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Motorcycle Permit Test: Passengers questions and answers

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Passengers

27 questions

  1. #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. #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. #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. #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. #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

  6. #6

    Where can you find the correct tire inflation specifications before carrying a passenger or a load?

    1. On the sidewall of each tire
    2. In the owner's manual or on the label affixed to the motorcycle
    3. In your state's driver handbook
    4. From the tire shop's general advice for all motorcycles

    Answer: B. Refer to the owner's manual or the label affixed to the motorcycle for the correct inflation specifications.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 68Refer to the owner’s manual or the label affixed to the motorcycle for the correct inflation specifications.

  7. #7

    To check the headlight beam before loading, how far from a wall should you position the motorcycle in an unlighted garage?

    1. About 3 feet
    2. About 10 feet
    3. About 25 feet
    4. About 50 feet

    Answer: B. Position the motorcycle about 10 feet from a wall, mark the beam location with chalk, then recheck it with a full load and passenger.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 69Prior to loading, position the motorcycle about 10 feet from a wall in an unlighted garage and mark the headlight beam location on the wall with chalk.

  8. #8

    Before riding with a passenger, make sure the passenger is able to:

    1. Rest both feet flat on the ground whenever you stop at a light or a stop sign
    2. Hold the handlebars together with you to help steer through curves and turns
    3. Sit sideways on the seat so that the passenger gets a better view of the road
    4. Reach the passenger footrests and hold on to your waist, hips, belt or handholds

    Answer: D. Ensure your passenger can reach the passenger footrests and hold on to your waist, hips, belt or the passenger handholds.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 69Ensure your passenger is able to reach the passenger footrests, and is able to hold on to your waist, hips, belt, or the bike’s passenger handholds.

  9. #9

    Your passenger is also a motorcycle rider. What should you do before the trip?

    1. Skip instructions because experienced riders know them
    2. Explain only how to get on and off the motorcycle
    3. Still instruct the passenger on the basics before starting
    4. Instruct only passengers who are new to motorcycles

    Answer: C. As a routine practice, always instruct your passenger on the basics prior to starting the trip, even if the passenger is a motorcycle rider.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 69As a routine practice, always instruct your passenger on the basics prior to starting the trip, even if your passenger is a motorcycle rider.

  10. #10

    What level of protective gear should your passenger wear?

    1. The same level of personal protective gear as you
    2. Only a helmet, since your gear also protects the passenger
    3. Lighter gear, because passengers face lower risk
    4. Whatever is most comfortable for the passenger

    Answer: A. Be sure your passenger is properly attired, wearing the same level of personal protective gear as you.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 69Be sure your passenger is properly attired, wearing the same level of personal protective gear as you.

  11. #11

    Why should your passenger keep both feet on the footrests even when you are stopped?

    1. Firm footing prevents the passenger from falling off and pulling you off
    2. It keeps the motorcycle from rolling forward
    3. It keeps the passenger's boots from touching the muffler
    4. It lets the passenger signal other drivers

    Answer: A. Tell your passenger to keep both feet firmly on the footrests, even when stopped; firm footing prevents the passenger from falling off and pulling you off.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 69Keep both feet firmly on the footrests, even when stopped. Firm footing will prevent your passenger from falling off and pulling you off.

  12. #12

    Through turns and curves, your passenger should:

    1. Lean the opposite way to balance the motorcycle
    2. Stay upright while you lean
    3. Stay directly behind you and lean with you
    4. Lean toward the outside of the curve

    Answer: C. Tell your passenger to stay directly behind you and lean with you through turns and curves.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 69Stay directly behind you and lean with you through turns and curves.

  13. #13

    Remind your passenger to tighten his or her hold when you:

    1. Are riding straight at a steady speed
    2. Are about to turn sharply or make a sudden move
    3. Are stopped at a red light
    4. Are parking on level ground

    Answer: B. Remind your passenger to tighten his or her hold when you are about to turn sharply or make a sudden move.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 70Are about to turn sharply or make a sudden move.

  14. #14

    While the motorcycle is moving, the passenger should:

    1. Turn around often to watch traffic behind
    2. Talk to the rider often to help spot hazards
    3. Lean to either side to help balance the motorcycle
    4. Avoid unnecessary conversation and avoid leaning or turning around

    Answer: D. The passenger should avoid unnecessary conversation and avoid leaning or turning around, and make no sudden moves that might affect stability.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 70Avoid unnecessary conversation and avoid leaning or turning around.

  15. #15

    Where is the best place to carry a load on a motorcycle?

    1. Behind the rear axle
    2. On the rear fender as far back as possible
    3. High on a rack above the passenger seat
    4. Over, or in front of, the rear axle

    Answer: D. Try to place the load over, or in front of, the rear axle; loads mounted behind it can affect turning and braking and can cause a wobble.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 70Try to place the load over, or in front of, the rear axle. Mounting loads behind the rear axle can affect how the motorcycle turns and brakes.

  16. #16

    When traveling with cargo and a passenger, you should never:

    1. Adjust the motorcycle for the added weight
    2. Exceed the gross vehicle weight rating
    3. Check the tire pressure before leaving
    4. Pack a tank bag for small items

    Answer: B. Do not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating when traveling with cargo and a passenger, and always adjust the motorcycle for the added weight.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 70Whatever you decide, do not exceed gross vehicle weight rating when traveling with cargo and a passenger, and always make adjustments to the motorcycle to compensate for the added weight.

  17. #17

    If you carry a tank bag, it should be:

    1. Securely mounted and not obstructing your view of the controls or instruments
    2. Packed completely full so that its contents cannot shift while you ride
    3. Strapped tightly around the brake lines and cables at the steering head
    4. Mounted as far back as possible on the seat to keep weight over the rear wheel

    Answer: A. If you have a tank bag, be sure it is securely mounted and does not obstruct your view of the controls or instruments.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 71If you have a tank bag, be sure it is securely mounted and does not obstruct your view of the controls or instruments.

  18. #18

    If you use saddlebags, you should:

    1. Put most of the weight in one bag
    2. Fill only the bag on the left side
    3. Load each with about the same weight
    4. Put the heavier bag on the passenger's side

    Answer: C. If you use saddlebags, load each with about the same weight; an uneven load can cause the motorcycle to pull to one side.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 71If you use saddlebags, load each with about the same weight. An uneven load can cause the motorcycle to pull to one side.

  19. #19

    What is recommended for fastening a load to a motorcycle?

    1. A single rope tied with strong knots at several points around the seat and frame
    2. One single cord with one attachment point, stretched across the middle of the seat
    3. Elastic cords (bungee cords or nets) with more than one attachment point per side
    4. Plastic zip ties looped around the exhaust pipes and the swingarm to hold the load

    Answer: C. Fasten the load securely with elastic cords (bungee cords or nets), preferably with more than one attachment point per side; rope can stretch and knots can come loose.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 71Fasten the load securely with elastic cords (bungee cords or nets). Elastic cords with more than one attachment point per side are recommended.

  20. #20

    What can a loose load do to a motorcycle?

    1. Catch in the wheel or chain, causing it to lock up and skid
    2. Lower the center of gravity and improve stability
    3. Raise the front end whenever you brake
    4. Make the headlight point lower than normal

    Answer: A. A loose load could catch in the wheel or chain, causing it to lock up and resulting in a skid.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 71A loose load could catch in the wheel or chain, causing it to lock up, resulting in a skid.

  21. #21

    Before a trip with a fully loaded motorcycle, you should:

    1. Go straight onto the highway to test it at speed
    2. Test the load only while the motorcycle is parked
    3. Ride the empty motorcycle first and assume it handles the same
    4. Take a test ride on familiar neighborhood roads to get a feel for it

    Answer: D. Prior to starting out, take a test ride with your fully loaded motorcycle through familiar neighborhood roads to get a feel for the operation.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 71Prior to starting out, take a test ride with your fully loaded motorcycle through some familiar neighborhood roads to get a feel for the operation.

  22. #22

    With a fully loaded motorcycle, acceleration power will be lower. What does this mean for passing?

    1. Passing times and distances will decrease
    2. Passing times and distances will increase
    3. Passing times and distances will stay the same
    4. Only passing distances at night will change

    Answer: B. Test the power when accelerating: a fully loaded motorcycle has lower power, which increases passing times and distances.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 71Test the power when accelerating and be aware that it will be lower, increasing passing times and distances.

  23. #23

    On a motorcycle with a sidecar, the best place for a single passenger is:

    1. In the sidecar
    2. On the saddle behind the rider
    3. Standing on the sidecar frame
    4. On the fuel tank

    Answer: A. The best place for a passenger is in the sidecar.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 88On a motorcycle with a sidecar, the best place for a passenger is in the sidecar.

  24. #24

    If two passengers ride with a sidecar motorcycle, which should sit in the sidecar?

    1. The heavier passenger
    2. The lighter passenger
    3. Whichever passenger is taller
    4. Either one, weight does not matter

    Answer: A. The heavier passenger should always be in the sidecar.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 88While a second passenger can be carried on the seat behind the rider, the heavier passenger should always be in the sidecar.

  25. #25

    Why should you never put a single passenger on the saddle of a sidecar motorcycle?

    1. The seat is not wide enough for any passenger
    2. It is illegal in every state
    3. The added weight on the tip-over line increases instability
    4. It makes the engine overheat

    Answer: C. The added weight on the tip-over line will increase the instability of the motorcycle.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 88On a motorcycle with a sidecar, the best place for a passenger is in the sidecar. Never put a single passenger on the saddle; the added weight on the tipover-line will increase the instability of the motorcycle.

  26. #26

    On a three-track motorcycle, how should you place cargo in the storage areas?

    1. High and to one side
    2. Centered and low, within the tip-over lines
    3. As far to the rear as possible
    4. Hanging outside the tip-over lines

    Answer: B. Center the load and keep it low so it stays within the tip-over lines and is balanced side-to-side.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 88center the load and keep it low in the storage areas so it is positioned within the tip-over lines and balanced side-to-side.

  27. #27

    Where should loads in a sidecar be distributed?

    1. Toward the nose of the sidecar
    2. Piled high at the center
    3. Loosely, so they can shift
    4. Toward the rear of the sidecar

    Answer: D. Distribute loads toward the rear to reduce tipping of the sidecar nose in a sudden left turn.

    Source: Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF), Utah Motorcycle Handbook 2024, p. 88Loads should be distributed toward the rear of the sidecar to reduce tipping of the nose of the sidecar in the event of a sudden left turn.
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