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CORE 2

Gear, visibility, and pre-ride checks

Law vs safest choice

DOT helmet is the law

The law requires the DOT helmet. Face/eye protection and other apparel are strongly recommended; the test may ask you to separate the legal requirement from the safest choice.

Helmet + eye protection

  • LAWEvery rider and passenger must wear a U.S. DOT-compliant motorcycle helmet on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle.
  • NUMBERHelmet standard: FMVSS 218. DOT lettering should be manufacturer-applied on the back, not an easily removed sticker.Why it matters: A stick-on “DOT” label is a red flag for a novelty helmet. Decals, Mohawks, and stickers on a real helmet do not void compliance.
  • BESTA full-face helmet with a lock-in visor offers the best overall coverage.Why it matters: Of the common types — half-shell, three-quarter, modular, full-face — full-face covers front, back, and sides. The law still only requires DOT FMVSS 218, not a full-face.
  • NUMBERHelmet math: head injuries drop about 50% in under-30-mph crashes; you are about 3× more likely to survive a head injury with a DOT helmet.
  • RISKMost collisions happen on trips under 5 miles, below 30 mph, and in broad daylight — not on long night freeway rides.Why it matters: The “short trip, I won’t bother with gear” instinct is the opposite of the crash data.
  • FITSnug all the way around, securely fastened, with no cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.
  • TRAPA windshield, eyeglasses, or sunglasses are not substitutes for a face shield or goggles.Why it matters: A face shield covers the whole face; goggles cover only the eyes. Neither a windscreen nor street glasses counts.
  • NIGHTDo not use tinted lenses at night.
  • EARNoise-reducing earplugs are allowed only when designed to reduce harmful noise and they do not prevent hearing horns or sirens.

Be seen + check the bike

  • NUMBERWith its headlight on, a motorcycle is twice as likely to be noticed.
  • LIGHTUse the high beam day or night when legal and safe. In fog, use the low beam.
  • COLORBright orange, red, yellow, or green outerwear and reflective material improve visibility. Your body is about half the visible surface of rider plus motorcycle.
  • BESTThe handbook’s long-pants answer is denim jeans; chaps add a layer. Jacket: snug so it does not flap, leather or sturdy armored synthetic. Boots: over-the-ankle, hard slip-resistant soles, short heels, laces tucked. Gloves: leather, full-fingered.Why it matters: The test loves mixing “best jacket” (leather/armored synthetic) with “best long pants” (denim). Answer the garment named.
  • BESTWear full gear even in heat — it prevents dehydration and sun or wind burn, not only crash abrasion.
  • BESTBefore every ride, check tires and air pressure, fluids and leaks, headlight, taillight, all four turn signals, both brake controls activating the brake light, chain or belt, and the kickstand.
  • BESTAt least weekly: wheels, cables, fasteners, and fluid levels. On an unfamiliar motorcycle, locate every control without looking.
  • RISKMore than half of collisions involve riders with less than six months of experience on the motorcycle.