New York City Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

Which of the following actions is best before riding on a slippery surface?

1. Brake hard to slow down

2. Use the throttle aggressively

3. Maintain a steady speed

4. Lean heavily into turns

The correct answer is: Maintain a steady speed

Maintaining a steady speed is the best action before riding on a slippery surface because it helps you maintain control and balance. When you keep a consistent speed, you reduce the risk of losing traction and making abrupt movements that could destabilize the motorcycle. Slippery surfaces can drastically increase the likelihood of skidding or falling, so a careful and controlled approach is essential. This means that instead of engaging in aggressive maneuvers like heavy acceleration, sharp braking, or extreme leaning, which can all lead to a loss of grip, a steady speed allows for smoother navigation and a better ability to react to any unexpected changes in the road conditions. In contrast, braking hard or using the throttle aggressively would likely lead to loss of traction on a slippery surface, while leaning heavily into turns can cause the tires to lose grip, making it easier to slide out during the turn. Maintaining a steady speed ensures that you have better control of your motorcycle, reducing the risks associated with slippery conditions.