Passengers, cargo and group riding

Question 1

Who should carry passengers or large loads?

Accepted Answer

Only experienced riders

Answer

Any rider with a valid instruction permit

Answer

Any rider on a motorcycle over 150 cc

Question 2

What should you do before taking a passenger or a heavy load on the street?

Accepted Answer

Practice away from traffic

Answer

Lower the tire pressure

Answer

Remove the mirrors

Question 3

Why does a passenger need footrests?

Accepted Answer

Firm footing keeps the passenger from falling off and pulling you off too

Answer

They let the passenger steer with their feet

Answer

They are needed only for children

Question 4

With a passenger on board, where should you sit?

Accepted Answer

No farther forward than you usually do

Answer

As far forward as you can, on the gas tank

Answer

Farther back, to share the seat evenly

Question 5

What will you probably need to do to the tires when carrying a passenger?

Accepted Answer

Add a few pounds of pressure

Answer

Let out a few pounds of pressure

Answer

Nothing, tire pressure never changes with load

Question 6

What do you adjust to handle the additional weight of a passenger?

Accepted Answer

The suspension

Answer

The clutch cable

Answer

The horn

Question 7

When do you adjust the mirrors and headlight for riding with a passenger?

Accepted Answer

While the passenger sits on the seat with you

Answer

Before the passenger gets on

Answer

After the first few miles

Question 8

What protective gear should a passenger have?

Accepted Answer

The same protective apparel and gear recommended for riders

Answer

A helmet only

Answer

Nothing special on short trips

Question 9

What is the maximum speed for a motorcycle towing a trailer?

Accepted Answer

55 mph

Answer

45 mph

Answer

65 mph

Question 10

You are towing a trailer on a freeway where other traffic flows at 65 mph. How fast may you go?

Accepted Answer

No faster than 55 mph

Answer

Up to 65 mph, with the flow of traffic

Answer

Up to 60 mph

Question 11

Which lane must a motorcycle towing a trailer normally stay in?

Accepted Answer

The right lane, except when passing

Answer

The left lane

Answer

Any lane, as long as it keeps up with traffic

Question 12

On a four lane highway, which lanes may a motorcycle towing a trailer use?

Accepted Answer

The right two lanes

Answer

All four lanes

Answer

The right lane only

Question 13

May a motorcycle towing a trailer use a carpool lane?

Accepted Answer

No

Answer

Yes, like any other motorcycle

Answer

Yes, if it carries a passenger

Question 14

Your passenger rides a motorcycle too. Do you still need to instruct them?

Accepted Answer

Yes, give complete instructions before you start

Answer

No, an experienced rider knows what to do

Answer

Only if they ask

Question 15

When should the passenger get on the motorcycle?

Accepted Answer

Only after you start the engine

Answer

Before you get on yourself

Answer

While you are rolling slowly

Question 16

Where should the passenger sit?

Accepted Answer

As far forward as possible without crowding you

Answer

As far back as possible

Answer

Leaning against the backrest and away from you

Question 17

What should the passenger hold on to?

Accepted Answer

Your waist, hips, or belt

Answer

Your shoulders or helmet

Answer

The handlebars

Question 18

What should the passenger do with their feet when the motorcycle stops at a light?

Accepted Answer

Keep both feet on the footrests

Answer

Put both feet on the ground

Answer

Put one foot down to help balance

Question 19

What should the passenger keep their legs away from?

Accepted Answer

The mufflers, belts, chains, and moving parts

Answer

The seat and the footrests

Answer

The rider

Question 20

What should the passenger do in a turn?

Accepted Answer

Stay directly behind you, lean as you lean, and look over your shoulder in the direction of the turn

Answer

Lean the opposite way to balance the motorcycle

Answer

Sit upright and look straight ahead

Question 21

Why should the passenger avoid unnecessary talk or motion?

Accepted Answer

The motorcycle will sway with the passenger’s movement

Answer

It drains the battery

Answer

It is against the law to talk on a motorcycle

Question 22

When should the passenger tighten their hold?

Accepted Answer

Near surface problems, before starting from a stop, or when you warn of a sudden move

Answer

Only when riding on the freeway at speeds above 55 mph

Answer

Only when you sound the horn or flash the brake light

Question 23

How does a passenger change your braking distance?

Accepted Answer

It increases because of the added weight

Answer

It decreases because of the added traction

Answer

It stays the same

Question 24

With a passenger, how large should the gaps be that you wait for to cross, enter, or merge with traffic?

Accepted Answer

Larger than when riding alone

Answer

The same as when riding alone

Answer

Smaller, since two people are easier to see

Question 25

Which of these is NOT advice for riding with a passenger?

Accepted Answer

Follow closer so that you and the vehicle ahead brake together

Answer

Begin slowing sooner as you approach a stop

Answer

Ride a little slower, especially in curves, in corners, and over bumps

Question 26

How do you speak to your passenger while riding?

Accepted Answer

Turn your head slightly, but keep your eyes on the road ahead

Answer

Turn around fully so they can hear you

Answer

Stop looking ahead for a moment and face them

Question 27

A child wants to ride as your passenger and cannot reach the passenger footrests. May the child ride?

Accepted Answer

No, the child’s feet must be able to reach the footrests

Answer

Yes, if the child holds on tightly

Answer

Yes, if the child sits in front of you

Question 28

What kind of helmet should a child passenger wear?

Accepted Answer

A full-faced, U.S. DOT compliant, properly fitted motorcycle helmet

Answer

A bicycle helmet in the child’s size

Answer

An adult half shell helmet with extra padding

Question 29

What should a child passenger wear besides a helmet?

Accepted Answer

Long pants, closed-toe shoes, a heavy jacket, and protective gloves

Answer

Shorts and sandals in warm weather

Answer

A reflective vest over light clothing only

Question 30

What do restraint systems for child passengers do?

Accepted Answer

Secure the child to the rider with a belt or harness

Answer

Strap the child to the motorcycle frame

Answer

Lock the child’s feet to the footrests

Question 31

How much cargo are most motorcycles designed to carry?

Accepted Answer

Not much, but small loads are safe if positioned and fastened properly

Answer

As much as a small car, if the suspension is adjusted

Answer

None at all, cargo is not allowed on a motorcycle

Question 32

What is the effect of stacking a load against a sissybar or frame on the back of the seat?

Accepted Answer

It raises the center of gravity and shifts the balance

Answer

It lowers the center of gravity and improves stability

Answer

It has no effect on handling

Question 33

Where should a load be placed in relation to the rear axle?

Accepted Answer

Over or in front of the rear axle

Answer

Behind the rear axle

Answer

As far back as the load will go

Question 34

What can mounting a load behind the rear axle do?

Accepted Answer

Affect how the motorcycle turns and brakes, and cause a wobble

Answer

Improve braking by loading the rear wheel

Answer

Make the headlight aim lower

Question 35

What must you make sure of when using a tank bag?

Accepted Answer

That it does not interfere with the handlebars or controls

Answer

That it covers the fuel cap completely

Answer

That it holds only hard objects

Question 36

How should saddlebags be loaded?

Accepted Answer

With about the same weight on each side

Answer

With the heavier bag on the left

Answer

With all the weight in one bag

Question 37

What does the handbook recommend for fastening a load?

Accepted Answer

Elastic cords such as bungee cords or nets

Answer

Ordinary rope with several knots

Answer

Adhesive tape

Question 38

Why is rope a poor choice for securing a load?

Accepted Answer

Ropes tend to stretch and knots can come loose

Answer

Ropes are too short

Answer

Ropes are not allowed on motorcycles

Question 39

How often should you check a load during a trip?

Accepted Answer

Often, stopping to make sure it has not worked loose or moved

Answer

Only at the start of the trip

Answer

Only when you feel the motorcycle wobble

Question 40

Which two riders should a group assign?

Accepted Answer

A lead rider and a drag (tail) rider, both experienced

Answer

A lead rider and a navigator on the same motorcycle

Answer

Two riders side by side at the front

Question 41

A group of riders reaches a stop sign. Half the group has already gone through. What must the rest do?

Accepted Answer

Obey the stop sign like any other vehicle

Answer

Follow through without stopping to keep the group together

Answer

Sound their horns and proceed

Question 42

When should a group be divided into smaller groups?

Accepted Answer

When it is larger than four or five riders

Answer

When it is larger than ten riders

Answer

Only when it is larger than twenty riders

Question 43

Nine friends plan a ride together. What does the handbook recommend?

Accepted Answer

Divide into two or more smaller groups

Answer

Ride as one group in a single file

Answer

Ride as one group in pairs

Question 44

Why are small groups better?

Accepted Answer

Other drivers get around them more easily and traffic separates them less

Answer

They are allowed to exceed the speed limit to stay together

Answer

They do not need to signal their lane changes to others

Question 45

Where in a group should inexperienced riders be placed?

Accepted Answer

Behind the leader

Answer

At the very back

Answer

In the middle, next to each other

Question 46

Who sets the pace of a group?

Accepted Answer

The last rider

Answer

The leader

Answer

The fastest rider

Question 47

A rider in your group falls behind. What should happen?

Accepted Answer

Everyone slows down a little to stay together

Answer

The group keeps its speed and waits at the next stop

Answer

The rider speeds up to close the gap

Question 48

What should the leader do about lane changes?

Accepted Answer

Signal early and start lane changes early so that everyone can complete them safely

Answer

Change lanes late, to keep other vehicles out of the group

Answer

Change lanes without signaling, so the group reacts quickly

Question 49

What does the preride briefing cover?

Accepted Answer

The route, hand signals for single-file formation, and what to do if a hazard is encountered

Answer

The price of fuel along the way and where to buy the cheapest

Answer

The top speed of each motorcycle and who gets to ride in front

Question 50

What should a group plan for on a long ride?

Accepted Answer

Frequent stops

Answer

No stops, to keep the group together

Answer

One stop at the halfway point

Question 51

May two riders in a group ride directly alongside each other in the same lane?

Accepted Answer

No, never operate directly alongside another rider

Answer

Yes, if both stay close to the lane lines

Answer

Yes, at speeds below 30 mph

Question 52

Which formation is the best way to keep ranks close and still keep an adequate space cushion?

Accepted Answer

Staggered formation

Answer

Riding in pairs

Answer

A tight single file

Question 53

In a staggered formation, where does the leader ride?

Accepted Answer

In the left portion of the lane

Answer

In the right portion of the lane

Answer

In the center of the lane

Question 54

In a staggered formation, where does the second rider ride?

Accepted Answer

In the right portion of the lane

Answer

In the left portion, directly behind the leader

Answer

Beside the leader

Question 55

In a staggered formation, how far behind the leader is the second rider?

Accepted Answer

One second

Answer

Two seconds

Answer

Three seconds

Question 56

In a staggered formation, where is the third rider?

Accepted Answer

In the left portion of the lane, two seconds behind the first rider

Answer

In the right portion of the lane, one second behind the first rider

Answer

In the center of the lane, beside the second rider

Question 57

In a staggered formation, what distance does the fourth rider keep behind the second rider?

Accepted Answer

Two seconds

Answer

One second

Answer

Half a second

Question 58

How do riders in a staggered formation pass another vehicle?

Accepted Answer

One at a time

Answer

All together, as a single unit

Answer

Two at a time

Question 59

After passing a vehicle, where does the leader of a group go?

Accepted Answer

Back to the left portion of the lane, continuing at passing speed to open room for the next rider

Answer

To the right portion of the lane, slowing to the earlier speed

Answer

To the shoulder, to wait for the group

Question 60

Some people suggest the leader should move to the right portion of the lane after passing. What does the handbook say?

Accepted Answer

It is not a good idea, since it encourages the next rider to pass and return too soon

Answer

It is the recommended technique

Answer

It is required when the group has more than four riders

Question 61

After passing, where does the second rider of a staggered group return to?

Accepted Answer

The right portion of the lane

Answer

The left portion of the lane

Answer

Directly beside the leader

Question 62

When should a group move into single-file formation?

Accepted Answer

When riding curves, turning, and entering or leaving a highway

Answer

Whenever traffic is light

Answer

Only when stopped at a traffic light

Questions and answers

Who should carry passengers or large loads?

What should you do before taking a passenger or a heavy load on the street?

Why does a passenger need footrests?

With a passenger on board, where should you sit?

What will you probably need to do to the tires when carrying a passenger?

What do you adjust to handle the additional weight of a passenger?

When do you adjust the mirrors and headlight for riding with a passenger?

What protective gear should a passenger have?

What is the maximum speed for a motorcycle towing a trailer?

You are towing a trailer on a freeway where other traffic flows at 65 mph. How fast may you go?

Which lane must a motorcycle towing a trailer normally stay in?

On a four lane highway, which lanes may a motorcycle towing a trailer use?

May a motorcycle towing a trailer use a carpool lane?

Your passenger rides a motorcycle too. Do you still need to instruct them?

When should the passenger get on the motorcycle?

Where should the passenger sit?

What should the passenger hold on to?

What should the passenger do with their feet when the motorcycle stops at a light?

What should the passenger keep their legs away from?

What should the passenger do in a turn?

Why should the passenger avoid unnecessary talk or motion?

When should the passenger tighten their hold?

How does a passenger change your braking distance?

With a passenger, how large should the gaps be that you wait for to cross, enter, or merge with traffic?

Which of these is NOT advice for riding with a passenger?

How do you speak to your passenger while riding?

A child wants to ride as your passenger and cannot reach the passenger footrests. May the child ride?

What kind of helmet should a child passenger wear?

What should a child passenger wear besides a helmet?

What do restraint systems for child passengers do?

How much cargo are most motorcycles designed to carry?

What is the effect of stacking a load against a sissybar or frame on the back of the seat?

Where should a load be placed in relation to the rear axle?

What can mounting a load behind the rear axle do?

What must you make sure of when using a tank bag?

How should saddlebags be loaded?

What does the handbook recommend for fastening a load?

Why is rope a poor choice for securing a load?

How often should you check a load during a trip?

Which two riders should a group assign?

A group of riders reaches a stop sign. Half the group has already gone through. What must the rest do?

When should a group be divided into smaller groups?

Nine friends plan a ride together. What does the handbook recommend?

Why are small groups better?

Where in a group should inexperienced riders be placed?

Who sets the pace of a group?

A rider in your group falls behind. What should happen?

What should the leader do about lane changes?

What does the preride briefing cover?

What should a group plan for on a long ride?

May two riders in a group ride directly alongside each other in the same lane?

Which formation is the best way to keep ranks close and still keep an adequate space cushion?

In a staggered formation, where does the leader ride?

In a staggered formation, where does the second rider ride?

In a staggered formation, how far behind the leader is the second rider?

In a staggered formation, where is the third rider?

In a staggered formation, what distance does the fourth rider keep behind the second rider?

How do riders in a staggered formation pass another vehicle?

After passing a vehicle, where does the leader of a group go?

Some people suggest the leader should move to the right portion of the lane after passing. What does the handbook say?

After passing, where does the second rider of a staggered group return to?

When should a group move into single-file formation?

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