Motorcycles
Not too. many years ago, motorcycling was looked upon as a
perversity and an outrage by society and as a criminal activity by
the courts. Motorcyclists were forced to carry on their activities
in the shadows— away from the watchful eyes of others— out of
fear that they would be labelled abnormal or sick.
Fortunately, these "Dark Ages” of motorcycling are now
coming to an end. They are being replaced by feelings of toler
ance, if not outright acceptance. Most states are presently
revising their criminal codes to allow motorcycling and other
unusual vehicular activity so long as it only involves consenting
adults.
Motorcyclists, themselves, are becoming more bold and open
about their vehicular preferences. Not only is their number on
the increase, they have organized clubs and lobbying organiza
tions to fight for even further reforms.
Because of all this, your State Motor Vehicle Department has
started a program of licensing and public education to insure that
these former vehicular outcasts may now drive with pride and
respect in a predominately automobile oriented society.
MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENTS Before operating a two
wheeler on public roads, a motorcyclist must first get a special
endorsement on his driver's license. He must show knowledge of
the particular rules pertaining to his vehicle orientation, as well
as prove to the examiner that he is qualified to operate the
vehicle in traffic.
(continued)
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CONTROLS As any fool
can plainly see, the controls
on a motorcycle are almost
identical to the controls on
an automobile, save a few
minor exceptions.
Therefore, as an average
automobile driver, you
should have little or no
trouble adapting to a two
wheeled vehicle. The
controls will be especially
easy to master if you happen
to have three hands and
four feet and they are at odd
locations.
Clutch
THE MOTORCYCLE RIDER
CLOTHING All motorcyclists are required to wear clothing
while operating their vehicles on public roadways.
ALERTNESS The motorcycle rider should always be
prepared to make a sudden stop. The State Highway Depart
ment, in cooperation with our office, has installed a number of
potholes, steel bridge gratings, grooved pavement areas and old
trolly car tracks in order to help motorcyclists stay awake and
alert. A drowsy motorcyclist is a menace to everyone.
APPEARANCE One of the greatest assets to modern
motorcycling is the rider who keeps himself and his cycle in a
favorable light. High-rise handlebars, chain link clothing and
outlandish tattoos (which are now prohibited in some states)
only tend to destroy the image that most motorcyclists are trying
to create.
CYCLE SAFETY
□ Never ride “no hands."
□ Never carry more than three passengers on the front seat.
□ Never tow a roller skater from your motorcycle.
□ Never perform cycle "stunts" such as headstands, while on
main thoroughfares.
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The Driver Exam
The driver's license test is given in two parts— a written
examination and a driving skills test. The written exam is based on
information in this booklet. The driving skills test checks your
ability to operate an automobile in normal traffic situations.
In order to help you prepare for the written exam, we have
included some sample test questions below. Although none of
these questions are exactly like the ones which will appear on the
exam, they will help you to gauge your understanding of traffic
rules and vehicle operation.
Test Your Driving Knowledge
1. If caught in a traffic jam, a driver should:
(a) Get out of the car and walk.
(b) Honk his horn while screaming obscenities at other driv
ers.
(c) Between 40 and 60 feet.
(d) both (a) and (c).
2. Before passing another vehicle, which of the following
practices is best:
(a) Law.
(b) Veterinary.
3. After passing another vehicle, you should:
(a) Return immediately to the right lane.
(b) Return to the right lane only after frightening approaching
traffic.
(c) Return to Great Britain, where you never have to use the
right lane.
4. A loud, high-pitched warble and a flashing blue light behind
you means:
(a) Your brakes are locked.
(b) It’s mating season for the rufous-sided towhee.
(c) Your insurance rates are going to go up.
(d) You shouldn’t have ordered a chili-dog at lunch.
(continued)
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5. To stop on snow or ice, a driver’s best action is to:
(a) Pump his brakes rapidly.
(b) Pump his tires rapidly.
(c) Pump his heart rapidly.
(d) Hit something.
6. At which temperature is ice most slippery:
(a) 30 degrees above zero.
(b) When you can see the entire vehicle in your rearview
mirror.
7. It a pedestrian steps in front of your car, you should:
(a) Start the motor anyway.
(b) Swerve into oncoming traffic.
(c) Run over the stupid son of a bitch.
8. A car traveling 60 miles per hour travels:
(a) 64 feet per second.
(b) 88 feet per second.
(c) 112 feet per second.
(d) To Pittsburgh in less than a week.
9. The most important thing to remember about seat belts is
that they:
(a) Prevent pregnancy.
(b) Cost $3.98 at Sears.
(c) Save lives.
10. The safest policy regarding hitchhickers is to:
(a) Ignore them.
(b) Thumb your nose at them.
(c) Ask them out for dinner.
11. When your car starts to skid, the best thing to do is:
(a) Slam on the brakes.
(b) Signal a turn.
(c) Wear sunglasses.
12. Applicants expecting to pass their examination on the first
attempt, should:
(a) Slow down.
(b) Take two aspirin and go to bed.
(c) Think again.
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