Practice question

How should you apply brakes if you start to lose control of the motorcycle?

  1. Gently apply rear brakes only
  2. Squeeze the clutch and then apply brakes
  3. Use the front brake only
  4. Do not apply brakes at all

Answer: B — Squeeze the clutch and then apply brakes

When you start to lose control of the motorcycle, the recommended action is to squeeze the clutch and then apply the brakes. This approach allows you to disengage the engine from the rear wheel by pulling in the clutch, which helps to prevent the rear wheel from locking up or skidding. By doing so, you maintain better control over the motorcycle during the braking process. Applying the brakes too abruptly, especially the front brake alone, can lead to a loss of traction and stability, potentially causing a crash. Similarly, relying solely on the rear brake may not effectively slow down the motorcycle enough when you're in a precarious situation. Not applying brakes at all can also be risky, as it does not help reduce speed or regain control. Therefore, squeezing the clutch first allows for a smoother transition when applying the brakes, reducing the likelihood of losing control further and helping to stabilize the motorcycle.

Practice more: Motorcycle Safety Practice Test →