Free Motorcycle Permit Practice Test
- Choose the best answer and receive instant feedback.
- Click next to continue.
- Overall score at the end of the test.
- Random questions each attempt.
Each test contains questions based on information in the motorcycle manual.
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Use this practice test to test your knowledge and prepare for the written test you’ll need to pass in order to receive your motorcycle license.
If you need to pass the standard driver’s license written test as well, check out this free practice permit test.
These sample questions are just like the ones you might encounter on the real test. (Answer key at the bottom).
1. Which of the following should your NOT do when carrying a passenger on your motorcycle?
- A) Brake earlier when stopping
- B) Ride faster than normal
- C) Keep more space around you
2. What does over riding the headlights mean?
- A) Riding too fast at night
- B) The high beam headlight is off
- C) Oncoming car lights don’t hit you
3. What does a wobble describe?
- A) A new rider
- B) A faulty brake
- C) The front wheel and handlebars shake quickly
4. What do brightly colored and reflective helmets and clothing do?
- A) Make motorcycle riders easier to see
- B) Should only be worn while riding at night
- C) Do not do much in terms of visibility
5. What should you do if you must travel on a slippery road?
- A) Keep the bike upright
- B) Grab the brakes hard to get traction
- C) Slow down and coast with your feet on the roadway if necessary and keep the bike as upright as possible
6. How does a rider start a lean on their motorcycle?
- A) Press in the direction of the turn
- B) Turn the handlebars
- C) Lean away from the turn
7. Which of the following is the safest place to ride?
- A) In a car’s blind spot
- B) Next to other cars
- C) In a lane with no traffic
8. A lane of traffic provides how many paths of travel for a motorcycle?
- A) 3
- B) 2
- C) 1
9. What should you do if a dog begins chasing your motorcycle?
- A) Disrupt its timing
- B) Kick it
- C) Stop
10. Where does the majority of a motorcycle’s stopping power come from?
- A) Engine breaking
- B) Clutch
- C) Front brake
About the Motorcycle License Written Test
Regardless of whether your state requires you to take your motorcycle written test at the DMV or if it allows you to waive the DMV test with a motorcycle safety course, you still need to pass a knowledge exam.
If your state DMV allows you to complete rider’s education to skip your written knowledge exam, you’ll still be taking a written test as part of the classroom portion of the course.
Some states allow you to complete a rider education course to skip the skills test, but still require you to pass the written test at the DMV.
Everything you’ll need to know in order to pass the motorcycle knowledge test is found in your state’s motorcycle operator manual or will be covered in the classroom training part of your rider education course.
Most of the motorcycle written exam will cover scenarios regarding traffic safety, bike operation and maintenance, and rider safety. Topics you’ll find in the motorcycle operator manual include:
- Preparing to Ride – gear, motorcycle inspections, rider responsibilities.
- Riding within Your Abilities – control, following distance, spotting hazards, dangerous situations, group riding.
- Being in Shape to Ride – alcohol and drugs, reducing risks.
- Earning your license – process and requirements.
- Hand signals.
- Group riding – staggered motorcycle formation.
- Pre-ride checklist.
- State specific motorcycle laws and regulations.
The test will include a mix of multiple choice and/or true/false responses. Remember, there’s always only going to be one correct answer. If you are unsure, go for the answer that results in the safest outcome.
Select your State for More Practice Questions
Sample Motorcycle Permit Test Questions
__ may provide poor traction for motorcyclists.
A brightly-colored motorcycle helmet:
A good lane position when riding a motorcycle should do all of the following, EXCEPT:
A motorcycle can be parked in which of the following places?
A motorcycle rider can slow down by:
A motorcycle rider is well protected when they wear:
A motorcycle’s engine may seize if:
A motorcycle’s front brake provides about how much of the total stopping power?
A motorcyclist’s lane position should:
A passenger on a motorcycle should mount:
A pre-ride inspection of your motorcycle should be performed:
A primary cause of single-vehicle motorcycle crashes is:
A properly adjusted motorcycle mirror should:
All of the following can help protect you from serious injury in a crash, EXCEPT:
As weight transfers to the front of your motorcycle as you are braking, you can:
Because of their small size, motorcycles often appear to be:
Before you change lanes on your motorcycle, you should:
Convex mirrors on your motorcycle:
Downshifting on your motorcycle to slow down is known as:
Drifting into another lane while riding through a curve is typically due to:
During a normal stop on your motorcycle, you should use:
From both ahead and behind, a motorcycle’s outline is __.
Head checks on your motorcycle should be:
How can motorcycle riders reduce the risk of a collision?
How can you safely regain control of your motorcycle if the rear wheel locks up?
How far in advance of a turn should you use your turn signal on your motorcycle?
How should you handle a tailgater on your motorcycle?
If a dog starts chasing you on your motorcycle, what should you do?
If the road is wet, you should avoid riding in the:
If there are only hazards on your left, where should you ride?
If you are preparing to ride an unfamiliar motorcycle, what should you do first?
If you lock the front wheel when stopping, what should you do?
If you lock the rear wheel during a quick stop on a good traction surface, you should:
If you must ride over an obstacle on the road, you should:
If you need to downshift while riding downhill or shift into first gear, you may need to:
If you need to stop quickly while riding through a curve, you should:
If your motorcycle begins to wobble while riding, what should you do?
If your motorcycle throttle is stuck, you should:
If your motorcycle’s chain breaks while riding:
If your motorcycle’s front tire goes flat:
If your motorcycle’s rear tire goes flat:
Immediately operate the engine kill-switch and squeeze in the clutch lever if:
In order to protect you in the event of a crash, jackets and pants should:
In regular turns on your motorcycle:
In traffic, how does a motorcycle’s stopping distance compare to a car’s?
It is especially important to flash your motorcycle’s brake lights before you:
Keeping an adequate space cushion around your motorcycle allows for all of the following, EXCEPT:
Long term exposure to engine and wind noise on your motorcycle:
Motorcycle boots or shoes should:
One of the major benefits to maintaining a space cushion around your motorcycle is:
Plastic, shatter-resistant motorcycle face shields:
Quickly grabbing or jamming down on the brake levers:
Reflective, bright-colored protective gear and helmets:
Riding in the left or right portion of the lane when following behind another vehicle:
Rolling on the throttle during a turn:
Shifting gears on your motorcycle in a curve:
Since motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds are not easy to see, it is the rider’s responsibility to:
The best position when riding through a curve:
The best way to stay out of trouble while riding a motorcycle is by:
The best way to stop quickly on a motorcycle is to:
The greatest risk of an accident between a motorcycle and a car occurs at:
The proper body position on a motorcycle should:
To be seen in the rearview mirror of the car in front of you, you should ride in the:
To control your motorcycle well and maintain balance, you should:
To execute a turn effectively, motorcycle riders should use the following steps:
To reduce your chances of being involved in a crash on your motorcycle, you should:
To safely ride over railroad or trolley tracks that run at an angle to your lane, you should:
To see where you are going when turning on a motorcycle, you should:
To stop quickly on wet pavement, you should:
To swerve or turn quickly on a motorcycle:
Wearing a motorcycle jacket when it is warm outside:
What are the two primary types of recommended helmets?
What can happen if a motorcyclist takes a turn too fast?
What can you do to make your motorcycle’s brake light more noticeable?
What does it mean when a motorcyclist’s left arm is bent at the elbow and pointed upwards?
What happens when your motorcycle’s rear wheel locks up and begins to skid?
What is a linked braking system on a motorcycle?
What is an integrated braking system on a motorcycle?
What is shifting to a lower gear also known as?
What is the benefit of keeping a space cushion around your motorcycle?
What is the best lane position for a motorcycle?
What is the motorcycle hand signal for stop?
What is usually the cause of a motorcycle wobble?
What should you do if you get a flat tire while riding your motorcycle?
What should you do if your front wheel begins to skid?
What should you do when riding over a bridge grating or rain groove?
What should you do when you encounter multiple hazards on your motorcycle?
When approaching a blind intersection, motorcycle riders should:
When are some good times to use your motorcycle’s horn?
When carrying a load on a motorcycle, the load should be:
When crossing over railroad tracks running parallel to the road, you should:
When holding the throttle, you should start with:
When making a slow speed turn or U-turn on a motorcycle, you should:
When making a slow, tight turn on a motorcycle, you should:
When parking a motorcycle on the side of the road:
When passing a row of parked cars on your motorcycle, you should:
When passing a vehicle on the left when riding a motorcycle, you should:
When preparing to pass a vehicle on the left, you should increase your line of sight by:
When riding a 3-wheeled motorcycle with a group, you should travel in a _ formation.
When riding a motorcycle at night, you should:
When riding a motorcycle in ideal conditions, you should maintain a minimum following distance of:
When riding at night, how can you see upcoming bumps or rough pavement ahead?
When riding in a group and you need to pass a slower vehicle, it is recommended to:
When riding in cold weather, your clothes should:
When riding on an uneven road surface, you should:
When riding through a curve, a motorcycle group should:
When riding with a passenger on your motorcycle, you should adjust your mirrors:
When riding with a passenger, you may need to adjust all of the following, EXCEPT:
When riding with a passenger, you should instruct the passenger to:
When riding your motorcycle at night, you should do all of the following, EXCEPT:
When sitting on a motorcycle in riding position, you should:
When should you adjust your motorcycle’s mirrors?
When you are being passed on a motorcycle, you should:
When you are ready to start your motorcycle, the fuel valve should be:
When you make eye contact with another driver:
Where is the biggest risk for conflict between motorcycles and other vehicles?
Where is the clutch lever located on most motorcycles?
Where is the front brake lever located on most motorcycles?
Where is the gear shift lever located on most motorcycles?
Where is the horn button located on a motorcycle?
Where is the motorcycle engine cut-off switch located?
Which colors are the best to help motorcyclists be seen?
Which of the following is true about three-wheeled motorcycles?
Which of the following provides the best protection for your face and eyes?
Which of the following statements about a DOT-compliant helmet is true?
Which of the following statements is true about being passed?
Which of the following statements is true about carrying cargo on your motorcycle?
Which rider should set the pace when riding with a group?
While riding a motorcycle, reflective clothing should be worn:
You should be sure to check your motorcycle’s mirrors:
You should increase your following distance if:
You will __ hear a motorcycle tire go flat.
Your options for carrying cargo when on a motorcycle include all of the following, EXCEPT:
Motorcycle License Written Test Details by State
Find your state below to see how many questions are on the motorcycle knowledge exam, what score you’ll need to pass, and whether or not completion of a motorcycle rider education course will waive your written test requirements.
| State Name | Number of Questions | Passing Score | Does Rider Education Waive the Written Test? |
| Alabama | 30 | 24 (80%) | Yes |
| Alaska | 25 | 20 (80%) | Yes |
| Arizona | 30 | 25 (83%) | Yes |
| Arkansas | 25 | 20 (80%) | No |
| California | 30 | 24 (80%) | No |
| Colorado | 25 | 21 (84%) | Yes |
| Connecticut | 16 | 12 (75%) | No |
| Delaware | 25 | 20 (80%) | Yes |
| Florida | 25 | 20 (80%) | Yes |
| Georgia | 20 | 15 (75%) | Yes |
| Hawaii | 25 | 20 (80%) | No |
| Idaho | 25 | 20 (80%) | No |
| Illinois | 15 | 12 (80%) | Yes |
| Indiana | 25 | 21 (84%) | Yes |
| Iowa | 25 | 20 (80%) | No |
| Kansas | 25 | 20 (80%) | Yes |
| Kentucky | 30 | 24 (80%) | No |
| Louisiana | 25 | 20 (80%) | Yes |
| Maine | 25 | 20 (80%) | Yes |
| Maryland | 25 | 21 (84%) | Yes |
| Massachusetts | 25 | 18 (72%) | No |
| Michigan | 20 | 16 (80%) | Yes |
| Minnesota | 40 | 32 (80%) | No |
| Mississippi | 25 | 20 (80%) | No |
| Missouri | 25 | 20 (80%) | Yes |
| Montana | 25 | 20 (80%) | No |
| Nebraska | 25 | 20 (80%) | Yes |
| Nevada | 25 | 20 (80%) | Yes |
| New Hampshire | 25 | 20 (80%) | Yes |
| New Jersey | 50 | 40 (80%) | Yes |
| New Mexico | 25 | 20 (80%) | Yes |
| New York | 20 | 14 (70%) | No |
| North Carolina | 37 | 29 (78%) | Yes |
| North Dakota | 25 | 20 (80%) | No |
| Ohio | 40 | 30 (75%) | No |
| Oklahoma | 25 | 20 (80%) | Yes |
| Oregon | 35 | 28 (80%) | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | 20 | 16 (80%) | No |
| Rhode Island | 25 | 20 (80%) | Yes |
| South Carolina | 30 | 24 (80%) | No |
| South Dakota | 25 | 19 (76%) | Yes |
| Tennessee | 30 | 24 (80%) | Yes |
| Texas | 20 | 16 (80%) | Yes |
| Utah | 25 | 20 (80%) | No |
| Vermont | 25 | 20 (80%) | Yes |
| Virginia | 25 | 20 (80%) | Yes |
| Washington | 25 | 20 (80%) | Yes |
| Washington DC | 25 | 20 (80%) | No |
| West Virginia | 25 | 19 (76%) | No |
| Wisconsin | 25 | 20 (80%) | Yes |
| Wyoming | 25 | 20 (80%) | Yes |
Motorcycle Rider’s Handbook
The motorcycle rider handbook is where you’ll find all the questions and answers for your written test. Be sure to read through it and study before taking the test.
Below you’ll find a link to the PDF version of your state’s motorcycle operator manual. Some states use their own, while others use a version of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s manual.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington DC
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Answer Key
- B) Ride faster than normal
- A) Riding too fast at night
- C) The front wheel and handlebars shake quickly
- A) Make motorcycle riders easier to see
- C) Slow down and coast with your feet on the roadway if necessary and keep the bike as upright as possible
- A) Press in the direction of the turn
- C) In a lane with no traffic
- A) 3
- A) Disrupt its timing
- C) Front brake