Indiana Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

Correct answer: Against the gas tank

Keep your knees against the gas tank to help you keep your balance as the motorcycle turns.

Correct answer: Wear a securely fastened, quality helmet

The manual is direct: the single most important thing you can do to improve your chances in a crash is to wear a securely fastened, quality helmet.

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

Wet pavement is most treacherous just after it starts to rain, before the surface oil washes to the side of the road. Slow down before you reach a slippery surface and give yourself more room to stop.

Correct answer: A valid Indiana driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement, or a valid motorcycle learner’s permit

Indiana law requires either a driver’s license carrying a motorcycle endorsement or a valid motorcycle learner’s permit before you may ride on public roads. A plain car license is not enough.

Correct answer: At intersections

Over half of motorcycle/car crashes happen at intersections — anywhere traffic may cross your path, including driveways. Using SEE at intersections for added time and space is critical.

Correct answer: Never saw the motorcycle

From ahead or behind, a motorcycle's outline is far smaller than a car's, and most drivers aren't looking for motorcycles. Because riders are so easily missed, your biggest safety job is making yourself seen.

Correct answer: Slightly bent

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 reaching.

Correct answer: About three times more likely to survive head injuries

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

Correct answer: In the tire tracks left by other vehicles

The center of the lane can be hazardous when wet because oil and grease from cars collect there, especially at busy intersections. When it starts to rain, ride in the tire tracks left by vehicles — often the left tire track is best.

Correct answer: 16 years old

On the course path, an applicant at least 16 years old who completes driver education and an authorized Ride Safe Indiana safety course (plus vision screening) can earn the endorsement. The exam path requires being at least 16 years and 270 days old.

Correct answer: Turns left across your path

Cars turning left in front of you — including cars turning from the lane on your right — and cars pulling out from side streets are the biggest dangers. Watch every left-turning vehicle as a possible threat.

Correct answer: At all times, day and night

Keep 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 the low beam at night and in fog.

Correct answer: Avoid accidentally using too much throttle

Keeping your right wrist flat helps keep you from accidentally using too much throttle.

Correct answer: No — a helmet lets you see as far to the sides as necessary

Studies show a DOT-compliant helmet does not keep a rider from spotting danger; it still lets you see as far to the sides as necessary.

Correct answer: Slow before reaching it, then cross smoothly while avoiding sudden moves

Dirt and gravel collect along the edges of roads and on curves and ramps. Get your slowing done first, then ride across smoothly — any sudden change in speed or direction on a poor-traction surface can cause a skid.

Correct answer: Earn the endorsement without taking the separate BMV motorcycle skills exam

A Ride Safe Indiana course concludes with a knowledge and skills evaluation, so completing it lets you receive the endorsement without a separate skills exam. It does not remove the vision screening or lift permit restrictions.

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

Slow down and select a lane position that increases your visibility to that driver, cover the clutch and both brakes to cut your reaction time, and be prepared to brake hard and hold your position if the vehicle turns in front of you.

Correct answer: Reflective, bright-colored gear such as orange, red, yellow, or green

Your body is about half of the visible surface area of the rider/motorcycle unit. Bright orange, red, yellow, or green gear — with reflective material — stands out best, and any bright color beats drab or dark clothing.

Correct answer: Firmly on the footrests with toes up

Keep your feet firmly on the footrests and don’t let your toes point downward, or they may get caught between the road and the footrests. Don’t drag your feet.

Correct answer: Fit snugly all the way around with no cracks or frayed straps

Choose a helmet that meets DOT and state standards, fits snugly all the way around, and has no obvious defects such as cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.