Question 1

Lane Positioning

Accepted Answer

Refers to where you position your motorcycle within a lane. Three positions are generally recognized: left, center, and right.

Question 2

Countersteering

Accepted Answer

A method of initiating a turn for a motorcycle, it involves pressing the handlebar in the direction opposite of the turn.

Question 3

Following Distance

Accepted Answer

The recommended space to leave between your motorcycle and the vehicle in front of you, usually 2 to 4 seconds.

Question 4

Surface Conditions

Accepted Answer

Weather and road surface conditions (rain, gravel, leaves) that can affect motorcycle control.

Question 5

Maximum Load

Accepted Answer

The maximum weight a motorcycle can safely carry including rider, passenger, and cargo.

Question 6

ABS (Antilock Braking System)

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

Brake Fade

Accepted Answer

The reduction in stopping power that can occur after repeated or sustained use of the brakes, especially in high-speed or downhill situations.

Question 8

Clutch

Accepted Answer

Device that engages and disengages the power transmission, especially from driving shaft to driven shaft.

Question 9

Counterbalancing

Accepted Answer

Technique used in slow, tight turns where you lean the motorcycle into the turn while keeping your body upright or slightly away from the turn.

Question 10

High Beams

Accepted Answer

Brighter headlight setting used to maximize visibility in dark or low light conditions. It's important to switch to low beams when approaching oncoming traffic.

Question 11

Hydraplaning

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

IPDE (Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute)

Accepted Answer

A strategy for safe driving that involves four steps to anticipate potential hazards.

Question 13

Lane Splitting

Accepted Answer

Riding a motorcycle between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. It's illegal in Delaware.

Question 14

Lean Angle

Accepted Answer

The angle at which a motorcycle leans in a turn. The higher the speed and sharper the turn, the greater the lean angle.

Question 15

MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation)

Accepted Answer

A US organization providing training and education programs to improve riding skills and strategies.

Question 16

Oversteer

Accepted Answer

When a vehicle turns more than the rider intends, often resulting in a skid.

Question 17

Understeer

Accepted Answer

When a vehicle turns less than the rider intends, often leading to running wide in a turn.

Question 18

Protective Gear

Accepted Answer

Equipment worn to minimize injury in the event of a crash, including helmets, jackets, gloves, boots, and pants.

Question 19

Shifting Gears

Accepted Answer

Changing gears on a motorcycle to control speed and power.

Question 20

Sliding Tire

Accepted Answer

When a tire loses traction and skids, often due to abrupt braking or acceleration.

Question 21

T-CLOCS (Tires, Controls, Lights, Oils, Chassis, and Stands)

Accepted Answer

A pre-ride inspection checklist.

Question 22

Throttle

Accepted Answer

The control used to regulate the speed of the engine's rotation when going forward.

Question 23

Two-Second Rule

Accepted Answer

A following distance strategy recommending that you stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front.

Question 24

Vision Zone

Accepted Answer

The area you can see clearly while looking straight ahead.

Question 25

Wheelbase

Accepted Answer

The distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels on a motorcycle.

Question 26

Twisties

Accepted Answer

Slang for a section of winding road, often enjoyed by motorcyclists.

Question 27

Defensive Riding

Accepted Answer

Operating a motorcycle with the mindset that other motorists may not see you or predict your actions.

Question 28

Trail Braking

Accepted Answer

A riding technique where you gradually ease off the brakes as you enter a turn, allowing for better control and stability.

Question 29

Apex

Accepted Answer

The point in a turn where a motorcycle is closest to the inside of the curve. Proper apexing can lead to smoother and safer turns.

Question 30

Choke

Accepted Answer

A device reducing the amount of air intake into the carburetor, enriching the fuel-air mixture and aiding in starting a cold engine.

Question 31

Split Friction Surfaces

Accepted Answer

Different traction levels on either side of a lane, like when half is wet and the other half dry, which can cause stability issues for motorcycles.

Question 32

Group Riding

Accepted Answer

Riding with multiple motorcycles. It requires special awareness and signals for safety and coordination.

Question 33

Chain Maintenance

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the drive chain of a motorcycle is clean, lubricated, and properly tensioned for optimal performance and safety.

Question 34

Downshifting

Accepted Answer

Shifting into a lower gear, often used when slowing down or needing additional power for acceleration.

Question 35

Blind Spot

Accepted Answer

Area around a vehicle not visible to the driver in rearview mirrors where a motorcycle might be hidden.

Question 36

Cold Tire Traction

Accepted Answer

Tires provide less grip when they're cold, so it's essential to warm them up by riding cautiously for the first few miles.

Question 37

Escape Route

Accepted Answer

A planned path to safely move away from a potential collision.

Question 38

Intersections

Accepted Answer

Places where two or more roads cross, presenting the highest potential for motorcycle-vehicle collisions.

Question 39

Obstacle Avoidance

Accepted Answer

Techniques to avoid hitting obstacles on the road, like swerving or using controlled braking.

Question 40

Tire Pressure

Accepted Answer

Should be checked regularly for optimal motorcycle performance and safety. Different conditions and loads may require different pressures.

Question 41

Weight Transfer

Accepted Answer

When decelerating or accelerating, weight shifts to the front or rear of the motorcycle, affecting its stability and handling.

Question 42

Peg Weighting

Accepted Answer

Shifting your body weight to the foot pegs to influence a motorcycle's handling, especially in turns.

Question 43

Wheelie

Accepted Answer

Lifting the front wheel off the ground by rapidly accelerating. Generally unsafe and illegal on public roads.

Question 44

Stoppie

Accepted Answer

Lifting the rear wheel off the ground by rapidly decelerating. Generally unsafe and illegal on public roads.

Question 45

Rev Matching

Accepted Answer

Technique used when downshifting to raise the engine RPM to match the speed of the gear being shifted into, reducing driveline shock and instability.

Question 46

Contact Patch

Accepted Answer

The area of the tire that is in contact with the road surface. Important for understanding traction.

Question 47

Side Stand vs Center Stand

Accepted Answer

Side stand is used for temporary parking while center stand is for more stable long-term parking and maintenance activities.

US Delaware Motorcycle License: Advanced Concepts