How can you safely regain control of your motorcycle if the rear wheel locks up?

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

How can you safely regain control of your motorcycle if the rear wheel locks up?

1. Open the throttle. 
2. Release the brake pedal immediately.
3. Release the brake pedal when the wheels are in alignment. 
4. Release the front brake lever.

Find the answer to this question and an explanation below. 

Answer

This topic may show up on your motorcycle permit test. 

The answer is: C. Release the brake pedal when the wheels are in alignment. 

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

Explanation: Motorcycle Rear Wheel Skids

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. 

Applying too much brake pressure to the rear wheel can cause it to lock up and begin to skid. 

A locked rear wheel will remove your ability to change direction.

In order to safely regain control of your motorcycle during a rear wheel skid, you’ll need to release the rear brake pedal when the front and back of the motorcycle are in straight alignment. 

Releasing the rear wheel when the bike is out of alignment can cause a high-side crash where the rider is thrown over the top of the bike. 

If you are riding on a road surface with good traction and you lock up the rear wheel during a quick stop, you can typically keep it locked until you come to a stop. Be sure you are moving in a straight line with the motorcycle upright. 

Correcting a rear wheel skid when the bike is leaning or out of alignment will cause it to quickly snap back upright and throw you off. 

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.