MSF Basic Rider Course Test
After learning to ride, why is safety more about mental skills than physical skills? -
ANS-Allows you to better manage the risks and have safety margins (19)
Are ordinary glasses or sunglasses alone sufficient eye protection? - ANS-No. They
don't seal out wind, debris, and dust. (15)
Complete the controls quiz on page 7 and check your answers. - ANS-
Define hypothermia. - ANS-abnormally low body temperature resulting in loss of
concentration and slower reactions (16)
How are the 4-second urgent time/distance and total stopping distance related? -
ANS-A good rider can make a complete stop in the distance provided by a 4-5 second
following distance. (23)
How are the two brake controls operated? - ANS-Front brake lever is squeezed in to
operate it.
Rear brake pedal is pressed down to operate it (pg. 4-5)
How can a crowned road affect riding? - ANS-Ground clearance is reduced and the lean
angle available will be less than on a flat road (36)
How can drinking alcohol and riding a motorcycle both be enjoyed? - ANS-
How can motorcycle riding gear make you more visible? - ANS-Often reflective or
brightly colored. (16)
How can rider performance be affected by aging or health problems? - ANS-
How can you adjust for the affects of surface hazards and or reduced traction? -
ANS-Pay attention, don't make sudden moves and turns, avoid the defects, slow down.
(36)
How can you reduce total stopping distance (TSD)? - ANS-By improving skills for each
of the 3 parts. Avoiding distraction, practice, and being prepared (23)
,How do you initiate motorcycle lean at speeds higher than walking speed? -
ANS-Pressing (forward or down) the handgrip on the same side of the intended turn to
initiate countersteer. (pg. 9)
How do you know to whether to brake first or swerve first for an emergency? - ANS-You
don't. It is a decision that has to be made in the moment based on current riding
conditions. (35)
How do you operate the motorcycle's throttle? - ANS-Rotate to control engine speed; to
increase engine speed, twist it toward you (roll on); to decrease engine
speed, twist it away from you (roll off) (pg. 4)
How do you stop in a curve? - ANS-Gradually apply both brakes as you straighten up
the motorcycle.
The motorcycle should be straight up and the handlebars should be square before you
come to a complete stop.
Be sure to downshift and keep the clutch lever squeezed in (pg. 10)
How does carrying a passenger or cargo affect motorcycle operation? - ANS-Slower,
more difficult to balance, higher center of gravity (37)
How does the motorcycle's weight shift during braking? - ANS-It shifts mostly to the
front and significantly lightens the rear. (pg. 10)
How fast is alcohol eliminated from the bloodstream? - ANS-One drink an hour (40)
How is the gearshift lever operated? - ANS-Lift up firmly and release to go to a higher
gear; press down firmly and release to go to a lower gear (pg. 4)
How is the throttle used when crossing an obstacle? - ANS-Blip the throttle before
hitting the object in order to extend the front forks. Roll off the throttle on contact so that
the rear wheel isn't driven while going over the object (31)
How long will it take for the effects of drugs to wear off? - ANS-
How much beverage alcohol equals one drink? - ANS-A 12-ounce beer, a mixed drink
with 1.5oz of distilled liquor, or a 5-ounce glass of wine (40)
How should a helmet fit? - ANS-Snugly (14)
, How should you adjust for windy conditions? - ANS-Adjust hand grip pressure as
needed; be prepared (38)
How should your motorcycle fit you? - ANS-Seat height should be low enough so you
can reach the ground and support the motorcycle;
motorcycle size should be right for your strength and skill level so you can handle it well;
adjust the controls or replace the seat to fit you better (pg. 12)
How will you find out your motorcycle's type of braking system? - ANS-Check the
owner's manual (34)
In what type of turn does counterweighting help? - ANS-Slow, tight turns like a U-turn in
a parking lot (pg. 9)
In what way can riding a motorcycle affect hearing and what can be done? - ANS-Wind
noise and engine noise can damage hearing. Earplugs can be worn to reduce the noise
to a safe level while still allowing the rider to stay aware. (17)
In what ways do cars and motorcycles have blind spots? - ANS-Drivers cannot see in
certain directions while facing forward and mirrors cannot show everything. (26)
Learning to ride and ride well requires what physical traits? - ANS-Health, fitness,
strength, and coordination (iv)
List a few tips for riding at night or in a limited visibility conditions? - ANS-1. Wear bright
and reflective materials
2. Use high beams if no oncoming traffic
3. Use lights of other vehicles to see what is ahead
4. Watch for bouncing lights as that could indicate a road surface hazard
5. Flash brake lights when slowing and when waiting at intersections
6. Add more lighting to your bike (32)
List the 5 steps of the engine pre-start routine. - ANS-FINE-C: Fuel, Ignition, Neutral,
Engine Cut-off Switch, Choke/Clutch. (pg. 8)
List the 6 primary controls - ANS-1. Handlebars
2. Throttle
3. Clutch lever
4. Gearshift Lever
5. Front Brake Lever
After learning to ride, why is safety more about mental skills than physical skills? -
ANS-Allows you to better manage the risks and have safety margins (19)
Are ordinary glasses or sunglasses alone sufficient eye protection? - ANS-No. They
don't seal out wind, debris, and dust. (15)
Complete the controls quiz on page 7 and check your answers. - ANS-
Define hypothermia. - ANS-abnormally low body temperature resulting in loss of
concentration and slower reactions (16)
How are the 4-second urgent time/distance and total stopping distance related? -
ANS-A good rider can make a complete stop in the distance provided by a 4-5 second
following distance. (23)
How are the two brake controls operated? - ANS-Front brake lever is squeezed in to
operate it.
Rear brake pedal is pressed down to operate it (pg. 4-5)
How can a crowned road affect riding? - ANS-Ground clearance is reduced and the lean
angle available will be less than on a flat road (36)
How can drinking alcohol and riding a motorcycle both be enjoyed? - ANS-
How can motorcycle riding gear make you more visible? - ANS-Often reflective or
brightly colored. (16)
How can rider performance be affected by aging or health problems? - ANS-
How can you adjust for the affects of surface hazards and or reduced traction? -
ANS-Pay attention, don't make sudden moves and turns, avoid the defects, slow down.
(36)
How can you reduce total stopping distance (TSD)? - ANS-By improving skills for each
of the 3 parts. Avoiding distraction, practice, and being prepared (23)
,How do you initiate motorcycle lean at speeds higher than walking speed? -
ANS-Pressing (forward or down) the handgrip on the same side of the intended turn to
initiate countersteer. (pg. 9)
How do you know to whether to brake first or swerve first for an emergency? - ANS-You
don't. It is a decision that has to be made in the moment based on current riding
conditions. (35)
How do you operate the motorcycle's throttle? - ANS-Rotate to control engine speed; to
increase engine speed, twist it toward you (roll on); to decrease engine
speed, twist it away from you (roll off) (pg. 4)
How do you stop in a curve? - ANS-Gradually apply both brakes as you straighten up
the motorcycle.
The motorcycle should be straight up and the handlebars should be square before you
come to a complete stop.
Be sure to downshift and keep the clutch lever squeezed in (pg. 10)
How does carrying a passenger or cargo affect motorcycle operation? - ANS-Slower,
more difficult to balance, higher center of gravity (37)
How does the motorcycle's weight shift during braking? - ANS-It shifts mostly to the
front and significantly lightens the rear. (pg. 10)
How fast is alcohol eliminated from the bloodstream? - ANS-One drink an hour (40)
How is the gearshift lever operated? - ANS-Lift up firmly and release to go to a higher
gear; press down firmly and release to go to a lower gear (pg. 4)
How is the throttle used when crossing an obstacle? - ANS-Blip the throttle before
hitting the object in order to extend the front forks. Roll off the throttle on contact so that
the rear wheel isn't driven while going over the object (31)
How long will it take for the effects of drugs to wear off? - ANS-
How much beverage alcohol equals one drink? - ANS-A 12-ounce beer, a mixed drink
with 1.5oz of distilled liquor, or a 5-ounce glass of wine (40)
How should a helmet fit? - ANS-Snugly (14)
, How should you adjust for windy conditions? - ANS-Adjust hand grip pressure as
needed; be prepared (38)
How should your motorcycle fit you? - ANS-Seat height should be low enough so you
can reach the ground and support the motorcycle;
motorcycle size should be right for your strength and skill level so you can handle it well;
adjust the controls or replace the seat to fit you better (pg. 12)
How will you find out your motorcycle's type of braking system? - ANS-Check the
owner's manual (34)
In what type of turn does counterweighting help? - ANS-Slow, tight turns like a U-turn in
a parking lot (pg. 9)
In what way can riding a motorcycle affect hearing and what can be done? - ANS-Wind
noise and engine noise can damage hearing. Earplugs can be worn to reduce the noise
to a safe level while still allowing the rider to stay aware. (17)
In what ways do cars and motorcycles have blind spots? - ANS-Drivers cannot see in
certain directions while facing forward and mirrors cannot show everything. (26)
Learning to ride and ride well requires what physical traits? - ANS-Health, fitness,
strength, and coordination (iv)
List a few tips for riding at night or in a limited visibility conditions? - ANS-1. Wear bright
and reflective materials
2. Use high beams if no oncoming traffic
3. Use lights of other vehicles to see what is ahead
4. Watch for bouncing lights as that could indicate a road surface hazard
5. Flash brake lights when slowing and when waiting at intersections
6. Add more lighting to your bike (32)
List the 5 steps of the engine pre-start routine. - ANS-FINE-C: Fuel, Ignition, Neutral,
Engine Cut-off Switch, Choke/Clutch. (pg. 8)
List the 6 primary controls - ANS-1. Handlebars
2. Throttle
3. Clutch lever
4. Gearshift Lever
5. Front Brake Lever
