Practice question

What must you do before making a lane change?

  1. Check your mirrors and blind spots
  2. Turn on your high beams
  3. Speed up to get ahead of traffic
  4. Signal only when halfway through

Answer: A — Check your mirrors and blind spots

Before making a lane change, it is essential to check your mirrors and blind spots to ensure that the lane is clear and safe for you to move into. This practice helps prevent accidents by allowing you to spot any vehicles or obstacles that you might not see in your mirrors alone, especially those in your blind spot. This preparation enhances your awareness of the surrounding traffic, assisting you in making informed decisions about when it is safe to change lanes. Safe lane changes are crucial for maintaining control of your motorcycle and ensuring the safety of yourself and other road users. The other options do not contribute effectively to safe lane changing. Using high beams or speeding up does not address the need for situational awareness, and signaling only when halfway through the maneuver is often too late to communicate your intentions to others on the road.

Practice more: Illinois Motorcycle Permit Practice Test →