Start Free Practice

Motorcycle Permit Test: Questions and Answers

Every question we use, with the correct answer, an explanation and the source it comes from.

Take a practice test 66 questions · How we check questions

Vehicle control

  1. The front brake can provide about how much of your total stopping power?

    1. 10%
    2. 30%
    3. 70% or more
    4. 100%

    Answer: C. The front brake is the more powerful one — 70% or more of stopping power. Use both brakes every time.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), BrakingThe front brake is more powerful and can provide 70% or more of your total stopping power.

  2. When you slow or stop, you should use:

    1. Only the rear brake
    2. Only the front brake
    3. The engine only
    4. Both front and rear brakes

    Answer: D. Use both brakes every time you slow or stop.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Braking

  3. For proper control, hold the handgrips so that:

    1. Your wrists are flat and hands are at or below elbow height
    2. Your elbows are locked straight
    3. Your wrists are bent up
    4. Only your fingertips touch the grips

    Answer: A. Flat wrists help you avoid accidentally using too much throttle.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Body Position

  4. The four steps for turning a motorcycle are:

    1. Brake, lean, shift, accelerate
    2. Slow, look, press, roll
    3. Signal, stop, turn, go
    4. Look, brake, steer, stop

    Answer: B. Slow before the turn, look through it, press the handgrip in the direction of the turn, and roll on the throttle.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Turning

  5. To lean the motorcycle and turn left, you should:

    1. Press the right handgrip
    2. Pull the left handgrip toward you
    3. Press the left handgrip
    4. Shift your weight back

    Answer: C. Press left — lean left — go left (countersteering).

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), TurningPress left handgrip — lean left — go left.

  6. During a turn, the throttle should be used to:

    1. Close it completely
    2. Brake with the engine
    3. Rev the engine loudly
    4. Maintain or slightly increase speed

    Answer: D. Rolling on the throttle through the turn helps keep the motorcycle stable.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Turning

  7. When you swerve to avoid an obstacle, you should brake:

    1. Before or after the swerve, never during it
    2. Hard during the swerve
    3. Only with the front brake during the swerve
    4. Never at all

    Answer: A. Separate braking and swerving: brake before or after, never while swerving aggressively.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Crash Avoidance: Swerving

  8. If your front wheel locks during a hard stop, you should:

    1. Keep holding the brake
    2. Release the front brake, then reapply it more gently
    3. Use only the rear brake from then on
    4. Turn the handlebars quickly

    Answer: B. Release and immediately reapply the front brake with less pressure.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Crash Avoidance: Quick Stops

  9. If you must stop quickly while in a curve, the best approach (when conditions allow) is to:

    1. Brake hard while leaning
    2. Use only the rear brake
    3. Straighten the motorcycle first, then brake
    4. Speed up out of the curve

    Answer: C. Get the motorcycle as upright as possible, then brake; if you cannot, brake gently while reducing lean.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Crash Avoidance: Quick Stops

  10. Studies of crash-involved riders show many of them:

    1. Used too much front brake
    2. Never used the horn
    3. Rode too slowly
    4. Underbraked the front tire and overbraked the rear

    Answer: D. Many riders underuse the powerful front brake and lock the rear.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Crash Avoidance

Riding gear

  1. A motorcycle helmet should be designed to meet:

    1. Any racing standard
    2. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards
    3. Only the manufacturer's own standard
    4. No standard; any helmet works

    Answer: B. Choose a helmet that meets DOT and state standards and fits snugly all the way around.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Helmet Selection

  2. According to the manual, riders with helmets are how much more likely to survive head injuries than riders without?

    1. Equally likely
    2. Twice as likely
    3. Three times more likely
    4. Ten times more likely

    Answer: C. Helmeted riders are three times more likely to survive head injuries.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Helmet Use

  3. Most motorcycle crashes happen:

    1. On short trips (under five miles) at speeds under 30 mph
    2. Only on highways at high speed
    3. On long trips at night
    4. Only in bad weather

    Answer: A. Most crashes occur on short trips, at under 30 mph — wear a helmet on every ride.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Helmet Use

  4. Which statement about a motorcycle windshield is true?

    1. It replaces the need for goggles
    2. It replaces the need for a helmet
    3. It is required by federal law
    4. It is not a substitute for a faceshield or goggles

    Answer: D. A windshield does not protect your eyes from wind and debris the way a faceshield or goggles do.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Eye and Face ProtectionA windshield is not a substitute for a faceshield or goggles.

  5. When should you NOT wear tinted eye protection?

    1. On sunny days
    2. When little light is available (at night)
    3. On the highway
    4. In cold weather

    Answer: B. Tinted lenses cut the light you need at night or in low light.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Eye and Face Protection

  6. Which jacket material gives a rider the most protection?

    1. Cotton
    2. Nylon windbreaker
    3. Leather
    4. Denim

    Answer: C. Leather offers the most protection; wear a jacket even in warm weather.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Clothing

  7. Riding boots should:

    1. Be high enough to cover and support your ankles
    2. Have high heels for grip
    3. Have long laces left loose
    4. Be light canvas shoes

    Answer: A. Boots should cover the ankles, with short heels and laces tucked in.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Clothing

  8. Which jacket colors are best for being seen by other drivers?

    1. Black or dark blue
    2. Gray or brown
    3. Camouflage
    4. Bright orange, red, yellow or green

    Answer: D. Bright colors and reflective material make you easier to see.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Being Seen: ClothingBright orange, red, yellow or green jackets/vests are your best bets for being seen.

Group riding

  1. In a staggered group formation, the second rider stays at least how far behind the leader?

    1. One second
    2. Half a second
    3. Three seconds
    4. Directly beside the leader

    Answer: A. Second rider: at least one second back; third rider: at least two seconds behind the leader.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Group Riding

  2. A riding group should switch to single-file formation:

    1. On long straight highways
    2. In curves and turns and when entering or leaving freeways
    3. Only at night
    4. Never

    Answer: B. Ride single file in curves, turns and on freeway entries and exits.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Group Riding

  3. In a group ride, inexperienced riders should be placed:

    1. At the very back
    2. Out in front as leader
    3. Just behind the leader
    4. Anywhere they like

    Answer: C. Put them behind the leader so the experienced lead and sweep riders can watch them.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Group Riding

  4. Two riders should never:

    1. Ride in a staggered formation
    2. Use hand signals
    3. Take breaks together
    4. Ride side by side in the same lane

    Answer: D. Side-by-side riding leaves no room to swerve; never ride directly alongside another rider.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Group Riding

Hazards

  1. When railroad tracks or pavement seams run parallel to your course and you need to cross them, cross at an angle of at least:

    1. 10 degrees
    2. 25 degrees
    3. 45 degrees
    4. 5 degrees

    Answer: C. Move far enough away from parallel tracks or seams to cross them at an angle of at least 45 degrees, then make a deliberate turn. Tracks that cross your lane are usually safest crossed by riding straight within your lane.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Railroad Tracks

  2. When riding over rain grooves or a bridge grating, you should:

    1. Brake hard
    2. Swerve to the shoulder
    3. Speed up quickly
    4. Relax, keep a steady speed and ride straight across

    Answer: D. The motorcycle may feel unsteady; avoid sudden changes and ride straight.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Grooves and Gratings

  3. On wet pavement, the best place to ride is usually:

    1. In the tire tracks left by cars
    2. In the center strip of the lane
    3. On painted lines
    4. On metal plates and manhole covers

    Answer: A. The center strip often holds oil; tire tracks usually give better traction.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Slippery Surfaces

  4. Which surface usually gives a motorcycle poor traction?

    1. Dry clean asphalt
    2. Painted lines and steel plates
    3. Dry concrete
    4. A freshly swept road

    Answer: B. Gravel, mud, leaves, painted lines, steel plates and wet pavement just after rain starts are slippery.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Slippery Surfaces

  5. If you cannot avoid a patch of ice, you should:

    1. Brake firmly
    2. Lean into a turn
    3. Keep the motorcycle upright, go as slowly as possible and stay off the brakes
    4. Accelerate hard to get across

    Answer: C. Keep it upright, go slow and do not brake on the ice.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Slippery Surfaces

  6. A primary cause of single-vehicle motorcycle crashes is:

    1. Riding too slowly
    2. Using both brakes
    3. Wearing a helmet
    4. Running wide in a curve

    Answer: D. Riders who enter curves too fast run wide; slow before the curve and look through it.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Curves

  7. If your throttle sticks open, you should:

    1. Use the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch at the same time
    2. Jump off the motorcycle
    3. Shift to a higher gear
    4. Keep riding until the fuel runs out

    Answer: A. Cut the engine and squeeze the clutch together, then brake to a stop.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Mechanical Problems: Stuck Throttle

  8. If the front wheel starts to wobble (shake), you should:

    1. Accelerate out of the wobble
    2. Close the throttle gradually and avoid braking
    3. Brake hard with the front brake
    4. Let go of the handlebars

    Answer: B. Do not accelerate or brake; ease off the throttle and grip firmly until it stops.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Mechanical Problems: Wobble

  9. If your chain or belt breaks while riding, you should:

    1. Speed up to coast home
    2. Shift to neutral and keep riding
    3. Close the throttle and brake to a stop in a safe area
    4. Lock the rear brake

    Answer: C. You lose power to the rear wheel; close the throttle and stop safely.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Mechanical Problems: Drive Train

  10. A small animal suddenly appears in your path. You should generally:

    1. Swerve sharply into the next lane
    2. Lock both brakes
    3. Jump the curb
    4. Stay in your lane — hitting something small is less dangerous than hitting something large

    Answer: D. Do your best to stay in your lane; for large animals such as deer, brake and prepare to stop.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Animals

  11. A dog chases your motorcycle. A good technique is to:

    1. Downshift, approach slowly, then speed up past the dog
    2. Kick at the dog
    3. Stop and wait
    4. Swerve toward the dog

    Answer: A. Slowing first, then accelerating away, leaves the dog behind.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Animals

  12. If you need to leave the road to stop, you should first:

    1. Brake hard on the road
    2. Check that the shoulder is firm, signal and pull well off the road
    3. Stop in the lane with hazards on
    4. Ride onto the grass at speed

    Answer: B. Loose or sloped shoulders are hard to ride and park on.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Getting Off the Road

Inspection

  1. In the T-CLOCS pre-ride check, the letter T stands for:

    1. Throttle
    2. Tires and wheels
    3. Turn signals
    4. Tools

    Answer: B. T-CLOCS: Tires & wheels, Controls, Lights & electrics, Oil & fluids, Chassis, Stands.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), T-CLOCS

  2. When you check the throttle before riding, it should:

    1. Stay where you leave it
    2. Be stiff and slow to return
    3. Snap back to fully closed when released
    4. Only work with the clutch in

    Answer: C. The throttle should snap back closed by itself when you let go.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), T-CLOCS: Controls

  3. Which is part of the minimum equipment a street-legal motorcycle must have?

    1. Front and rear brakes, horn, turn signals, headlight, taillight and brake light
    2. A windshield
    3. Saddlebags
    4. A passenger backrest

    Answer: A. Street-legal minimum: lights, front and rear brakes, turn signals, horn and mirrors.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Motorcycle Equipment

Intersections

  1. Over half of motorcycle/car crashes are caused by:

    1. Motorcycle mechanical failure
    2. Drivers violating the rider's right-of-way
    3. Bad weather
    4. Riders running out of fuel

    Answer: B. Most car-motorcycle crashes happen when a driver fails to yield to the rider.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), IntersectionsOver one-half of motorcycle/car crashes are caused by drivers violating a rider's right-of-way.

  2. A driver at an intersection looks right at you. You should:

    1. Assume they will yield
    2. Speed up through the intersection
    3. Not count on eye contact — be ready to react
    4. Stop in the middle of the intersection

    Answer: C. Drivers often look at riders without seeing them; if a car can enter your path, assume it will.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), IntersectionsNever count on 'eye contact.'

  3. At a blind intersection with a stop sign, after stopping at the line you should:

    1. Pull fully into the cross lane to look
    2. Turn right without looking
    3. Sound the horn and go
    4. Edge forward and stop again, keeping your front wheel out of the cross lane

    Answer: D. Stop, then edge forward to look while keeping your front wheel clear of the cross traffic lane.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Blind Intersections

Lane position

  1. How many paths of travel does each traffic lane give a motorcyclist?

    1. Three
    2. One
    3. Two
    4. Four

    Answer: A. Each lane has three paths: left, center and right thirds.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Lane Positions

  2. When there is traffic on both sides of you, the best lane position is usually:

    1. Left third (path 1)
    2. Center (path 2)
    3. Right third (path 3)
    4. On the lane line

    Answer: B. Path 2 keeps the most space from vehicles on both sides.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Lane Positions

  3. Under normal conditions, the minimum following distance for a motorcycle is:

    1. Half a second
    2. One second
    3. Two seconds
    4. Ten seconds

    Answer: C. Keep at least two seconds; three or more on slippery roads, in heavy traffic or when you can't see past the vehicle ahead.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Following Another VehicleNormally, a minimum of two seconds distance should be maintained when following a vehicle.

  4. You should open up a following distance of three seconds or more when:

    1. The road is dry and empty
    2. You are riding alone
    3. You are on a straight road
    4. The pavement is slippery or traffic is heavy

    Answer: D. Add space when traction is poor, traffic is heavy, or you cannot see past the vehicle ahead.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Following Another Vehicle

  5. Riding between lanes of stopped or slow-moving cars (lane sharing) is:

    1. Usually prohibited — cars and motorcycles each need a full lane
    2. Always allowed
    3. Required in traffic jams
    4. Allowed at any speed

    Answer: A. Lane sharing is usually prohibited; each vehicle needs a full lane.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Lane Sharing

  6. In bumper-to-bumper traffic, a rider can discourage drivers from squeezing past by:

    1. Riding on the lane line
    2. Riding in the center of the lane
    3. Riding on the shoulder
    4. Weaving side to side

    Answer: B. A center-lane position discourages drivers from sharing your lane.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Lane Sharing

  7. Riding next to a car in its blind spot should be:

    1. Done to stay hidden
    2. Done only on highways
    3. Avoided — speed up or drop back
    4. Used when passing slowly

    Answer: C. The driver may change lanes into you without seeing you; find a spot with space on both sides.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Blind SpotsOne absolute, however, is to avoid riding in another vehicle's blind spot.

  8. A car is tailgating you and you cannot let it pass. You should:

    1. Brake suddenly to warn the driver
    2. Speed up well above the limit
    3. Wave the driver around
    4. Slow down and open more space ahead of you

    Answer: D. Extra space ahead gives both of you room to stop; you may also turn off and re-enter later.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Being Followed

  9. A driver is merging from an on-ramp onto your lane. You should:

    1. Give them plenty of room — change lanes or adjust speed
    2. Hold your position; you have the right-of-way
    3. Speed up to block them
    4. Sound the horn and keep going

    Answer: A. Merging drivers may not see you; change lanes if open, or adjust speed.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Merging Cars

  10. When passing a row of parked cars (no oncoming traffic), it is safest to ride:

    1. Close to the parked cars
    2. Toward the left of your lane
    3. On the center line
    4. On the shoulder

    Answer: B. Staying left avoids opening doors and people stepping out.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Passing Parked Cars

Parking

  1. When parking at a curb, position the motorcycle:

    1. Parallel to the curb
    2. Front wheel touching the curb
    3. At an angle with the rear wheel to the curb
    4. Across two spaces

    Answer: C. Back in at an angle with the rear wheel to the curb (unless local rules require parallel parking).

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Parking at the Roadside

Passengers

  1. Who should carry passengers or large loads on a motorcycle?

    1. Any licensed rider
    2. Riders with a learner permit
    3. Only riders under 21
    4. Only experienced riders

    Answer: D. The extra weight changes handling; carry passengers only once you are experienced.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Carrying Passengers and Cargo

  2. A passenger should get on the motorcycle:

    1. After the engine is started, with the motorcycle in neutral and the front brake applied
    2. Before the rider
    3. While the motorcycle is moving slowly
    4. Only when the side stand is down and the engine is off

    Answer: A. The rider holds the bike steady with the front brake while the passenger mounts.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Carrying Passengers and Cargo

  3. A child passenger should sit:

    1. In front of the rider
    2. Directly behind the rider
    3. On the gas tank
    4. On a sidecar only

    Answer: B. Children ride behind the rider, never in front.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Carrying Passengers and Cargo

  4. Cargo on a motorcycle should be:

    1. Stacked high behind the passenger
    2. Hung from the handlebars
    3. Kept low and placed over or in front of the rear axle
    4. Placed on the front fender

    Answer: C. Low, centered loads keep the motorcycle stable; balance saddlebags evenly.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Carrying Passengers and Cargo

  5. With a passenger on board, you should:

    1. Ride faster to keep up with traffic
    2. Brake later than usual
    3. Accept smaller gaps in traffic
    4. Ride slower, start slowing earlier and wait for larger gaps

    Answer: D. The extra weight makes the motorcycle slower to respond.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Carrying Passengers and Cargo

Rider fitness

  1. To fight fatigue on a long ride, you should stop and get off the motorcycle:

    1. At least every two hours
    2. Every five hours
    3. Only when you need fuel
    4. Never — keep going to arrive sooner

    Answer: A. Plan frequent rest stops; stop and get off the motorcycle at least every two hours.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Fatigue

Riding strategy

  1. The SEE strategy stands for:

    1. Steer, Exit, Enter
    2. Signal, Engage, Escape
    3. Search, Evaluate, Execute
    4. See, Expect, Examine

    Answer: C. SEE: Search for hazards, Evaluate options, Execute your decision.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), SEE

  2. Riders should search the road ahead about how far ahead in time?

    1. 2 seconds
    2. 4 seconds
    3. 6 seconds
    4. 12 seconds

    Answer: D. Look about 12 seconds ahead; anything within 4 seconds is an immediate hazard.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Search

  3. In high-risk areas such as intersections, school zones and work zones, you should:

    1. Cover the clutch and both brakes
    2. Ride with your feet down
    3. Speed up to clear the area
    4. Keep your hands off the brakes

    Answer: A. Covering the controls cuts your reaction time.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Execute

Being seen

  1. During the day, a motorcycle with its headlight on is how much more likely to be noticed?

    1. Twice as likely
    2. No more likely
    3. Slightly less likely
    4. Ten times as likely

    Answer: A. Keep the headlight on at all times; it doubles your chances of being noticed in daylight.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Being Seen: Headlight

  2. Before slowing down suddenly or stopping mid-block with traffic behind you, you should:

    1. Turn on your hazard lights only
    2. Flash your brake light
    3. Wave your arm
    4. Sound your horn

    Answer: B. Tapping the brakes to flash the brake light warns drivers behind you.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Being Seen: Brake Light

  3. Most motorcycle convex mirrors make cars behind you seem:

    1. Closer than they are
    2. Exactly as far as they are
    3. Farther away than they are
    4. Larger than they are

    Answer: C. Convex mirrors show a wider view but make vehicles look farther away — allow extra distance.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Using Your Mirrors

  4. Before you change lanes, you should:

    1. Check only your mirrors
    2. Sound your horn
    3. Speed up
    4. Check your mirrors and turn your head to look for vehicles

    Answer: D. Mirrors leave blind spots; a head check shows vehicles beside you.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Head Checks

  5. When riding at night, you should:

    1. Ride slower and keep your stopping distance within your headlight's reach
    2. Use your low beam at all times
    3. Follow cars more closely to use their lights
    4. Ride faster to spend less time in the dark

    Answer: A. At night slow down, keep 3+ seconds following distance and use high beam when not following or meeting a car.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Riding at NightDo not let your total stopping distance exceed the distance your light beam illuminates.

  6. Compared with a car horn, a motorcycle horn is usually:

    1. Louder
    2. Quieter — use it, but don't rely on it
    3. Exactly the same
    4. Illegal to use

    Answer: B. Use a quick beep before passing someone who might move into your lane, but don't rely on the horn.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF, 18th ed.), Horn

Take a practice test