Convex mirrors on your motorcycle:

Use this motorcycle practice test question to prepare for the real written exam at the DMV or during your motorcycle safety course. 

Convex mirrors on your motorcycle:

1. Give you a 360 degree view around your motorcycle. 
2. Provide a smaller view of the road, and make things seem about as far away as they actually are. 
3. Should never be used. 
4. Provide a wider view of the road, but make things seem farther away than they actually are. 

Find the answer to this question and an explanation below. 

Answer

This topic may show up on your motorcycle permit test. 

The answer is: D. Provide a wider view of the road, but make things seem farther away than they actually are. 

How’d you do? Learn more about this motorcycle topic below. 

Explanation: Convex Mirrors

In order to pass your motorcycle permit exams and to become a safe rider, it’s important to know why a particular answer on the motorcycle written test is correct. 

Most modern motorcycles feature convex mirrors, which have a rounded shape. These are similar to the side view mirrors on a passenger car. 

Convex mirrors provide you with a wider view of the road behind you than a flat mirror. 

However, the reflection in a convex mirror will make objects appear to be farther away than they actually are. 

If you’re not used to using convex mirrors, you should spend some time practicing judging distance with them. 

To do so, pick out something in your mirror while stopped and try to estimate the distance. Turn around to look with your eyes to see how close you were. 

Remember, while your mirrors are a useful tool to see the road around and behind you, you should also turn your head whenever changing lanes or passing. Never rely on just your mirrors. 

You can find more information about this topic in the motorcycle rider’s handbook.

Check out more motorcycle permit test questions and answers here.

Find in-depth articles for new riders in our section dedicated to learning how to ride a motorcycle.

Plus, check out an overview of the requirements to get a motorcycle endorsement in each state.