What should you do if your front wheel begins to skid?

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

What should you do if your front wheel begins to skid?

1. Release the clutch. 
2. Jam down on the rear brake pedal.
3. Open the throttle. 
4. Release the brake lever immediately, and reapply with less pressure. 

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. Release the brake lever immediately, and reapply with less pressure. 

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

Explanation: Front-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. 

If you apply too much brake pressure too quickly, your front wheel can lock up. 

When this occurs, you should immediately release the front brake lever, and then begin to reapply the brakes with less pressure. 

Apply the brakes smoothly and gradually to avoid a skid. 

Front-wheel skids can be extremely dangerous as they cause an immediate loss of steering control and can throw you off balance. 

If you keep holding the front brake lever when this occurs, you will lose control and crash. 

When you apply the brakes, you should apply both brakes at once for maximum stopping power. 

Both brakes should be applied with smooth, gradual pressure. 

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.