Practice question

If your rear wheel locks up while stopping on good traction, what should you do?

  1. Release the brake immediately
  2. Keep the wheel locked until you have stopped completely
  3. Switch to a lower gear
  4. Apply more rear brake pressure

Answer: B — Keep the wheel locked until you have stopped completely

When the rear wheel locks up while you're stopping on good traction, the best action to take is to release the brake immediately. This allows the rear wheel to regain traction and begin to roll again. If you keep the wheel locked until you stop completely, you risk losing control of the motorcycle, which can lead to a skid or slide. The key is to allow the wheel to turn naturally so that you can maintain stability and control. Once the wheel is rolling again, you can then reapply the brake smoothly, using more front brake than rear brake if necessary, to ensure a controlled stop. Going into a lower gear or applying more rear brake pressure can compound the issue, leading to further loss of control or an unstable situation. Thus, releasing the brake is essential to regaining control and stopping safely.

Practice more: Nebraska Motorcycle Practice Test →