Alabama Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

Correct answer: Operate all the controls and steer effectively, and react quickly to hazards

Position yourself comfortably so you can operate all the controls and steer effectively. Good posture helps you interact with the motorcycle and react quickly to hazards.

Correct answer: Protects you — a DOT-compliant helmet, face or eye protection, and protective clothing

Gear is "right" when it protects you. In any crash you have a far better chance of avoiding serious injury if you wear a DOT-compliant helmet, face or eye protection, and protective clothing.

Correct answer: Just after it starts to rain, before the surface oil washes away

Oil builds up on the road, and the first rain lifts it into a slick film before washing it to the side. Those opening minutes are the most treacherous, so slow down and add space, especially before wet curves.

Correct answer: Class M

A Class M Alabama driver license authorizes motorcycle operation. Class D is the regular passenger-vehicle license and does not by itself allow you to ride a motorcycle.

Correct answer: Intersections

Over half of car-motorcycle crashes happen when a driver violates a rider’s right-of-way at an intersection. Any spot where traffic can cross your path — even a driveway — is an intersection to treat with care.

Correct answer: Never saw the motorcycle

A motorcycle's outline is much smaller than a car's, and drivers are not looking for one. Because so many drivers simply never see the rider, your biggest safety job is making yourself easy to notice.

Correct answer: Far enough forward that your arms are slightly bent when you hold the handgrips

Sit far enough forward that your arms are slightly bent when you hold the handgrips. Bending your arms lets you press on the handlebars without having to reach too far.

Correct answer: One out of every five

One out of every five motorcycle crashes results in head or neck injuries. Head injuries are as severe as neck injuries and far more common, which is why a quality helmet matters.

Correct answer: Slow down first, then cross gently without sudden moves

Loose sand and gravel offer poor traction. Reduce speed before the surface, then ride across smoothly and upright — any sudden change in speed or direction can cause a skid.

Correct answer: 16 years old

A person who is at least 16 and has been issued a Class M license may operate either a motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle.

Correct answer: Cars turning left across your path and cars pulling out from side streets

Cars that turn left in front of you — including from the lane on your right — and cars on side streets that pull into your lane are the biggest dangers. If a car can enter your path, assume that it will.

Correct answer: At all times, day and night

The manual advises keeping the headlight on at all times. Studies show that during the day a motorcycle with its light on is twice as likely to be noticed. Use low beam at night and in fog.

Correct answer: It helps keep you from accidentally using too much throttle

Holding the handgrips firmly with your right wrist flat helps keep you from accidentally using too much throttle.

Correct answer: About three times more likely

No matter the speed, helmeted riders are three times more likely to survive head injuries than those not wearing helmets at the time of the crash.

Correct answer: Provide poor traction and become slippery, especially when wet

Painted lines, steel plates, and surface covers offer far less grip than pavement and turn slick when wet. Cross them upright and avoid braking or turning while you are on them.

Correct answer: Three wheels in contact with the ground, excluding a tractor

Alabama defines a motorcycle as a motor vehicle with a seat or saddle for the rider, designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding a tractor.

Correct answer: Slow, select a lane position that increases your visibility, and cover the clutch and both brakes

Slowing, being visible, and covering the clutch and both brakes cuts your reaction time. As you enter the intersection, move away from the vehicle, and be ready to brake hard and hold your position if it turns.

Correct answer: Bright orange, red, yellow, or green with reflective material

Bright colors help others spot you, and reflective material on a vest and helmet helps drivers see you from the side, ahead, and behind. Any bright color beats drab or dark clothing.

Correct answer: Keep them against the gas tank to help keep your balance as the motorcycle turns

Keep your knees against the gas tank. This helps you keep your balance as the motorcycle turns.

Correct answer: If it is not fastened, it may fly off your head in a crash before it can protect you

Keep the helmet securely fastened on your head when you ride. Otherwise, if you are involved in a crash, it might fly off your head before it gets a chance to protect you.