Rhode island Motorcycle Permit Test

Without a helmet, a rider is five times more likely to sustain a critical head injury in a crash.

When riding on slippery surfaces, reduce your speed, brake using both brakes, and avoid sudden moves. Avoid the center of the lane and instead follow tire tracks left by cars. Always keep an eye out for hazards that may make a road surface especially slippery, such as oil spots and loose gravel.

A passenger puts extra weight on a motorcycle, which causes the motorcycle to handle differently. Only experienced riders should carry passengers.

Riding between slowed or parked cars can leave you vulnerable to unexpected hazards, such as opening car doors or cars suddenly pulling into traffic. If a hazard arises, you will not have room to safely maneuver. Never travel on the shoulder of a road because other drivers will never expect you to be there.

The front brake of a motorcycle is more powerful than the rear one, providing at least 70 percent of the total stopping power. Always use both brakes any time you slow or stop.

Shifting to a lower gear produces an effect similar to applying the brakes. This is known as engine braking.