Maryland Motorcycle practice
Maryland Motorcycle: Braking & Emergency Stops practice test
Using both brakes together, stopping quickly without locking a wheel, and recovering from a skid.
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
10 questions · pass with 8 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
Study questions with answers
10 sample Braking & Emergency Stops questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.
Show all 10 questions with answers
1. According to the manual, most crash-involved riders make which braking mistake?
Correct answer: Underbrake the front and overbrake the rear
Studies show most crash-involved riders underbrake the front tire and overbrake the rear, and fail to separate braking from swerving.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Crash Avoidance
2. If you accidentally lock the rear wheel on good traction during a straight-line stop, what should you do?
Correct answer: Keep it locked until you stop, staying straight
On a good surface in a straight line you can keep the rear wheel locked until you have fully stopped, staying upright and straight.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Crash Avoidance: Quick Stops
3. What is the safest technique if you must stop quickly while in a curve?
Correct answer: Straighten the bike upright first, then brake
The best method is to straighten the motorcycle upright first and then brake, since a leaning bike has less traction available for braking.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Crash Avoidance: Quick Stops
4. If the front wheel locks during a quick stop, what should you do?
Correct answer: Release it, then reapply firmly
Let go of the front brake right away and then squeeze it firmly again, since a locked front wheel can send you out of control.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Crash Avoidance: Quick Stops
5. Why should you avoid grabbing the front brake or stomping the rear brake?
Correct answer: It can lock the brakes and cause loss of control
Grabbing the front lever or stomping the rear pedal can lock the brakes and cause a loss of control.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Ride Within Your Abilities: Braking
6. To stop quickly, how should you apply the front brake?
Correct answer: Squeeze it firmly and progressively
Squeeze the front brake lever firmly and progressively; don't grab it, and if the front wheel locks, release and reapply while pressing the rear brake.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Crash Avoidance: Quick Stops
7. If you cannot straighten the motorcycle and must brake while leaning, what should you do?
Correct answer: Apply light brakes and reduce throttle, then add more as you straighten
Apply light brakes and reduce throttle, then as you slow and lean less, gradually add brake pressure until you are upright for maximum braking.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Crash Avoidance: Quick Stops
8. In the normal-stop part of the two-wheel skill test, you must bring the motorcycle to a smooth stop using what?
Correct answer: Both brakes
The rider must come to a smooth normal stop, with the front tire's contact patch inside a marked box, using both brakes.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — On-Cycle Skill Test: Cone Weave, Normal Stop
9. Which brakes should you use every time you slow or stop?
Correct answer: Both brakes together
Always use both brakes when stopping; using both even for normal stops builds the habit you'll need for an emergency.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Ride Within Your Abilities: Braking
10. During a quick stop, weight shifts forward, so the front brake can provide about how much of the stopping power?
Correct answer: About 70 percent or more
Because weight transfers onto the front wheel, the front brake can supply 70 percent or more of the total stopping power.
Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Crash Avoidance: Quick Stops
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Every Maryland question is written from the official Maryland 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