New York City Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

What should a motorcyclist do before making a turn?

1. Signal their intent

2. Accelerate aggressively

3. Look at the ground

4. Ignore traffic

The correct answer is: Signal their intent

A crucial part of safe motorcycling is signaling your intent before making a turn. This action serves several important purposes. By using your turn signals, you communicate with other road users — including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians — about your intended movements. This helps to ensure that everyone on the road is aware of your actions, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings and potential accidents. Proper signaling also allows motorcyclists to establish their presence on the road. Given the smaller size of motorcycles compared to cars and trucks, it's vital for riders to be as visible as possible. Clear communication about turns helps others anticipate movements and react accordingly, enhancing overall safety. The other options do not contribute positively to safe riding practices. Aggressively accelerating can lead to a loss of control and can be unpredictable for other drivers. Looking at the ground while turning prevents the rider from monitoring surrounding traffic and road conditions, which is critical for maintaining safety. Ignoring traffic altogether is dangerous and can result in serious accidents, as it disregards the essential principle of being aware of and responsive to other road users.