Home » How to Apply for a Motorcycle License » Motorcycle Permit Test Questions & Answers » What should you do when riding over a bridge grating or rain groove?
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What should you do when riding over a bridge grating or rain groove?

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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

What should you do when riding over a bridge grating or rain groove?

  1. Speed up as you reach the groove or grating. 
  2. Zig-zag to maintain your balance.
  3. Cross the grating or grooves at an angle.
  4. Maintain a steady speed, and ride straight across the surface. 

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. Maintain a steady speed, and ride straight across the surface. 

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

Explanation: Riding over Grooves and Gratings

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 surfaces like rain grooves and bridge gratings can cause problems for motorcyclists if they don’t approach them correctly. 

The proper way to handle a rain groove or bridge grate is to stay relaxed with a firm grip on your handlebars, maintain a steady speed, and stay in a straight path to get across. 

Problems arise when riders try to cross at an angle, zig-zag, vary their speed, or brake suddenly when they are on top of the metal surface. 

You’ll want to stay under control of your motorcycle and remain in your lane. 

Some riders may try to cross at an angle to take a perpendicular path to the grooves, but this can often send them into the opposite lane or make them lose control. 

Stay calm, keep steady, and take the obstacle straight on. 

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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