Question 1

Three-second following distance

Accepted Answer

The amount of space needed between your motorcycle and the vehicle ahead under ideal conditions.

Question 2

Lane positioning

Accepted Answer

The concept of where to position yourself in a lane for maximum visibility and safety.

Question 3

Countersteering

Accepted Answer

The technique used to initiate a turn on a motorcycle, pushing on the handlebar in the direction you want to go.

Question 4

T-CLOCS

Accepted Answer

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation's pre-ride inspection checklist: Tires & wheels, Controls, Lights & electronics, Oil & other fluids, Chassis, and Stands.

Question 5

Buffering

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a space cushion around your motorcycle from other vehicles or potential hazards.

Question 6

Apex

Accepted Answer

The innermost point in the curve of a turn where the motorcycle should ideally be.

Question 7

Double clutching

Accepted Answer

A method of shifting gears used primarily for vehicles with an unsynchronized manual transmission.

Question 8

Splitting lanes

Accepted Answer

The practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of slower moving or stopped traffic.

Question 9

Downshifting

Accepted Answer

Shifting from a higher gear to a lower gear.

Question 10

Friction zone

Accepted Answer

The area in the clutch operation where the clutch starts to transmit power to the rear wheel.

Question 11

Body Steering

Accepted Answer

Using body weight and position to help turn the motorcycle.

Question 12

Highside crash

Accepted Answer

A type of motorcycle accident where the rider is thrown over the handlebars as a result of the bike flipping.

Question 13

Lowside crash

Accepted Answer

A type of motorcycle accident where the bike slides out from under the rider while turning.

Question 14

Slipstreaming

Accepted Answer

Riding in the reduced wind resistance area directly behind another rider.

Question 15

Counterbalancing

Accepted Answer

Leaning your body in the opposite direction of a turn to maintain balance.

Question 16

Intersections

Accepted Answer

Most common place for motorcycle-vehicle accidents to occur.

Question 17

Blind spot

Accepted Answer

Area not visible in a vehicle's rearview mirrors.

Question 18

Integrated brakes

Accepted Answer

Braking system where front and rear brakes are linked and can be activated by a single control.

Question 19

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Accepted Answer

System that prevents wheels from locking up when braking hard.

Question 20

Slow ride

Accepted Answer

The technique of maintaining control while riding at slow speeds.

Question 21

Two-second rule

Accepted Answer

The minimum time interval you should maintain behind the vehicle in front of you for safety.

Question 22

Flick

Accepted Answer

A quick lateral movement to initiate a rapid change in direction.

Question 23

Survival reactions

Accepted Answer

Instinctual actions a rider might take in a moment of panic, which can sometimes lead to a crash.

Question 24

Defensive riding

Accepted Answer

Anticipating danger and responding before it becomes a problem.

Question 25

Staggered formation

Accepted Answer

Preferred formation for group riding with the lead rider in the left portion of the lane.

Question 26

Alcohol and riding

Accepted Answer

Even one drink can significantly affect your ability to operate a motorcycle.

Question 27

Group riding

Accepted Answer

Requires special skills, such as communicating intentions, maintaining formation, and managing larger space cushions.

Question 28

Trail braking

Accepted Answer

Applying brakes during a turn.

Question 29

Squaring off a curve

Accepted Answer

Straightening a curve by starting wide, moving toward the inside, and then finishing wide.

Question 30

Cadence braking

Accepted Answer

An alternate technique to ABS for preventing wheel lock-up during emergency stops.

Question 31

Threshold braking

Accepted Answer

Applying the brakes to the point just before wheel lock-up occurs.

Question 32

Riding with passengers

Accepted Answer

Requires adjustments for extra weight, including longer stopping distances, slower speeds, and more stability during turns.

Question 33

Street-legal equipment

Accepted Answer

Includes headlight, taillight, brake light, horn, mirror, and muffler.

Question 34

Lateral road position

Accepted Answer

Refers to the three positions within a lane that a motorcycle can occupy for visibility and safety.

Question 35

Crosswinds

Accepted Answer

Winds that blow across your path, can destabilize the motorcycle.

Question 36

Overbraking

Accepted Answer

Applying too much brake pressure, leading to loss of control or skidding.

Question 37

Underbraking

Accepted Answer

Applying too little brake pressure, increasing the stopping distance.

Question 38

Engine braking

Accepted Answer

Reducing throttle to slow down instead of using brakes.

Question 39

Target fixation

Accepted Answer

Tendency to steer in the direction of an object the rider is focused on.

Question 40

Chopping the throttle

Accepted Answer

Suddenly closing the throttle, which can destabilize the motorcycle.

Question 41

Delayed apex

Accepted Answer

Strategy used in cornering where you delay reaching the apex of a turn to maximize safety and visibility.

Question 42

Wearable visibility

Accepted Answer

Wearing bright or reflective clothing and helmet to increase visibility to other motorists.

Rhode Island Motorcycle License Flashcard Set