New York City Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

When should you check your mirrors while riding?

1. Whenever you feel like it

2. When you begin to slow down, if you need to leave the road and before you change lanes

3. Only at traffic lights

4. Before every turn

The correct answer is: When you begin to slow down, if you need to leave the road and before you change lanes

Checking your mirrors while riding a motorcycle is crucial for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring safety on the road. The correct answer emphasizes the importance of checking your mirrors specifically when you begin to slow down, need to leave the road, and before changing lanes. This practice is important because it helps you to be aware of your surroundings and assess the behavior of other vehicles. By checking your mirrors before making any significant changes, such as slowing down or changing lanes, you can identify any vehicles that may be approaching too quickly or situations that could pose a danger. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of accidents and enhances your ability to make safe riding decisions in dynamic traffic conditions. Riders should not check their mirrors only when they feel like it, as this casual approach can lead to missing critical hazards. Checking mirrors solely at traffic lights fails to address the need for continuous awareness while moving. Similarly, while it is useful to check mirrors before turns, doing so exclusively at that moment does not cover the necessary vigilance required during all phases of riding.