Tennessee TDOSHS Motorcycle Practice Test 39

  • Questions30
  • Correct to pass24
  • Passing score80%
  • Minimum age15 years

Minimum age: 15 years for the Class PM learner permit; 16 years for the Class M licence

30 questions. Pick an answer to see if it is right and why; you need 24 correct answers to pass.

  1. 1. An ambulance with lights and siren is coming toward you on an undivided two-lane road. What must you do?

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    Answer A: Pull to the right edge and stop until it passes

    On an undivided road, drivers in both directions clear the way, pulling to the right edge and stopping.

  2. 2. Why is it dangerous to make a left turn from the second lane from the center?

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    Answer C: Because a driver in the lane beside you is turning into the same space

    Drivers in the proper turn lane are entitled to that space, and turning across them puts two vehicles into one path through the intersection.

  3. 3. Which combination best reduces the chance of hydroplaning?

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    Answer D: Good tread depth, correct tire pressure and lower speed in the rain

    Tread channels water away, correct pressure keeps the tire's shape, and lower speed gives the tire time to push water aside. Hydroplaning can begin at surprisingly modest speeds.

  4. 4. You are turning right on a red light where that is permitted. What does the law require first?

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    Answer B: A full stop, then yielding to traffic and pedestrians

    A right turn on red is allowed only after stopping completely and giving way to everyone who has the green, including people in the crosswalk.

  5. 5. What does a broken line indicate, whatever color it is painted?

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    Answer C: That crossing it is permitted

    A broken line always describes a permissive condition, and the color then tells the driver whether the traffic beyond it runs the same way or the opposite way.

  6. 6. How many points does Tennessee assess for driving 16 to 25 mph over the posted limit?

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    Answer B: 4 points

    The 16 to 25 mph over band carries 4 points, one step above the 6 to 15 mph band.

  7. 7. How does alcohol typically affect a driver's vision?

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    Answer D: It blurs vision, weakens night vision and narrows attention to the sides

    Alcohol slows the eye muscles and the brain's processing of what is seen, degrading focus, night vision, depth perception and awareness of movement at the edges of the field of view.

  8. 8. You come up behind a bicyclist who is descending a steep hill in the middle of the traffic lane. What should you take into account?

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    Answer D: The rider may be moving at close to the speed of the traffic

    A bicycle can reach the speed of traffic on a descent, so there is little to gain from a pass and the rider needs the whole lane to steer around surface hazards.

  9. 9. Where should a rider in the middle of a group direct their attention?

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    Answer A: Well ahead through the group and around it, not just at the rider in front

    Watching only the machine ahead hides the traffic and hazards further up the road, and it leaves the rider reacting late to everything the group meets.

  10. 10. You are stopped facing uphill on a steep grade and need to pull away. What is the recommended technique?

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    Answer D: Hold with the rear brake, ease the clutch into the friction zone, then release

    The rear brake keeps the motorcycle from rolling backward while the clutch takes up the drive, and it is released as the throttle is opened.

  11. 11. Besides a chemical test, what else supports an impaired driving charge?

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    Answer B: The officer's observations of the driving and the driver

    Weaving, slow responses, speech and balance observed by the officer are evidence in their own right, which is why a driver can be charged on behavior alone.

  12. 12. How may a two-way left-turn lane never be used?

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    Answer B: As a through travel lane or a passing lane

    The lane exists only for turning movements, so traveling or passing along it puts you head-on with vehicles turning from the opposite direction.

  13. 13. This sign comes into view ahead of a driver who has already started along a ramp. What should the driver do?

    A red rectangle with white lettering
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    Answer B: Pull clear where it is safe, then turn around and leave the ramp traveling properly

    The driver is traveling against the legal flow, so the safest response is to stop clear of the lanes, turn the vehicle around and get off the ramp before meeting traffic head on.

  14. 14. At an intersection the signal flashes red toward you and flashes yellow toward the cross street. Who must yield?

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    Answer D: You must, because the flashing red faces your road

    A flashing red means stop and yield like a stop sign, while a flashing yellow lets the other road proceed with caution.

  15. 15. At a freeway exit, the paved triangle between the ramp and the through lanes is filled with diagonal white lines. What do they mean?

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    Answer A: Stay out of that area, because it is not meant to be driven on

    Chevron and diagonal markings fill paved areas that traffic is not intended to use, so drivers should keep out of them.

  16. 16. A steady green downward arrow is displayed above the lane you are in. What does it tell you?

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    Answer A: You may drive in that lane

    A green downward arrow means the lane beneath it is open for travel in your direction.

  17. 17. A city transit bus ahead of you has stopped at the curb with its passenger door open. What does the law require of you?

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    Answer D: Nothing special, but pass slowly and watch for people

    The mandatory stop applies to a school bus showing red flashing lights, not to a transit bus, though a careful driver still slows for crossing passengers.

  18. 18. Besides fitting the machine, what else must a passenger be capable of?

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    Answer B: Following the rider's instructions throughout the ride

    Instructions such as staying still, holding on and not getting off until told are what keep the pair balanced, and a passenger who cannot follow them is unsafe.

  19. 19. What is sensible when you drive in an unfamiliar town for the first time?

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    Answer C: Drive a little slower and give yourself more time to read the signs

    In unfamiliar surroundings you need longer to take in signs, junctions and markings, and lower speed buys that time.

  20. 20. Why is a pothole a bigger problem for a motorcycle than for a car?

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    Answer C: A motorcycle has only two wheels, so an impact can deflect it off line

    A car crosses a hole on four wheels and stays balanced, while a hole can knock a motorcycle off its line or damage a wheel, so scan the pavement well ahead and plan a path around holes.

  21. 21. In most states, how far before a turn must your signal already be on in city traffic?

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    Answer B: At least 100 feet, roughly the length of six or seven cars

    Most states require the signal for at least 100 feet before a turn in city driving, which gives drivers behind you time to react before you slow; several require more at higher speeds.

  22. 22. Is it acceptable to drive with your vehicle straddling the line between two lanes?

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    Answer D: No, you must drive as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane

    A vehicle astride the line takes up two lanes and leaves the drivers around it unable to predict where it will go.

  23. 23. You approach a traffic signal that has already been green since it first came into view. What should you expect?

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    Answer B: That it may change at any moment, so be ready to stop

    A signal already green when you first see it is well into its cycle, so a rider covers the brakes and plans a stop rather than assuming a clear run.

  24. 24. A sign with a blue background and a white legend and border tells road users about

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    Answer A: services such as fuel, food, lodging, hospitals and rest areas

    Blue is the background of the general service series, which points travelers toward the services available along or near the route.

  25. 25. A crash happens directly in front of you and vehicles are blocking both lanes. What should you do?

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    Answer B: Stop at a safe distance, put on the hazards and warn the traffic behind

    The greatest danger after a crash is a second collision, so stop short of it and make sure the traffic behind you can see the problem.

  26. 26. What is the best way to handle fatigue on a long ride?

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    Answer C: Take rest breaks regularly and dress to keep wind and cold out

    Wind, vibration and cold tire a rider faster than a driver, and the safe answer is planned breaks and protective clothing rather than pressing on.

  27. 27. Besides air pressure, what should a rider look for when inspecting the tires?

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    Answer B: Tread depth, cuts, embedded objects and uneven wear

    Worn or damaged tires lose grip and can fail suddenly, and uneven wear also warns of a pressure or alignment problem.

  28. 28. What is the main reason a rider should keep a generous following distance on a rough, broken road?

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    Answer B: So the rider can see and plan for holes and broken pavement in time to react

    The vehicle ahead hides the pavement, so extra space gives you time to spot a hole or a broken edge and to choose a path around it.

  29. 29. The light ahead is green but traffic beyond the intersection is backed up. What should you do?

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    Answer B: Wait behind the intersection until there is room to clear it completely

    You may not enter an intersection unless you can get completely through it, because stopping inside blocks cross traffic when the signal changes.

  30. 30. Which feature matters most in clothing meant to keep a rider warm?

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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.