Question 1

Definition of 'Lane Splitting'

Accepted Answer

Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist drives between two lanes of stopped or slowly moving cars, usually in traffic jams. Illegal in Michigan.

Question 2

Motorcycle Endorsement

Accepted Answer

The special authorization added to a regular driver’s license that allows you to legally operate a motorcycle on public roads.

Question 3

Basic Control Skills Test

Accepted Answer

An off-street test conducted by a certified motorcycle safety instructor to measure the rider's basic control of the motorcycle.

Question 4

On-Cycle Skills Test

Accepted Answer

An on-street test that measures the rider's ability to handle normal and hazardous traffic situations.

Question 5

Countersteering

Accepted Answer

Turning the motorcycle by pressing on the handgrip in the direction of the desired turn.

Question 6

Friction Zone

Accepted Answer

The area in the clutch lever's movement that begins to transmit power from the engine to the rear wheel.

Question 7

Rear Brake Control

Accepted Answer

Controlling the motorcycle's speed and stability by using the rear brake pedal.

Question 8

MSF Course

Accepted Answer

Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. Training program that teaches the basics of motorcycle operation.

Question 9

Low-Speed Maneuvering

Accepted Answer

The act of controlling a motorcycle at low speeds, typically under 20 mph.

Question 10

High-Speed Maneuvering

Accepted Answer

The act of controlling a motorcycle at higher speeds, typically over 20 mph.

Question 11

Skid Control

Accepted Answer

The act of maintaining control of a motorcycle during a skid by easing off the brake or throttle and steering in the direction of the skid.

Question 12

Weaving

Accepted Answer

The dangerous practice of moving from side to side within a lane or between lanes. It's unpredictable to other drivers and thus unsafe.

Question 13

Downshifting

Accepted Answer

Shifting from a higher to a lower gear to increase torque and decrease speed.

Question 14

Blind Intersection

Accepted Answer

An intersection where buildings, parked vehicles, or foliage blocks the view of traffic.

Question 15

Three-Second Following Distance

Accepted Answer

The minimum space cushion recommended between a motorcycle and the vehicle in front of it.

Question 16

Collision Avoidance

Accepted Answer

The practice of detecting and avoiding situations that may lead to a collision, often through evasive maneuvers.

Question 17

Body-English

Accepted Answer

Using your body to help control the motorcycle, particularly in turns or maneuvers.

Question 18

Group Riding

Accepted Answer

Riding with other motorcyclists, typically in a staggered formation to maintain a safe distance.

Question 19

T-CLOCS

Accepted Answer

An acronym for Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis, and Stands; a pre-ride inspection checklist.

Question 20

Lane Positioning

Accepted Answer

The strategy of choosing the best part of the lane for visibility, space cushion, and escape routes.

Question 21

Head Checks

Accepted Answer

Physically turning the head to check for traffic in the blind spots.

Question 22

Counterbalancing

Accepted Answer

Shifting your body weight to help maintain balance when maneuvering at slow speeds.

Question 23

S.I.P.D.E.

Accepted Answer

Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute. A strategy for making good judgments while riding.

Question 24

Hydroplaning

Accepted Answer

When a layer of water builds up between the tires of the vehicle and the road surface, leading to a loss of traction.

Question 25

High Side Crash

Accepted Answer

A type of crash where the rider is thrown over the motorcycle.

Question 26

Low Side Crash

Accepted Answer

A type of crash where the rider and the motorcycle slide along the ground.

Question 27

Covering the Controls

Accepted Answer

Keeping your hands on the handlebars and your fingers over the clutch and brake levers.

Question 28

Arm Signal for Stop or Slow

Accepted Answer

Arm extended straight down, palm facing back.

Question 29

Arm Signal for Left Turn

Accepted Answer

Arm extended straight out to the left, palm facing down.

Question 30

Arm Signal for Right Turn

Accepted Answer

Arm bent upwards at 90 degrees at the elbow.

Question 31

Blind Spot

Accepted Answer

Areas around your motorcycle that are not visible in the mirrors.

Question 32

Two-Second Rule

Accepted Answer

The minimum time you should allow between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Question 33

Alcohol and Riding

Accepted Answer

Drinking and riding dramatically increases the risk of accidents. It's illegal to operate a motorcycle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher.

Question 34

Wobble

Accepted Answer

Uncontrollable shaking in the front of the motorcycle, often due to improper loading or mechanical issues.

Question 35

Off-Road Recovery

Accepted Answer

Techniques to regain control when unintentionally leaving the paved surface.

Question 36

Integrated Braking Systems

Accepted Answer

A system where the front and rear brakes can be applied simultaneously with one control.

Question 37

Combined Braking Systems

Accepted Answer

A system where applying one brake control partially applies the other brake.

Question 38

ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System)

Accepted Answer

A system that prevents the wheels from locking up (or skidding) when braking.

Question 39

Riding with Passengers

Accepted Answer

Passengers should lean with the rider, hold on to the rider’s waist, hips, or the motorcycle's handholds, and keep feet on footrests at all times.

Question 40

Cargo Loading

Accepted Answer

Keeping the load low and forward, not overloading, and using saddlebags if available.

Question 41

Dehydration and Fatigue

Accepted Answer

Dehydration and fatigue can affect your ability to control your motorcycle and make sound decisions.

Question 42

Helmet Laws

Accepted Answer

In Michigan, some riders can choose to not wear a helmet. However, they must be over 21, have at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits, and have held a motorcycle endorsement for at least 2 years or passed an approved motorcycle safety course.

Question 43

Night Riding

Accepted Answer

Reduce your speed, increase following distance, use the headlights of the car ahead to see further, and be extra cautious.

Question 44

Riding in Bad Weather

Accepted Answer

Slow down, use both brakes when stopping, increase your following distance, and avoid riding in the center of the lane where oil and coolant drops accumulate.

Question 45

Proper Gear

Accepted Answer

Helmet, eye protection, long sleeve jacket, long pants, full-fingered gloves, and over-the-ankle boots.

Question 46

Prescription Medication and Riding

Accepted Answer

Some medications can impair your ability to ride safely. Always check the labels and consult with a healthcare professional.

Question 47

Group Riding Signals

Accepted Answer

Hand and foot signals used to communicate within a group of riders.

Question 48

Intersections

Accepted Answer

The most likely place for a collision with a vehicle.

Question 49

Obstacle Avoidance

Accepted Answer

Quick maneuvers used to avoid a collision with an obstacle in your path.

Question 50

Painted Surfaces and Metal Covers

Accepted Answer

These can become slippery, especially when wet.

Question 51

Proper Tire Pressure

Accepted Answer

Essential for optimal handling, braking performance, and tire life.

Question 52

Modulating Headlight

Accepted Answer

Rapidly flashing the headlight to increase visibility to other motorists.

Question 53

Engine Braking

Accepted Answer

The use of the engine's resistance to reduce the speed of the motorcycle.

Question 54

Staggered Formation

Accepted Answer

A formation used in group riding where motorcycles align in an alternating pattern across a lane.

Question 55

Face Shield

Accepted Answer

A shield that protects the rider's face from wind, rain, insects, road debris, and reduces wind noise.

Question 56

Wind Buffeting

Accepted Answer

The shaking or vibrating caused by wind hitting the rider or the motorcycle.

Question 57

Chain Maintenance

Accepted Answer

Regular inspection, adjustment, and lubrication of the motorcycle chain.

Question 58

Limited Access Highway

Accepted Answer

A highway with access points only at selected roads and no property access.

Question 59

Odometer

Accepted Answer

An instrument that measures the total distance the motorcycle has traveled.

Question 60

Tachometer

Accepted Answer

An instrument that indicates the engine's RPM (Revolutions Per Minute).

Question 61

Kickstand

Accepted Answer

A pivoting metal stand that helps keep the motorcycle upright when it's not being ridden.

Question 62

Suspension System

Accepted Answer

A system designed to absorb shock and improve ride comfort and handling.

Question 63

Disc Brakes

Accepted Answer

Brakes that use calipers to squeeze pairs of pads against a disc to create friction and reduce speed.

Michigan Motorcycle License Advanced Study Flashcards