West Virginia Motorcycle Permit Practice Test 3

24 questions written from the West Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (with supplementary information for three-wheel motorcycles), with an explanation and page citation for every answer.

Question 1 of 24
Hazards & crash avoidance

During a hard stop, your front wheel locks. What should you do?

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

  1. During a hard stop, your front wheel locks. What should you do?

    • A Release the front brake immediately, then reapply it smoothly
    • B Keep holding the front brake firmly until the motorcycle stops
    • C Release both brakes and coast
    • D Steer sharply to free the wheel
    Show answer

    A. Release the front brake immediately, then reapply it smoothly

    Front-wheel skids cause immediate loss of steering control and balance. If the front wheel locks, release the front brake lever immediately and reapply it smoothly with less pressure; failing to release it will result in a crash.

    Source: West Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (with supplementary information for three-wheel motorcycles), page 28

  2. You are packing a heavy load on your motorcycle for a weekend trip. Where should you try to place it?

    • A Behind the rear axle, as far back as it will fit
    • B Stacked high on the seat so it is easy to reach
    • C All in one saddlebag on the side away from traffic
    • D Over, or in front of, the rear axle
    Show answer

    D. Over, or in front of, the rear axle

    Try to place the load over, or in front of, the rear axle. Loads mounted behind the rear axle can change how the motorcycle turns and brakes and can even cause a wobble, while loads carried high raise the center of gravity. Keep cargo low, balanced side to side, and securely fastened.

    Source: West Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (with supplementary information for three-wheel motorcycles), page 36

  3. According to the manual, what causes over half of motorcycle/car crashes?

    • A Motorcycles running out of fuel
    • B Riders exceeding 70 mph on highways
    • C Drivers violating the rider's right-of-way
    • D Mechanical failure of the motorcycle's brakes
    Show answer

    C. Drivers violating the rider's right-of-way

    Over one-half of motorcycle/car crashes are caused by drivers violating a rider's right-of-way. Cars turning left in front of you and cars pulling out from side streets are the biggest dangers, which is why intersections are where you must be most alert.

    Source: West Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (with supplementary information for three-wheel motorcycles), page 20

  4. When should you use both the front and rear brakes?

    • A Only in emergencies
    • B Only when riding downhill
    • C Never at the same time, to avoid skids
    • D Every time you slow or stop
    Show answer

    D. Every time you slow or stop

    Always use both brakes every time you slow or stop. Using both for even normal stops develops the skill you need to brake properly in an emergency, when there is no time to think.

    Source: West Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (with supplementary information for three-wheel motorcycles), page 12