycle has two brakes and you need both; the front brake is more powerful, giving about three-quarters of the total stopping power, and it isn't dangerous if you learn to use it properly. p. 7

• Body Position

  Keep your feet firmly on the footpegs for balance and near the controls so you can reach them fast; don't drag a foot along the ground (if it catches you could lose control), and don't let your toes drop, since they may catch between the road and the footpeg. p. 7

• Braking

  Apply both brakes at the same time; applying the rear brake first is not a good idea, since the sooner the front brake is on, the sooner it starts slowing you. p. 8

• Braking

  Some motorcycles have integrated braking systems that link the front and rear brakes, applying both when you press the rear brake pedal. p. 8

• Distance In Front

  Normally keep a following distance of at least three seconds: it leaves enough time to stop or swing around if the driver ahead stops suddenly, and gives a better view of potholes and other dangers. p. 12

• Cars at Intersections

  Slow down before the intersection and, as you enter it, move away from the turning car, but don't change speed or position radically, since the driver may think you're about to turn. p. 13

Where it is in the Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual

• p. 7–8Section 3 · Body position, turning, braking and shifting
• p. 12–14Section 5 · Keeping your distance

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