Motorcycle Permit Test: Riding gear questions and answers

1. AAny racing standard
2. BU.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards
3. COnly the manufacturer's own standard
4. DNo standard; any helmet works

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

1. AEqually likely
2. BTwice as likely
3. CThree times more likely
4. DTen times more likely

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

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

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

1. AIt replaces the need for goggles
2. BIt replaces the need for a helmet
3. CIt is required by federal law
4. DIt 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.

1. AOn sunny days
2. BWhen little light is available (at night)
3. COn the highway
4. DIn cold weather

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

1. ACotton
2. BNylon windbreaker
3. CLeather
4. DDenim

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

1. ABe high enough to cover and support your ankles
2. BHave high heels for grip
3. CHave long laces left loose
4. DBe light canvas shoes

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

1. ABlack or dark blue
2. BGray or brown
3. CCamouflage
4. DBright orange, red, yellow or green

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

1. AAlso protects the rest of your face
2. BProtects only your eyes
3. CCannot be worn with a windshield
4. DIs not impact-resistant

Answer: A. Goggles protect your eyes, but they do not protect the rest of your face the way a faceshield does.

1. AOne out of every ten
2. BOne out of every five
3. COne out of every three
4. DOne out of every two

Answer: B. One out of every five motorcycle crashes results in head or neck injuries.

1. ABy about 10 percent
2. BBy about one quarter
3. CBy half
4. DNot at all

Answer: C. At speeds below 30 mph, where most crashes occur, helmets can cut both the number and the severity of head and neck injuries by half.

1. ALoosely, so it can be removed quickly
2. BSnugly at the forehead but loosely at the jaw
3. CLoosely, to allow more air flow
4. DSnugly, all the way around

Answer: D. A helmet gives the most protection when it fits snugly all the way around.

1. AA bright shell color
2. BSnug cheek pads
3. CLoose padding
4. DA DOT label on the back

Answer: C. A helmet should have no obvious defects such as cracks, loose padding or frayed straps.

1. AAn exemption from state helmet standards
2. BA lifetime guarantee against cracks
3. CPermission to ride without eye protection
4. DAn assurance of quality

Answer: D. A label from the Snell Memorial Foundation gives you an assurance of quality, in addition to DOT and state standards.

1. AThree-quarter and full face
2. BHalf and full face
3. CHalf and three-quarter
4. DOpen face and half

Answer: A. The manual recommends three-quarter and full face helmets as the two primary types.

1. AIt keeps the faceshield from fogging
2. BIn a crash it could fly off before it protects you
3. CIt reduces engine and wind noise
4. DIt lets you wear a smaller size

Answer: B. If a helmet is not securely fastened, it might fly off your head in a crash before it gets a chance to protect you.

1. AWear a securely fastened, quality helmet
2. BWear a brightly colored jacket and pants
3. CInstall a large windshield on the front
4. DRide only short trips close to your home

Answer: A. The single most important way to improve your chances in a crash is to wear a securely fastened, quality helmet.

1. AThey are too heavy to wear under a helmet
2. BThey won't stop eye watering and might blow off
3. CThey block your view to the sides
4. DThey are not allowed by DOT standards

Answer: B. Glasses do not keep your eyes from watering, and they might blow off when you turn your head or in windy conditions.

1. ATo reduce engine noise
2. BTo keep the motorcycle clean
3. CTo prevent dehydration
4. DTo improve fuel economy

Answer: C. A jacket worn even in warm weather helps prevent dehydration, and many are designed not to overheat you.

1. AAs tightly as possible to reduce wind drag
2. BLoosely, so air can circulate and flap
3. CSnugly at the arms but loosely around the legs
4. DSnugly enough not to flap, yet loosely enough to move freely

Answer: D. Jacket and pants should fit snugly enough not to flap in the wind, yet loosely enough to let you move freely.

1. AThin cotton or a similar knit fabric
2. BSoft wool or a similar warm material
3. CLeather or a similar durable material
4. DLightweight vinyl or a similar plastic

Answer: C. Gloves allow a better grip and protect your hands, and should be made of leather or similar durable material.

1. AOnly the sound of your own engine
2. BOnly sounds from your passenger
3. CNo outside sounds at all
4. DImportant sounds such as car horns or sirens

Answer: D. Hearing protection reduces noise while still letting you hear important sounds such as car horns or sirens.

1. AEven if you wear a full face helmet
2. BOnly if you ride without a helmet
3. COnly on motorcycles with loud exhausts
4. DOnly if you ride at highway speeds

Answer: A. Long-term exposure to engine and wind noise can permanently damage hearing even with a full face helmet.

1. ACold air makes the engine harder to start
2. BYou cannot control a motorcycle well if you are numb
3. CWarm clothing improves tire traction
4. DCold air reduces the view in your mirrors

Answer: B. Riding numb from the cold reduces your ability to control the motorcycle, so clothing should keep you warm and dry.

1. ADoes not keep a rider from spotting danger
2. BReduces side vision below what is needed
3. CMakes it hard to hear approaching traffic
4. DSlows a rider's reaction time to hazards

Answer: A. A DOT-compliant helmet lets you see as far to the sides as necessary, so it does not keep a rider from spotting danger.