Motorcycle Protective Gear

Helmets, eye and face protection, jackets, gloves and boots. Helmet laws vary by state, but every manual explains what makes gear protective.

75 practice questions with answers. These rules are the same in every state.

Motorcycle Protective Gear quiz

Answer at your own pace. After each question you see the correct answer and why, and at the end a review of what you missed.

Quick quiz: 10 random questions on motorcycle protective gear; pass with 8 correct.

Motorcycle Protective Gear questions with answers

Which federal standard must a motorcycle helmet meet to be sold for on-road use in the United States?
1. FMVSS No. 108
2. FMVSS No. 218
3. MUTCD Part 9
4. FMCSA Part 393
Show answer

Answer B: FMVSS No. 218

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218 sets the impact, penetration and retention requirements for motorcycle helmets sold in the United States.

Source: nhtsa.gov
What identifies a helmet as certified to the federal motorcycle helmet standard?
1. A sticker showing the name of the store that sold the helmet
2. A stamp on the back of the shell reading NOVELTY USE ONLY
3. A label showing DOT and the words FMVSS No. 218 CERTIFIED
4. A colored band wrapped around the chin strap of the helmet
Show answer

Answer C: A label showing DOT and the words FMVSS No. 218 CERTIFIED

Certified helmets carry a label with the DOT symbol and the wording FMVSS No. 218 CERTIFIED, together with the maker's name and the model.

Source: nhtsa.gov
According to national crash research, how effective are helmets at preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders?
1. About 5 percent effective
2. About 75 percent effective
3. About 37 percent effective
4. About 95 percent effective
Show answer

Answer C: About 37 percent effective

Federal estimates put helmet effectiveness at roughly 37 percent for riders and about 41 percent for passengers in preventing fatal injuries.

Source: nhtsa.gov
Which feature suggests that a helmet is an uncertified novelty helmet?
1. A thick inner liner of stiff foam that crushes on impact
2. Chin straps riveted to the shell with solid metal fasteners
3. A permanent manufacturer label fixed inside the helmet shell
4. A shell less than one inch thick with no firm foam liner
Show answer

Answer D: A shell less than one inch thick with no firm foam liner

Novelty helmets are typically thin and very light because they lack the stiff energy absorbing liner that a certified helmet uses to manage an impact.

Source: nhtsa.gov
How should a motorcycle helmet fit?
1. Snugly all the way around, without shifting or lifting off the head
2. Loose enough to turn freely on the head so that it never feels confining
3. Tight enough to leave pressure marks and bring on a dull headache
4. Resting high on the forehead with the chin strap left unfastened
Show answer

Answer A: Snugly all the way around, without shifting or lifting off the head

A snug helmet stays in place during a crash, while one that moves or lifts can come off at the moment it is needed most.
When should a helmet be replaced?
1. Only once the color of the outer shell has faded from sunlight
2. After a crash, or if the shell is cracked or the straps are frayed
3. Only if the face shield has become too scratched to see through clearly
4. Never, as long as it still fits and the chin strap still fastens
Show answer

Answer B: After a crash, or if the shell is cracked or the straps are frayed

The energy absorbing liner is designed to crush once, so a helmet that has taken an impact or shows damage no longer offers full protection.
Which helmet style gives the rider the most coverage?
1. A three quarter helmet
2. A half shell helmet
3. A full face helmet
4. A cloth head wrap worn with goggles
Show answer

Answer C: A full face helmet

A full face helmet covers the chin and jaw as well as the skull, protecting the area that open styles leave exposed.
What is the main advantage of a face shield over goggles?
1. It removes the need to wear a helmet on short trips
2. It shuts out wind noise almost completely
3. It takes the place of gloves and other gear
4. It protects the whole face, not only the eyes
Show answer

Answer D: It protects the whole face, not only the eyes

Goggles keep wind and debris out of the eyes, but a shatter resistant face shield also protects the rest of the face in a crash.
Is a windshield an adequate substitute for eye protection?
1. No, because air and debris still reach the rider's eyes around and over the screen
2. Yes, as long as the screen is taller than the rider's shoulders when seated
3. Yes, on any road where the posted speed limit stays below highway speed
4. Yes, as long as the screen is made of thick, shatter resistant plastic and is kept clean
Show answer

Answer A: No, because air and debris still reach the rider's eyes around and over the screen

Airflow passes over and around a windshield, so a face shield or goggles are still needed to keep the rider's vision clear.
Which quality matters most in a face shield?
1. It is tinted as darkly as possible for every ride
2. It resists penetration and is free of deep scratches
3. It fits loosely so it can be pushed aside quickly
4. It seals so completely that no air can reach the face
Show answer

Answer B: It resists penetration and is free of deep scratches

A shield has to stop objects thrown up from the road and stay clear enough for undistorted vision, and it needs some airflow so that it does not fog.
When should a rider avoid a tinted face shield or tinted goggles?
1. On bright, sunny afternoons
2. On any divided highway
3. At night and in other low light conditions
4. When riding behind a large vehicle
Show answer

Answer C: At night and in other low light conditions

A tint cuts the amount of light reaching the eyes, which makes hazards much harder to pick out once daylight fades.
Which clothing offers the best protection for a rider?
1. Loose cotton clothing that lets air flow freely through it on a warm day
2. Lightweight shorts and a short sleeved shirt in warm summer weather
3. A short sleeved nylon windbreaker worn over ordinary street clothes
4. Leather or sturdy synthetic gear covering the arms and legs completely
Show answer

Answer D: Leather or sturdy synthetic gear covering the arms and legs completely

Leather and purpose built synthetics resist abrasion far better than ordinary clothing, and full coverage also guards against sun, wind chill and flying debris.
What kind of gloves are recommended for riding?
1. Full fingered gloves of leather or similar durable material
2. Fingerless gloves, for a better feel of the controls
3. Loose knitted wool gloves
4. Rubber household gloves
Show answer

Answer A: Full fingered gloves of leather or similar durable material

Full fingered leather or equivalent gloves improve grip on the controls and protect the hands, which riders instinctively put out in a fall.

Source: oregon.gov
What should motorcycle footwear provide?
1. Soft canvas uppers with smooth soles that slide onto the footrests
2. Sturdy support above the ankle with hard, slip resistant soles
3. Tall heels shaped to hook over the footrests and hold the feet
4. Open sides and open toes to let air reach the feet in hot weather
Show answer

Answer B: Sturdy support above the ankle with hard, slip resistant soles

Boots that cover the ankle support and protect it, while hard slip resistant soles keep the rider steady at stops, and laces should be tucked in so they cannot catch.

Source: oregon.gov
What is the most effective way for a rider to be seen by other drivers?
1. Wear dark clothing, which stands out well against light colored pavement
2. Rely on the paint color of the motorcycle itself, which is what drivers see first
3. Wear brightly colored reflective gear, or a reflective vest over dark clothing
4. Ride closer to the vehicle ahead so its driver notices the motorcycle
Show answer

Answer C: Wear brightly colored reflective gear, or a reflective vest over dark clothing

The most common thing drivers say after a collision with a motorcycle is that they never saw it, and bright reflective gear on the helmet and torso is the largest visible surface the rider controls.
Study tip. Rule out the options you know are wrong first. Two plausible answers are easier to choose between than four.
Why is hearing protection recommended even under a full face helmet?
1. It keeps the face shield from fogging up in cold or damp conditions
2. It removes the need for a face shield, since the whole head is already enclosed
3. It fills the space beside the ears and makes the helmet fit tighter
4. Long term exposure to wind and road noise can cause permanent hearing damage
Show answer

Answer D: Long term exposure to wind and road noise can cause permanent hearing damage

Airflow around a helmet produces high noise levels, and good hearing protection lowers that noise while still letting the rider hear horns and sirens.

Source: oregon.gov
What should a rider look for in rain gear?
1. A riding rain suit that fits close and will not balloon or tear at speed
2. A loose poncho large enough to be pulled on over the helmet and the jacket
3. A plastic sheet tucked under the jacket to keep water off the chest
4. Any coat at all, since the only point of rain gear is staying dry
Show answer

Answer A: A riding rain suit that fits close and will not balloon or tear at speed

Rain gear designed for riding stays sealed and stays put in the airstream, while loose garments can flap, tear or interfere with the controls.
Why does riding in moderately cold weather call for extra layers of clothing?
1. Cold air lowers tire pressure to unsafe levels within minutes
2. Chill and fatigue set in quickly and reduce the rider's control
3. Extra layers are needed in order to take a road test
4. Cold weather makes the front brake stop working
Show answer

Answer B: Chill and fatigue set in quickly and reduce the rider's control

Wind at riding speed strips body heat away fast, and a chilled, tired rider reacts more slowly and can slide into hypothermia.
Why do safety agencies put head protection first among riding gear?
1. Because head injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes
2. Because a helmet keeps rain and insects away from the rider's eyes
3. Because a motorcycle cannot be registered anywhere without a helmet
4. Because a helmet cuts the wind noise that tires a rider on a long trip
Show answer

Answer A: Because head injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes

Head injury is the most common cause of death in motorcycle crashes, which is why a certified helmet is the single most important piece of gear.

Source: nhtsa.gov
What has to be done with the helmet chin strap on every ride?
1. Left loose, so the helmet can be pushed back to talk at a stop
2. Fastened snugly, because an unfastened helmet comes off in a crash
3. Tucked up inside the helmet so it cannot flap against the rider's neck
4. Fastened only for highway trips, where the speeds involved are higher
Show answer

Answer B: Fastened snugly, because an unfastened helmet comes off in a crash

A helmet only protects while it stays on the head, and an unfastened or loose strap lets it leave the head in the first moments of a crash.
Is a helmet worth wearing on a short trip to a store a few blocks away?
1. No, because helmets are designed for the speeds reached out on highways
2. No, as long as the whole route stays on quiet residential streets
3. Yes, since many crashes happen close to home at ordinary street speeds
4. Yes, but only when a passenger is being carried on the motorcycle
Show answer

Answer C: Yes, since many crashes happen close to home at ordinary street speeds

A large share of motorcycle crashes occur on short, familiar trips at moderate speeds, and injuries at those speeds are still severe.
Are ordinary eyeglasses or sunglasses adequate eye protection for riding?
1. Yes, provided they are worn under a helmet fitted with a chin bar
2. No, since they can shatter and let wind reach the eyes from the side
3. Yes, as long as the lenses are tinted enough to cut the glare of the sun
4. Yes, whenever the motorcycle carries a tall touring windshield in front
Show answer

Answer B: No, since they can shatter and let wind reach the eyes from the side

Everyday lenses are not made to resist impact and leave the eyes open to wind and debris, so a face shield or goggles are needed instead.
A face shield keeps fogging up in cool, damp weather. What helps?
1. Cracking the shield open slightly, or using an anti fog shield
2. Wiping the inside of the shield with the palm of a riding glove
3. Riding faster, since more airflow will push the fog off the outside
4. Raising the shield fully and riding with no eye protection at all
Show answer

Answer A: Cracking the shield open slightly, or using an anti fog shield

Fog forms when warm breath meets a cold shield, so moving a little air behind the shield or using an anti fog design is the safe fix.
How should a riding jacket fit?
1. Loose all over, so that plenty of cooling air can circulate underneath it
2. Snug at the neck, wrists and waist so that it cannot balloon open
3. Tight enough across the shoulders to stop the arms bending at the elbow
4. One size too large, so that a rain suit can be worn underneath it easily
Show answer

Answer B: Snug at the neck, wrists and waist so that it cannot balloon open

A jacket closed at the openings stays in place in a fall and does not flap in the wind, which is both tiring and distracting.
Why should pant legs be secured and bootlaces tucked away?
1. Loose fabric and laces can tangle in the chain, the controls or a wheel
2. A road test cannot be taken with any laces showing outside the boot
3. Trapped air inside loose trousers makes the rider colder in cold weather
4. Loose fabric raises fuel consumption by adding drag at highway speed
Show answer

Answer A: Loose fabric and laces can tangle in the chain, the controls or a wheel

Anything hanging near the moving parts of a motorcycle can be caught and pulled in, which can trap a foot or lock the rear wheel.
What is the danger of riding in cold weather with thin gloves?
1. Thin gloves let sweat reach the handgrips and rust the throttle cables
2. Thin gloves make the front brake lever heat up more than it should do
3. Cold, numb hands respond slowly and lose their feel for the controls
4. Cold hands raise the pressure needed to hold down the rear brake pedal
Show answer

Answer C: Cold, numb hands respond slowly and lose their feel for the controls

Wind chill at riding speed cools the hands quickly, and numb fingers are slower and less precise on the clutch, throttle and brake.
Why is reflective material more useful than bright color once it is dark?
1. Bright color reflects streetlight far better than reflective tape does
2. Reflective material also resists abrasion much better than leather does
3. It throws headlight light back toward the driver, while color goes unseen
4. Reflective material keeps the rider's clothing warmer on cold night rides
Show answer

Answer C: It throws headlight light back toward the driver, while color goes unseen

Color needs daylight to be seen, while reflective material returns the beam of an approaching vehicle straight back to its driver.
Besides impact protection, how does a light colored helmet help the rider?
1. It sits above surrounding traffic, so drivers pick it out sooner
2. It weighs less than a dark helmet because of the paint used on the shell
3. It keeps the head cool enough to remove any need for a face shield
4. It allows a much darker tinted face shield to be worn safely after dark
Show answer

Answer A: It sits above surrounding traffic, so drivers pick it out sooner

A light or high visibility helmet sits above the traffic around the rider and is often the first part of a motorcycle a driver notices.
What is the purpose of the padding built into the shoulders, elbows and knees of riding gear?
1. It stops the garment from stretching out of shape when it is washed
2. It removes the need for a certified helmet on short, low speed rides
3. It absorbs impact energy at the joints most likely to strike first
4. It adds weight so that highway wind cannot push the rider around
Show answer

Answer C: It absorbs impact energy at the joints most likely to strike first

Armor at the joints spreads and absorbs the force of an impact in the places that usually hit the ground first in a fall.
How should a helmet sit on the head once it is fastened?
1. Tipped back off the forehead, so the rider's view of the road opens up
2. Pulled down until the top edge of the eye port blocks part of the view
3. Level on the head, with the eye port giving a clear view of the road
4. Tilted to one side so the ear nearest the traffic can hear it better
Show answer

Answer C: Level on the head, with the eye port giving a clear view of the road

A helmet worn level protects the forehead and gives full vision, while one pushed back leaves the forehead exposed in a crash.
What does the thick foam liner inside a certified helmet actually do in a crash?
1. It keeps the outer shell from cracking by making it more rigid overall
2. It holds the helmet in place so the chin strap does not have to be fastened
3. It crushes so the head slows down over a longer time and distance
4. It insulates the head from heat and from the noise of the wind at speed
Show answer

Answer C: It crushes so the head slows down over a longer time and distance

The crushable liner is the part that absorbs energy, letting the head decelerate gradually instead of stopping instantly against a hard surface.

Source: nhtsa.gov
What is the job of the hard outer shell of a motorcycle helmet?
1. To hold the rider's head still so the neck cannot move during a crash
2. To carry the certification label where an inspector can read it easily
3. To keep rain out of the helmet and stop the liner from getting wet
4. To spread impact force and to resist objects punching through
Show answer

Answer D: To spread impact force and to resist objects punching through

The shell distributes a concentrated blow over a wide area and stops sharp objects from reaching the head, while the liner underneath absorbs the energy.

Source: nhtsa.gov
What does research say about the effect of a full coverage helmet on a rider's ability to see and hear traffic?
1. It reduces the field of view below what is needed for safe riding
2. It leaves the view and the useful hearing a rider needs largely intact
3. It blocks the sound of sirens and horns almost completely at any speed
4. It narrows side vision so much that shoulder checks become impossible
Show answer

Answer B: It leaves the view and the useful hearing a rider needs largely intact

Certified helmets leave far more peripheral vision than a rider needs to check traffic, and riders wearing them still hear the sounds that matter.

Source: nhtsa.gov
Studies of damaged helmets show that the most frequently struck area is which part?
1. The very top of the crown, which every style of helmet covers well
2. The rear of the shell, behind and below the level of the rider's ears
3. The chin and jaw area, which an open face helmet leaves uncovered
4. The left temple, because riders usually fall toward the center line
Show answer

Answer C: The chin and jaw area, which an open face helmet leaves uncovered

The chin and face area takes a large share of helmet impacts, which is the main safety argument for a full face helmet over an open face one.

Source: nhtsa.gov
A rider chooses an open face helmet. What does that choice make necessary?
1. Separate goggles or a face shield, because the face is uncovered
2. Nothing extra, because an open face helmet is a complete piece of equipment
3. A larger windshield, which will keep wind out of the eyes on its own
4. A chin strap of a different type, because the standard one will not fit
Show answer

Answer A: Separate goggles or a face shield, because the face is uncovered

An open face helmet gives no eye or face protection, so the rider must add goggles or a face shield that will not shatter and that seals against the wind.

Source: nhtsa.gov
Besides the certification label, what does a novelty helmet typically lack?
1. Any color other than plain black, which is how they are always sold
2. A thick, firm liner of impact absorbing foam under the shell
3. A chin strap of any kind, so it can only be held on by hand
4. A smooth outer surface, since the shell is left rough from the mould
Show answer

Answer B: A thick, firm liner of impact absorbing foam under the shell

The energy absorbing layer is what makes a helmet work, and a novelty shell has little or none of it, so it offers almost no protection in a crash.

Source: nhtsa.gov
Which rough check suggests that a helmet is a novelty shell rather than a certified helmet?
1. It weighs about five pounds, far more than a certified helmet of that size
2. It has a removable inner lining that can be taken out and washed at home
3. It weighs about a pound, far less than a certified helmet
4. It carries a manufacturer name and a model number molded into the shell
Show answer

Answer C: It weighs about a pound, far less than a certified helmet

A certified helmet weighs roughly three pounds because of its shell and thick liner, while a novelty shell is very light. Weight is only a clue, and the certification label is the real check.

Source: nhtsa.gov
With the chin strap fastened, how can you check that a helmet is the right size?
1. Try to roll it forward off your head, since a good fit will not come off
2. Shake your head and listen for a rattle from the liner inside the shell
3. Slide two fingers between your forehead and the liner without any effort
4. Turn it until the eye port lines up with the top of your eyebrows only
Show answer

Answer A: Try to roll it forward off your head, since a good fit will not come off

The roll off test shows whether the helmet will stay on in a crash. If it can be rolled off the front of your head with the strap done up, it is too big.

Source: nhtsa.gov
How tight should the chin strap of a helmet be?
1. Loose enough to slip the helmet off without unfastening the strap
2. Tight enough that the rider finds it hard to open the mouth or to swallow
3. Only just closed, because the fit of the shell is what holds a helmet on
4. Snug under the jaw, tight enough that the helmet cannot be pulled off
Show answer

Answer D: Snug under the jaw, tight enough that the helmet cannot be pulled off

A helmet only works if it stays on, so the strap must be fastened snugly under the jaw on every ride, including short ones.

Source: nhtsa.gov
A helmet falls from the seat onto a hard floor but shows no cracks. What should the owner do?
1. Keep using it, since damage that matters would always be visible outside
2. Have the shell repainted, which restores the strength of the outer layer
3. Replace it or have it checked, because the liner can be crushed inside
4. Keep it as a spare helmet for passengers, who ride at lower risk anyway
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Answer C: Replace it or have it checked, because the liner can be crushed inside

The foam liner can be compressed with no outside sign, and crushed foam will not absorb a second impact, so a helmet that has taken a hard knock should be replaced.

Source: nhtsa.gov
Apart from a crash, when do helmet makers generally advise replacing a helmet?
1. After several years of use, as the liner and materials age
2. Only when the outer shell has faded from its original color in the sun
3. Every year, because the certification of a helmet expires after 12 months
4. Never, provided the helmet has not been dropped or involved in a crash
Show answer

Answer A: After several years of use, as the liner and materials age

Liners, glues and straps degrade with sweat, sunlight and time, so manufacturers commonly recommend replacing a helmet after several years even if it looks fine.

Source: nhtsa.gov
Why should a rider avoid painting a helmet or cleaning it with strong solvents?
1. The added weight of paint makes the helmet unbalanced at highway speed
2. The certification label must remain the only marking on the outer shell
3. A painted helmet reflects less light and is harder to be seen in at night
4. Chemicals can weaken the shell and the liner without showing it
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Answer D: Chemicals can weaken the shell and the liner without showing it

Solvents and some paints attack the shell and the foam, so use mild soap and water and follow the maker's instructions to keep the helmet's protection intact.

Source: nhtsa.gov
What is the main risk of buying a second hand helmet?
1. The size marked inside a used helmet is often wrong for the wearer
2. You cannot know whether it has been dropped or crashed already
3. Used helmets lose their certification once they change ownership
4. The visor of an older helmet cannot be replaced with a new one
Show answer

Answer B: You cannot know whether it has been dropped or crashed already

A helmet's protection depends on a liner that may already be crushed by an impact you cannot see, and a stranger's helmet comes with no history you can trust.

Source: nhtsa.gov
Which set of qualities should eye protection for riding have?
1. Shatter resistant, free of scratches, and sealed against the wind
2. Deeply tinted, close fitting, and made of ordinary window glass
3. Lightweight, made of untreated glass, and open at the sides for airflow
4. Curved, tinted for all conditions, and fitted with a scratch layer only
Show answer

Answer A: Shatter resistant, free of scratches, and sealed against the wind

Riding eye protection has to survive an impact, let you see clearly and keep the air out, which is why plastic face shields and goggles are used instead of ordinary glasses.
Why do watering eyes matter so much to a rider?
1. Tears attract insects toward the rider's face at higher road speeds
2. Tears will fog the outside of a face shield within a few seconds
3. Eyes that water lose their ability to judge color at a distance
4. Blurred vision delays the moment you see and react to a hazard
Show answer

Answer D: Blurred vision delays the moment you see and react to a hazard

Wind makes unprotected eyes water, and even a brief loss of clear vision at road speed costs you the distance you need to react.
Study tip. When two answers both seem legal, pick the one that is safer for everyone on the road. That is how most tests are written.
You expect to be out after dark on a sunny day's ride. What should you plan for eye protection?
1. Wear the tinted shield the whole time, because the eyes adapt to it
2. Carry a clear shield to change to when the light drops
3. Ride with no eye protection after dark, so nothing dims your vision
4. Lift the tinted shield after sunset and ride with the eye port open
Show answer

Answer B: Carry a clear shield to change to when the light drops

A tint that helps in daylight steals light you need at night, and riding with no eye protection is not the answer, so carry a clear shield and change it at dusk.
How should a face shield be cleaned?
1. With a dry paper towel, which lifts dirt without leaving any moisture
2. With a household glass cleaner and a stiff brush to remove insects
3. With mild soap and water and a soft cloth, then dried gently
4. With gasoline on a rag, which dissolves insect remains very quickly
Show answer

Answer C: With mild soap and water and a soft cloth, then dried gently

Plastic shields scratch easily and are damaged by solvents, and a scratched shield scatters light badly at night, so use mild soap, water and a soft cloth.
Your face shield develops a crack across the middle. What should you do?
1. Tape the crack from the inside so that it cannot spread any further
2. Keep using it while daylight lasts, then ride home with it raised
3. Polish the crack out with an abrasive compound and a soft cloth
4. Replace the shield, because a crack scatters light and can fail
Show answer

Answer D: Replace the shield, because a crack scatters light and can fail

A cracked shield distorts your view, scatters light badly at night and can break apart in an impact, so it should be replaced rather than repaired.
What does a windshield on a motorcycle genuinely provide?
1. Complete protection for the eyes, so no other eye protection is needed
2. Relief from wind pressure, rain and cold, which reduces fatigue
3. A guarantee that insects and stones cannot reach the rider at any speed
4. Added stability in a crosswind, because it acts as a stabilizing fin
Show answer

Answer B: Relief from wind pressure, rain and cold, which reduces fatigue

A windshield cuts wind blast, weather and fatigue, but air and debris still come around it, so the rider still needs eye protection and full gear.
Why are ordinary denim jeans a poor choice for riding?
1. They are too heavy and hold too much heat during a long summer ride
2. They restrict movement so much that a rider cannot reach the controls
3. They wear through in a slide, giving little abrasion protection
4. They attract static that can interfere with the motorcycle electrics
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Answer C: They wear through in a slide, giving little abrasion protection

Light denim abrades away in a fraction of a second on pavement, while leather or purpose made textile gear stays intact long enough to protect the skin underneath.
Why should gloves and jacket sleeves overlap?
1. So no gap of bare skin is left at the wrist in a slide or the cold
2. So the jacket sleeve cannot flap and slow the motorcycle down
3. So the rider can carry the gloves inside the sleeve when not riding
4. So the sleeve holds the glove on if its strap comes undone at speed
Show answer

Answer A: So no gap of bare skin is left at the wrist in a slide or the cold

The wrist is easy to leave exposed, and a gap there lets in cold air and takes the full force of a slide, so gauntlets or elastic cuffs should close the gap.
What matters most about the armor built into a riding jacket?
1. That it can be removed easily so the jacket washes more conveniently
2. That it sits over the joints and stays there during a fall
3. That it is thick enough to be visible from outside through the fabric
4. That it is made of metal, which resists impact better than any plastic
Show answer

Answer B: That it sits over the joints and stays there during a fall

Armor only works where it is, so the jacket must fit closely enough that the pads stay over the shoulders, elbows and spine when the rider hits the ground.
Why should riding gloves fit snugly?
1. So they can be pulled off quickly with one hand at a traffic light
2. So the fingers stay warm without needing any lining inside them
3. So loose material does not dull your feel for the controls
4. So the seams line up with the grips and reduce wear on the leather
Show answer

Answer C: So loose material does not dull your feel for the controls

Bunched or baggy material gets between your hand and the grip, so a close fitting glove keeps the feel for the throttle, clutch and brake lever.
Why are dawn and dusk especially difficult times to be seen on a motorcycle?
1. Low contrast light makes a small vehicle blend into the scene
2. Most drivers switch their headlights off during those hours of the day
3. Reflective material cannot work at all until the sky is completely dark
4. Drivers are allowed to use their high beams freely at dawn and at dusk
Show answer

Answer A: Low contrast light makes a small vehicle blend into the scene

In the flat light of dawn and dusk a motorcycle blends into its background, so bright color, reflective material and the headlight matter most at exactly those hours.

Source: nhtsa.gov
It is hot and a rider wants to ride without gloves. Why is that a poor idea?
1. Bare hands make the throttle harder to turn because of increased friction
2. The law requires gloves on any motorcycle ridden above 30 miles per hour
3. Riding without gloves increases fuel consumption on a long summer journey
4. Sweating hands slip on the grips, and bare skin has no protection
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Answer D: Sweating hands slip on the grips, and bare skin has no protection

Hands go out first in a fall and are hard to repair, and sweaty palms lose their grip on the controls, so wear ventilated summer gloves rather than none.
Why should riding boots come above the ankle?
1. A taller boot keeps the rider's foot from slipping off the shift lever
2. A tall boot is needed to reach the rear brake pedal comfortably
3. The ankle is easily broken and is left bare by a low shoe
4. A low shoe cannot be laced tightly enough for highway riding
Show answer

Answer C: The ankle is easily broken and is left bare by a low shoe

The ankle takes a lot of damage when a motorcycle goes down or a foot is trapped, and a low shoe leaves it completely unprotected.
What kind of sole and heel suit motorcycle boots?
1. A hard, slip resistant sole with a low heel that will not catch
2. A smooth leather sole with a tall, narrow heel for gripping the footrest
3. A soft foam sole with no heel at all, so the foot can flex over the peg
4. A steel plated sole that spreads impact across the whole of the foot
Show answer

Answer A: A hard, slip resistant sole with a low heel that will not catch

Boots have to grip the pavement when you put a foot down and grip the footrests while you ride, and a tall heel can catch on the ground or on the machine.
What is wrong with riding in sneakers or sandals?
1. They wear out quickly on the footpegs and need frequent replacement
2. They make the rider's foot too wide to fit under the gear lever
3. They are not permitted on any motorcycle in the United States
4. They come off, expose the foot and give no protection in a fall
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Answer D: They come off, expose the foot and give no protection in a fall

Light footwear tears away or comes off in a crash and offers no abrasion or crush protection for the foot and ankle.
Which clothing color is most likely to get a rider noticed in daylight?
1. Dark blue, because it stands out against the pale color of pavement
2. Bright orange, yellow or green, which contrast with backgrounds
3. Black, which forms the strongest possible silhouette against the sky
4. Grey, because it matches nothing else in the scene around the rider
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Answer B: Bright orange, yellow or green, which contrast with backgrounds

High visibility colors stand out against road, foliage and vehicles, which helps drivers pick a motorcycle out of a busy background during the day.

Source: nhtsa.gov
Where is reflective material most effective at attracting a driver's attention at night?
1. On the arms, legs and helmet, where the movement draws the eye
2. On the underside of the seat, where it reflects light from the road
3. Inside the fairing, so the glow lights up the front of the machine
4. On the tires only, since they are the lowest part of the motorcycle
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Answer A: On the arms, legs and helmet, where the movement draws the eye

Reflective patches that move as the rider rides are noticed sooner than static ones, and a helmet sits high where drivers are already looking.

Source: nhtsa.gov
Why should reflective material be placed on the front, back and sides of a rider's gear?
1. Reflective material only works when light strikes it from three sides
2. Federal rules set a minimum reflective area on each side of a rider
3. Reflective panels balance the weight of the jacket while riding
4. A driver may approach the rider from any of those directions
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Answer D: A driver may approach the rider from any of those directions

Threats come from ahead, behind and from the sides at intersections, so reflective material should be visible from every direction a vehicle can approach.

Source: nhtsa.gov
You are wearing a high visibility jacket. How should that change the way you ride?
1. You can ride closer to other vehicles because drivers will always see you
2. You still ride as though drivers have not seen you
3. You no longer need to use the headlight during the hours of daylight
4. You can take the right of way in traffic because you are clearly visible
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Answer B: You still ride as though drivers have not seen you

Bright gear improves your odds of being noticed but guarantees nothing, so keep the lane position, space cushion and escape routes that protect you anyway.
Which feature matters most in clothing meant to keep a rider warm?
1. A dark color, because dark fabric absorbs heat from the sun while riding
2. A loose fit, so that plenty of air can circulate under the outer layer
3. A windproof outer layer, since moving air strips body heat fast
4. A heavy weight, because the weight of the fabric is what holds heat in
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Answer C: A windproof outer layer, since moving air strips body heat fast

Wind blowing through clothing carries away heat faster than anything else, so a windproof outer shell over insulating layers is what keeps a rider warm.
When should a rider add a layer on a ride that is turning cold?
1. After the hands and the feet have started to go numb from the cold
2. Only at the end of the ride, once the motorcycle has been parked
3. Never during a ride, because stopping to change breaks concentration
4. Before you start to feel cold, at the next convenient stop
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Answer D: Before you start to feel cold, at the next convenient stop

Once a rider is chilled it takes a long time to warm up again, and cold hands and slowed reactions cost control, so add layers before the cold takes hold.
Which item does most to keep a rider comfortable in cold weather beyond a jacket and gloves?
1. A scarf worn loosely so that the ends can flap freely in the wind
2. A close fitting neck cover that stops air entering at the collar
3. A wider windshield, which removes the need for warm clothing entirely
4. A second pair of thin gloves worn on top of the first pair of gloves
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Answer B: A close fitting neck cover that stops air entering at the collar

Cold air funnelled in at the neck chills the whole body, so a snug neck tube or balaclava makes a large difference, while a loose scarf is a hazard because it can catch.
When is the right time to put on rain gear?
1. As soon as the road is wet enough that the tires start to throw spray
2. Only after your clothing has become wet enough to be uncomfortable
3. Before the rain reaches you, at a safe place off the roadway
4. At the end of the ride, so that the wet gear can dry on the machine
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Answer C: Before the rain reaches you, at a safe place off the roadway

Once you are wet you stay cold for the rest of the ride, so stop somewhere safe and put the rain suit on while you are still dry.
Which rain suit is the better choice for a rider?
1. A bright one with reflective panels, since rain cuts visibility
2. A dark one, because dirt thrown up from the road shows less on it
3. A clear plastic one worn over the jacket so its color still shows
4. A loose one in any color, so it can be pulled on over boots quickly
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Answer A: A bright one with reflective panels, since rain cuts visibility

Drivers see less in the rain, so rain gear is exactly where bright color and reflective material pay off most.
Where should a touring rider keep the rain suit?
1. At the bottom of the luggage, so that it stays clean until it is needed
2. Somewhere it can be reached quickly without unpacking everything
3. Strapped on the outside of the machine where the wind can keep it dry
4. At home, since a rider can simply wait under a bridge for rain to pass
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Answer B: Somewhere it can be reached quickly without unpacking everything

Rain gear only helps if you can get to it before you are soaked, so pack it where a quick roadside stop is enough to reach it.
Does wearing properly fitted earplugs stop a rider from hearing important sounds?
1. Yes, they block every sound and make horns and sirens inaudible
2. Yes, so they should only be used by a rider on a closed course
3. No, they lower overall noise while horns and speech still register
4. No, because earplugs only reduce sound coming from behind
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Answer C: No, they lower overall noise while horns and speech still register

Earplugs reduce the wind roar that masks everything else, so riders wearing them often hear traffic more clearly, not less, while their hearing is protected.
What is the main source of the noise that damages a rider's hearing?
1. Wind turbulence around the helmet, which rises sharply with speed
2. The exhaust note, which is the loudest sound a motorcycle produces
3. Radio or intercom sound played through speakers inside the helmet
4. The gearbox and chain, which whine loudly at highway engine speeds
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Answer A: Wind turbulence around the helmet, which rises sharply with speed

Wind noise around a helmet is loud enough at highway speed to cause permanent hearing loss over time, which is why earplugs are recommended even on quiet machines.
Why does full riding gear matter on a short trip around the neighborhood?
1. The machine is cold and is far more likely to fail on a short ride
2. Insurance companies require full gear on trips taken within a city
3. Low speed riding puts more strain on the rider's arms and back
4. Pavement takes skin off at 25 miles an hour just as it does at 55
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Answer D: Pavement takes skin off at 25 miles an hour just as it does at 55

Serious injuries happen at ordinary street speeds and close to home, so gear that is worth wearing on a long trip is worth wearing on a short one.

Source: nhtsa.gov
How should a rider dress for a long ride in very hot weather?
1. In a shirt and shorts, so that airflow can reach as much skin as possible
2. In the same heavy leather used on cold days, with all the zips left open
3. In ventilated riding gear that still covers the arms and legs
4. In a heavy jacket with no shirt underneath, to reduce the total layers
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Answer C: In ventilated riding gear that still covers the arms and legs

Mesh and vented riding gear flows air while keeping its abrasion protection and shading the skin, so heat is not a reason to ride uncovered.
A friend asks for a ride and has no gear at all. What is the correct approach?
1. Provide a certified helmet, eye protection and covering clothing
2. Ride slowly, since a passenger is protected by the rider sitting in front
3. Let the passenger ride as they are, because they do not control the bike
4. Seat the passenger in front of you, where the windshield shelters them
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Answer A: Provide a certified helmet, eye protection and covering clothing

A passenger hits the ground the same way the rider does, so a passenger needs the same protection: a certified helmet, eye protection, gloves, boots and covering clothing.
What is the correct way to think about protective gear?
1. It prevents crashes, so a well equipped rider can afford to take risks
2. It replaces training, because good gear covers a lack of experience
3. It is only useful on highways, where speeds are high enough to matter
4. It reduces injury in a crash but does nothing to prevent one
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Answer D: It reduces injury in a crash but does nothing to prevent one

Gear is the last line of defense. Avoiding the crash depends on skill, speed choice, space and visibility, and gear only limits the damage when those fail.
Why should riding clothing have no loose flapping parts?
1. Flapping fabric adds enough drag to reduce the top speed of the machine
2. Loose cloth can catch on the machine, and flapping tires the rider
3. Loose clothing is not permitted by the federal motorcycle equipment rules
4. Moving fabric makes the rider harder for other drivers to notice at all
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Answer B: Loose cloth can catch on the machine, and flapping tires the rider

Loose fabric can snag on the controls, the chain or a wheel, and the constant flapping and noise wear the rider out over a long ride.