Home » How to Apply for a Motorcycle License » Motorcycle Permit Test Questions & Answers » In traffic, how does a motorcycle’s stopping distance compare to a car’s?
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In traffic, how does a motorcycle’s stopping distance compare to a car’s?

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

In traffic, how does a motorcycle’s stopping distance compare to a car’s?

  1. Motorcycles can always stop in 10 feet. 
  2. More distance to stop.
  3. Less distance to stop.
  4. About the same distance to stop.

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. About the same distance to stop.

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

Explanation: Motorcycle Stopping Distance

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. 

While it’s true that motorcycles can stop more quickly than a passenger car, when riding in traffic, motorcyclists will need about the same distance to stop as cars. 

The rider will still need to spot the reason to stop, react, brake properly, and reduce their speed as they come to a full stop.

This is why it is important to maintain a safe following distance, keep a space cushion around yourself, and constantly scan the road ahead for hazards. 

When you need to stop, you should apply both brakes simultaneously. You should avoid slamming on your brakes, as this can cause you to skid and lose control. 

When a situation would require you to stop quickly, a combination of braking and swerving separately may be your best course of action. 

As you learn to ride, you should find an empty parking lot where you can practice your quick stops and swerves. 

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.

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Content Editor: Ethan Orenstein

Ethan is not just any motorcycle enthusiast. With a decade of experience riding, maintaining, and restoring a range of motorcycles, Ethan brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Many of the tips and tricks shared on this site are born from hours spent wrenching on personal bikes. Paired with his experience as a journalist covering DMV & insurance topics, MotorcycleZombies.com is a must-visit site for any home-mechanic. Every article has been carefully reviewed and edited to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and simplicity - all to help bring your bike back from the dead and onto the road.

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