Tennessee Motorcycle practice
Tennessee 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.
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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.
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1. If a tire goes flat and you must stop, how should you use the brakes?
Correct answer: Gradually brake using the tire that is not flat
If braking is needed with a flat tire, gradually apply the brake of the tire that is not flat, once you are sure which one it is, then edge to the side and stop.
Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Mechanical Problems (Tire Failure)
2. When carrying a passenger, how should you adjust your approach to stops?
Correct answer: Start slowing earlier and keep more space
With a passenger the motorcycle takes longer to slow, so you should start slowing earlier as you approach a stop and keep a larger space cushion.
Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Carrying Passengers and Cargo (Riding With Passengers)
3. What does the manual say about how a locked, straight rear wheel can be handled versus a locked front wheel?
Correct answer: A straight locked rear can stay locked; a locked front must be released
A locked rear wheel can be kept locked until you stop if the motorcycle is upright and straight, but a locked front wheel must be released immediately to keep steering and balance.
Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Crash Avoidance (Quick Stops)
4. For normal stops, how many brakes should a rider use?
Correct answer: Both brakes together
You should always use both brakes every time you slow or stop, which builds the habit of using both properly in an emergency.
Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Ride Within Your Abilities (Braking)
5. The front brake on most motorcycles can supply what share of the total stopping power?
Correct answer: 70 percent or more
The front brake is more powerful and can provide 70 percent or more of your total stopping power, so you should always use both brakes.
Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Ride Within Your Abilities (Braking)
6. How should braking and swerving be combined when you must do both to avoid a crash?
Correct answer: Brake before or after, but not during the swerve
If the situation allows, separate braking from swerving; brake before or after the swerve, but never while making an aggressive swerve.
Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Crash Avoidance (Swerving or Turning Quickly)
7. How do studies say most crash-involved riders tend to misuse their brakes?
Correct answer: They underbrake the front and overbrake the rear
Studies show most crash-involved riders underbrake the front tire and overbrake the rear, and often fail to separate braking from swerving when needed.
Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Crash Avoidance
8. To make a quick stop, how should you apply the front brake?
Correct answer: Squeeze it firmly and progressively without grabbing
For a quick stop, squeeze the front brake lever firmly and progressively; do not grab it, and apply the rear brake at the same time.
Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Crash Avoidance (Quick Stops)
9. If your front wheel locks during hard braking, what is the correct response?
Correct answer: Release the front brake immediately, then reapply
If the front wheel locks, release the front brake lever immediately and then reapply it, because a front-wheel skid causes an immediate loss of steering control.
Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Crash Avoidance (Front-Wheel Skids)
10. If you accidentally lock the rear brake on a good-traction surface while stopping in a straight line, what can you do?
Correct answer: Keep it locked until fully stopped if upright and straight
On good traction you can keep the rear wheel locked until you completely stop, and you can still control the motorcycle if it is upright and traveling straight.
Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Crash Avoidance (Quick Stops)
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