Iowa Motorcycle Permit Practice Test 3
20 questions written from the Iowa Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, 18th revision), with an explanation and page citation for every answer.
Under normal conditions, what is the minimum following distance the manual recommends behind another vehicle?
Keyboard: press 1–4 or A–D to answer, Enter for the next question, S to save, R to read aloud, P to pause reading, L to listen and answer.
Sample questions
Under normal conditions, what is the minimum following distance the manual recommends behind another vehicle?
- A Four seconds
- B One second
- C One motorcycle length per 10 mph
- D Two seconds
Show answer
D. Two seconds
Normally, keep a minimum of two seconds behind the vehicle you are following: count from when its rear passes a marker until you reach it. Motorcycles need as much distance to stop as cars, and the gap gives you room to stop or swerve and a better view of road hazards.
Source: Iowa Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, 18th revision), page 18
Compared with riders without helmets, how much more likely are helmeted riders to survive head injuries in a crash?
- A Five times more likely
- B About equally likely
- C Twice as likely
- D Three times more likely
Show answer
D. Three times more likely
No matter what the speed, helmeted riders are three times more likely to survive head injuries than riders without helmets. A securely fastened, quality helmet is the single most important thing you can do to improve your chances in a crash.
Source: Iowa Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, 18th revision), page 8
Your front tire suddenly goes flat. What will you likely feel?
- A The throttle will stick in the open position
- B The steering will feel heavy
- C A loud bang followed by engine stalling
- D The back of the motorcycle will sway side to side
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B. The steering will feel heavy
You will seldom hear a tire go flat, so watch for a change in handling. If the front tire goes flat, the steering will feel heavy; if the rear goes flat, the back may jerk or sway. A front flat is especially dangerous because it affects your steering and balance.
Source: Iowa Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, 18th revision), page 34
When you want to slow or stop in normal riding, which brakes should you use?
- A The rear brake only, to avoid skidding
- B The front brake only, since it is stronger
- C Both the front and rear brakes, every time
- D Engine braking only, saving the brakes for emergencies
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C. Both the front and rear brakes, every time
Always use both brakes every time you slow or stop. Practicing it on normal stops builds the habit you need in an emergency, when you will need every bit of stopping power and there is no time to think about technique.
Source: Iowa Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, 18th revision), page 15