Arizona Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

Correct answer: So you use your arms to steer rather than to hold yourself up

Position yourself so you can operate all the controls and use your arms to steer the motorcycle, rather than to hold yourself up. That lets you react quickly to hazards.

Correct answer: An ADOT/DOT-compliant helmet, face or eye protection, and protective clothing

The manual says your gear is "right" if it protects you. In any crash you have a far better chance of avoiding serious injury wearing an ADOT/DOT-compliant helmet, face or eye protection, and protective clothing.

Correct answer: Stopping quickly and swerving

Knowing when and how to stop or swerve are the two skills most critical to avoiding a crash. It is not always possible to stop in time, so you must also be able to swerve around an obstacle.

Correct answer: A Class M license or a motorcycle endorsement

A motorcycle license or endorsement (Class M) is required to operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle. If it is combined with another license class, it is added as an "endorsement" on the back of the license.

Correct answer: At intersections

The greatest potential for conflict is at intersections, which include driveways and side streets. More than half of car-motorcycle crashes are caused by drivers entering a rider’s right-of-way, so applying SEE at intersections is critical.

Correct answer: Never saw the motorcycle

A motorcycle's outline is far smaller than a car's, and most drivers are not looking for riders. Your biggest safety job is to make yourself easy to see and to ride as though you have not been noticed.

Correct answer: Far enough 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 stretch.

Correct answer: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards

Choose a helmet designed to meet U.S. DOT and state standards. A label from the Snell Memorial Foundation is an additional assurance of quality.

Correct answer: Apply both brakes at the same time, squeezing the front lever firmly and progressively

Apply both brakes at the same time. Squeeze the front lever firmly and progressively, never grab it, and press down on the rear. If the rear locks on a good-traction straightaway you can keep it locked until you stop, but a locked front wheel must be released at once.

Correct answer: 15 years and 6 months

If you are at least 15 years and 6 months of age, you may be issued a motorcycle instruction permit. A full Class M license or endorsement requires you to be at least 16.

Correct answer: Turns left across your path

Cars that turn left in front of you — including cars turning left from the lane to your right — and cars that pull out of side streets into your lane are the biggest dangers. Use SEE and keep an escape route open.

Correct answer: Keep your headlight on

A motorcycle with its headlight on is easier to pick out of traffic, day or night. Most modern bikes switch the headlight on automatically the moment the engine starts.

Correct answer: Against the gas tank to help you 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: Fit snugly all the way around and have no cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps

Make sure the helmet fits snugly all the way around and has no obvious defect such as cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.

Correct answer: Release the front brake immediately and completely, then reapply it smoothly

A front-wheel skid causes immediate loss of steering and balance. Release the front brake immediately and completely, then reapply it smoothly. Failing to release the lever at once will result in a crash.

Correct answer: Carrying passengers

On a permit you may not carry passengers, ride on freeways or interstate highways, or ride between sunset and sunrise (or any time you cannot clearly see people or vehicles 500 feet away).

Correct answer: Assume the driver does not see you and be ready to slow, stop, or swerve

Never count on "eye contact" as a sign that a driver will yield — a driver can look right at you and still not see you. If a car can enter your path, assume that it will and be prepared to take action.

Correct answer: A bright orange, red, yellow, or green jacket or vest

You and your gear are about half of the visible surface of the rider-and-motorcycle unit. Bright colors stand out against traffic and desert pavement, so a brightly colored helmet and jacket or vest are your best bets for being seen.

Correct answer: Firmly on the footrests, near the controls, without pointing your toes down

Keep your feet firmly on the footrests to maintain balance and near the controls so you can reach them fast. Do not drag your feet or point your toes down — they may get caught between the road and the footrests.

Correct answer: Otherwise it is likely to fly off your head in a crash before it can protect you

Whatever helmet you choose, keep it securely fastened on your head. Otherwise, in a crash it is likely to fly off before it gets a chance to protect you.