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Motorcycle Permit Test: Intersections questions and answers

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Intersections

10 questions

  1. #1

    Over half of motorcycle/car crashes are caused by:

    1. Motorcycle mechanical failure
    2. Drivers violating the rider's right-of-way
    3. Bad weather
    4. Riders running out of fuel

    Answer: B. Most car-motorcycle crashes happen when a driver fails to yield to the rider.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), IntersectionsOver one-half of motorcycle/car crashes are caused by drivers violating a rider's right-of-way.

  2. #2

    A driver at an intersection looks right at you. You should:

    1. Assume they will yield
    2. Speed up through the intersection
    3. Not count on eye contact — be ready to react
    4. Stop in the middle of the intersection

    Answer: C. Drivers often look at riders without seeing them; if a car can enter your path, assume it will.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), IntersectionsNever count on 'eye contact.'

  3. #3

    At a blind intersection with a stop sign, after stopping at the line you should:

    1. Pull fully into the cross lane to look
    2. Turn right without looking
    3. Sound the horn and go
    4. Edge forward and stop again, keeping your front wheel out of the cross lane

    Answer: D. Stop, then edge forward to look while keeping your front wheel clear of the cross traffic lane.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Blind Intersections

  4. #4

    Where is the greatest potential for conflict between you and other traffic?

    1. On long straight highways
    2. At intersections
    3. In parking lots only
    4. On roads with no traffic

    Answer: B. An intersection can be anywhere traffic may cross your path of travel.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 51The greatest potential for conflict between you and other traffic is at intersections.

  5. #5

    If a car can enter your path at an intersection, you should:

    1. Assume that it will
    2. Assume that it will wait for you
    3. Assume the driver has seen you
    4. Assume it will stop at the sign

    Answer: A. The only eyes you can count on are your own.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 52If a car can enter your path, assume that it will.

  6. #6

    A vehicle is preparing to cross your path as you enter an intersection. Why should you avoid changing speed or position radically?

    1. The vehicle will always stop for sudden movements
    2. It would damage your tires
    3. Drivers might think you are preparing to turn
    4. It would trigger the traffic signal

    Answer: C. Move away from the vehicle as you enter the intersection.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 52As you enter the intersection, move away from the vehicle. Do not change speed or position radically, as drivers might think you are preparing to turn.

  7. #7

    If an oncoming vehicle turns left in front of you, especially with other traffic around you, you should be prepared to:

    1. Swerve into the next lane
    2. Accelerate and pass in front of it
    3. Brake hard and hold your position
    4. Pull in the clutch and coast

    Answer: C. Do not change speed or position radically before that point.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 52Be prepared to brake hard and hold your position if an oncoming vehicle turns in front of you, especially if there is other traffic around you.

  8. #8

    At a large intersection with a stop sign, after you stop at the line and edge forward, what should you do to see around buildings, parked cars or bushes?

    1. Drive through quickly without looking
    2. Honk and keep going
    3. Lean your body forward and look around them
    4. Stand up on the footrests

    Answer: C. Stop first at the sign or line, then edge forward and stop again.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 53From that position, lean your body forward and look around buildings, parked cars or bushes to see if anything is coming.

  9. #9

    When you edge forward to look around obstacles at an intersection, what must you make sure of?

    1. That your front wheel stays out of the cross lane of travel
    2. That your front wheel is well into the cross lane
    3. That your engine is switched off
    4. That your headlight is turned off

    Answer: A. Stop just short of where the cross-traffic lane meets your lane.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 53Just make sure your front wheel stays out of the cross lane of travel while you’re looking.

  10. #10

    A car ahead makes a sudden U-turn. What should you do?

    1. Slow, get the driver’s attention, use your horn and continue with caution
    2. Speed up and pass the car quickly before it finishes the turn
    3. Swerve onto the shoulder and accelerate away without signaling
    4. Stay in the same lane position at the same speed and ignore the car

    Answer: A. Cars making a sudden U-turn can block the whole roadway.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 54Since you can’t tell what a driver will do, slow and get the driver’s attention. Use your horn and continue with caution.
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