If your motorcycle starts to weave or wander when riding over a metal grate or rain grooves, you should:

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

If your motorcycle starts to weave or wander when riding over a metal grate or rain grooves, you should:

1. Slow down quickly and use the brakes. 
2. Shift to a higher gear and accelerate. 
3. Stay relaxed, keep straight, and maintain a steady speed.
4. Grip the handlebars tightly, and try to follow the weaving. 

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. Stay relaxed, keep straight, and maintain a steady speed.

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

Explanation: Riding Over Metal Grooves and Gratings 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. 

Metal rain grooves and gratings on the road can cause your motorcycle to feel like it is weaving or wandering as you ride over them. 

However, this effect is typically not hazardous. But it is important to handle the situation correctly. 

When you need to ride over a metal grating on your motorcycle, you should:

• Remain relaxed with a normal, firm grip on your handlebars.
• Maintain a steady speed as you cross. 
• Keep the bike in a straight line. 

You should avoid trying to zigzag or cross at an angle. Either of these can cause you to drift into the opposite lane or lose control of your bike. 

Rapid acceleration, deceleration, or braking while riding over metal gratings is also not a good idea. 

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.