Washington Motorcycle practice
Washington 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
9 questions · pass with 7 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
Study questions with answers
9 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 9 questions with answers
1. For riders with less experience, which cornering line is usually the safest choice?
Correct answer: Riding the middle/middle/middle path
The middle/middle/middle path is generally safest for less-experienced riders and helps avoid both oncoming traffic and roadside debris.
Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Riding a Two-Wheeled Motorcycle: Cornering Lines
2. After you have entered a corner on a two-wheeler, what does gently rolling on the throttle do?
Correct answer: It helps stabilize the motorcycle through the corner
Smoothly rolling on the throttle once you are in the corner helps stabilize the motorcycle and maintain or slightly increase speed.
Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Riding a Two-Wheeled Motorcycle: Cornering Steps
3. What is the benefit of an outside/inside/outside cornering line?
Correct answer: It straightens out the corner, requiring less lean and giving more traction
Taking an outside/inside/outside line straightens out the corner, so you need less lean and keep more traction available.
Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Riding a Two-Wheeled Motorcycle: Cornering Lines
4. To stop as quickly as possible in a curve on a two-wheeler, what should you do about lean angle?
Correct answer: Reduce your lean angle, then brake
Traction for braking is reduced while leaned, so reduce your lean angle and straighten the bike, then brake, when conditions allow.
Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Riding a Two-Wheeled Motorcycle: Braking in a Corner
5. What are the two leading causes of single-vehicle motorcycle crashes in corners in Washington?
Correct answer: Excessive speed and improper technique
The two leading causes of corner crashes are excessive speed and improper cornering technique.
Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Riding a Two-Wheeled Motorcycle: Cornering
6. During a swerve on a two-wheeler, how should you hold your body?
Correct answer: Keep your body upright and centered, looking where you want to go
Keep your body upright and centered and look where you want to go, so the bike can move independently beneath you.
Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Riding a Two-Wheeled Motorcycle: Swerves
7. What should you do FIRST as part of the four-step cornering strategy on a two-wheeler?
Correct answer: Reduce your speed before entering the corner
Slow down ahead of the corner by easing off the throttle and, when needed, gently using both brakes.
Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Riding a Two-Wheeled Motorcycle: Cornering Steps
8. The manual notes that gaining speed within a corner is far simpler than shedding it. What is the practical lesson?
Correct answer: Always adjust your speed before entering the corner
Because slowing mid-corner is difficult, always set your speed before you enter the corner.
Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Riding a Three-Wheeled Motorcycle: Hills
9. What is a swerve, in terms of steering inputs?
Correct answer: One countersteer followed by a second countersteer
A swerve is one countersteer to steer around the hazard followed by a second countersteer to return to your original path.
Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Riding a Two-Wheeled Motorcycle: Swerves
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