If a dog starts chasing you on your motorcycle, what should you do?

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

If a dog starts chasing you on your motorcycle, what should you do?

1. Kick at the dog. 
2. Speed up as you approach and then slow down when you get near it. 
3. Slow down as you approach and accelerate away to upset its timing. 
4. Slam on your brakes. 

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. Slow down as you approach and accelerate away when you get near it to upset its timing. 

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

Explanation: Avoiding Animals on your Motorcycle

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. 

Animals in the roadway pose a hazard to motorcyclists. You’ll want to know what to do when you encounter one as you ride. 

Some dogs are attracted to chasing motorcycles, and may start running towards you when they see you approach. 

The best way to handle a dog chasing your motorcycle is to upset its timing. 

You can do this by slowing down and downshifting as you approach the dog. 

When you get close to it, accelerate away and leave the dog behind. 

Never try to kick at the animal or swerve or brake abruptly. These actions can cause you to lose control and crash. 

Be sure to stay in control and look where you want your motorcycle to go. 

If you encounter larger animals (deer, elk, cattle, horses, etc.) on the side of the road or in the road as you’re riding, the best thing you can do is come to a complete stop and wait until the animal has passed. 

Larger animals can be unpredictable and lead to serious injury or death in a collision with them on a motorcycle. 

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.