Tennessee Motorcycle practice
Tennessee Motorcycle: Handling Emergencies practice test
What to do when things go wrong — brake failure, tire blowouts, skids, and stalling on railroad tracks.
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
11 questions · pass with 9 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
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11 sample Handling Emergencies 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 the engine begins to lose power and change sound because it is low on oil, what should you do?
Correct answer: Squeeze the clutch, pull off, and check the oil
The first sign of engine seizure is a loss of power or change in sound, so you should squeeze the clutch lever to disengage the engine, pull off the road, and check the oil.
Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Mechanical Problems (Engine Seizure)
2. What should you do first if the throttle sticks open and twisting it does not free it?
Correct answer: Use the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch
If the throttle stays stuck, immediately operate the engine cut-off switch and squeeze the clutch lever at the same time to remove power from the rear wheel.
Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Mechanical Problems (Stuck Throttle)
3. If a flying object such as a pebble or insect strikes you or your face shield, what should you do?
Correct answer: Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the bars
Whatever happens, keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the handlebars, and pull off the road to repair the damage when it is safe.
Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Crash Avoidance (Flying Objects)
4. What are the usual causes behind a front-end wobble on a motorcycle?
Correct answer: Loading poorly, fitting unsuitable add-ons, or running incorrect tire pressure
Most wobbles come down to a load that is badly placed, accessories that do not suit the machine, or tires inflated to the wrong pressure; if none of those is the culprit, have a professional inspect the motorcycle.
Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Mechanical Problems (Wobble)
5. How does a motorcycle behave when the rear tire loses its air while you are riding?
Correct answer: The rear end jerks or sways from side to side
A deflating rear tire makes the back of the machine jerk or sway from one side to the other, unlike a front flat, which loads up the steering.
Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Mechanical Problems (Tire Failure)
6. If your front tire suddenly goes flat while riding, how will the motorcycle feel?
Correct answer: The steering will feel heavy
A front-tire flat makes the steering feel heavy and is especially hazardous because it affects your steering; a rear flat instead makes the back jerk or sway.
Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Mechanical Problems (Tire Failure)
7. If a chain or belt breaks while you are riding, what is likely to happen?
Correct answer: You lose power and the rear wheel may lock
A chain or belt that slips or breaks can lock the rear wheel and cause a skid; you will notice an instant loss of power, so close the throttle and brake to a stop in a safe area.
Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Mechanical Problems (Drive Train Problems)
8. If your motorcycle begins to wobble at the front wheel and handlebars, what should you do?
Correct answer: Grip firmly and gradually close the throttle
Grip the handlebars firmly without fighting the wobble and close the throttle gradually to slow down; do not brake or accelerate, which can worsen the wobble.
Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Mechanical Problems (Wobble)
9. A deer or a loose cow appears on the road ahead of you. What is the recommended response?
Correct answer: Brake and be ready to stop, since large animals are unpredictable
Big animals behave unpredictably, so slow with the brakes and be ready to come to a complete stop rather than gambling on where the animal will move.
Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Crash Avoidance (Animals)
10. You could not avoid running over a piece of debris in the street. What does the manual tell you to do afterward?
Correct answer: Pull over and examine the tires and rims for damage
Get off the road and inspect the tires and rims for damage before you go any farther, since an impact you rode out can still have hurt a wheel.
Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual - Handling Dangerous Surfaces (Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles)
11. Your vehicle has broken down and cannot be moved clear of the highway. How should you warn approaching motorists?
Correct answer: Raise the hood or tie a cloth to the driver's door handle or the antenna
Lift the hood, or knot a cloth around the door handle on the driver's side or onto the antenna, and switch on the emergency flashers so other motorists can tell the vehicle is disabled.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual - Emergency Parking (Disabled Vehicles)
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