If you lock the front wheel when stopping, 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 you lock the front wheel when stopping, what should you do?

1. Release the brake lever immediately. 
2. Close the throttle immediately. 
3. Open the throttle immediately.
4. Squeeze the brake lever harder. 

Find the answer to this question and an explanation below. 

Answer

This topic may show up on your motorcycle permit test. 

The answer is: A. Release the brake lever immediately. 

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

Explanation: Front Wheel Skids on a 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. 

The front bake provides you with about 70% of your motorcycle’s total braking power. 

However, applying too much pressure to the front brake at once can cause you to lock up the wheel and go into a skid. 

Failing to take the proper steps in a front wheel skid will result in a crash. 

Front wheel skids will cause you to lose your steering control and throw you off balance.

When your front wheel locks up, you should immediately release the front brake lever and then begin to reapply it with less pressure. 

Anytime you need to stop, you should be applying both the front and rear brakes at the same time. 

Apply the front brake with smooth, gradual pressure. 

Squeezing the lever too fast or too hard is a common cause of front wheel skids. 

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.