Alaska Motorcycle practice
Alaska Motorcycle: Turning & Cornering practice test
Countersteering, the slow-look-press-roll technique, and choosing the right line through a curve at motorcycle speeds.
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
14 questions · pass with 11 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
Study questions with answers
12 sample Turning & Cornering questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.
Show all 12 questions with answers
1. When is the only time the manual says you should try to squeeze past a car that is in your own lane?
Correct answer: In a true emergency
A motorcycle's small size often leaves room to get by an obstacle, even a car, without leaving the lane, but the manual limits squeezing past a car to real emergencies.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual — Dealing with Emergencies, Quick Turns
2. An object suddenly appears in your path and there isn't enough room to stop, even using both brakes properly. What does the manual say is the only way to avoid a collision?
Correct answer: Make a quick turn
When stopping distance runs out, such as when an object appears or the car ahead stops abruptly, the manual says a quick turn is the only way to avoid hitting it.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual — Dealing with Emergencies, Quick Turns
3. Where in a curve does the manual say it is fine to add speed?
Correct answer: As you come out of the curve
Reduce speed before entering the curve; you can always speed up once you are coming out of it.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual — Control for Safety, Turning
4. During an emergency quick turn, why does the manual advise trying to stay within your own lane?
Correct answer: Swerving into another lane could put you in the path of a car
Leaving your lane during a quick turn exposes you to other traffic; change lanes only if you have time to be sure the other lane is empty.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual — Dealing with Emergencies, Quick Turns
5. You are approaching a left-hand curve. Where in your lane does the manual suggest riding to see oncoming traffic as early as possible?
Correct answer: Move to the right portion before the curve and stay there until you exit
Shifting to the right part of the lane ahead of a left-hand curve, and holding it through the curve, lets you spot approaching vehicles sooner.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual — Looking for Trouble, Position to See
6. On a right-hand curve, which lane position does the manual call best?
Correct answer: Left-center
A left-center position on a right-hand curve gives you a fairly early look at oncoming cars without putting you so far left that a car cutting the curve could hit you.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual — Looking for Trouble, Position to See
7. Why can a motorcycle often get around an obstacle without leaving its lane?
Correct answer: Its small size usually leaves room to pass beside the obstacle
The manual notes this is one time a motorcycle's size helps: there is generally room to slip past most obstacles, even a car, within your own lane.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual — Dealing with Emergencies, Quick Turns
8. You are making a sharp turn at an intersection. Why does the manual tell you to keep clear of the road's edge?
Correct answer: Loose dirt and gravel build up near the edge
Loose dirt and gravel build up along road edges, especially on curves and highway ramps, so the manual says to keep away from the edge when turning sharply or using ramps at speed.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual — Handling Dangerous Surfaces, Handling Slippery Surfaces
9. How does a heavier passenger affect the way your motorcycle turns, especially on a light motorcycle?
Correct answer: It takes longer to turn, as well as to slow down and speed up
Extra weight makes the motorcycle respond sluggishly; the heavier the passenger, the longer turning, slowing, and accelerating take, particularly on a light cycle.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual — Carrying Passengers and Cargo, Riding with Passengers
10. You are stopped at the roadside and intend to cross a traffic lane as you turn. How should you position your motorcycle?
Correct answer: Angle it so you can see both directions without straining and without any part of it in the travel lane
Angling the motorcycle gives a clear view both ways while keeping it out of the travel lane, which the manual says matters most when you'll be turning across traffic.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual — Looking for Trouble, Position to See
11. Some new riders are nervous about leaning the motorcycle. What does the manual say about leaning?
Correct answer: You have to lean to turn
The manual is direct: turning requires leaning, and in most turns you and the motorcycle should lean together by about the same amount.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual — Control for Safety, Turning
12. If you must change gears while already in a turn, what does the manual stress?
Correct answer: Shift smoothly, since an abrupt surge or drop in rear-wheel power can make it skid
Changing gears before a turn is best, but when you can't, do it smoothly; jerky power changes at the rear wheel invite a skid.
Source: Alaska Motorcycle Manual — Shifting Gears, Shifting for a Turn
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Every Alaska question is written from the official Alaska driver handbook and checked against its current edition. DMV Test Free is a free, independent study resource — not affiliated with any DMV or government agency. About DMV Test Free