Kentucky Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

Correct answer: Steer the motorcycle rather than to hold yourself up

Sit so you can use your arms to steer the motorcycle rather than to hold yourself up. Sit far enough forward that your arms are slightly bent when you hold the grips.

Correct answer: One out of every five

One out of every five motorcycle crashes results in head or neck injuries. Head and neck injuries account for a majority of serious and fatal injuries to motorcyclists, and a properly worn helmet reduces them.

Correct answer: Apply both brakes at the same time

Using both brakes at once gives the shortest stop. Squeeze the front brake firmly and progressively and press down on the rear — do not grab or jam either one, which can lock a wheel.

Correct answer: Three wheels

Kentucky defines a motorcycle as a motor-driven vehicle with a seat or saddle for the operator, designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground. Tractors, enclosed-cab vehicles, and mopeds are excluded.

Correct answer: Each need a full lane to operate safely

The manual states that cars and motorcycles need a full lane to operate safely, and that lane sharing is usually prohibited. Riding between rows of cars leaves you with no room if something goes wrong.

Correct answer: Never saw the motorcycle

A motorcycle's outline is far smaller than a car's, and most drivers are not even looking for one. Because they so often simply do not see you, your biggest safety job is making yourself easy to spot.

Correct answer: Against the gas tank to help keep your balance

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

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

Choose a helmet designed to meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards. A label from the Snell Memorial Foundation gives added assurance of quality.

Correct answer: Front brake

The front brake can provide roughly 70% or more of your total stopping power, because braking shifts weight forward onto the front tire. Use it properly — squeeze, never grab — along with the rear.

Correct answer: A moped

Kentucky's motorcycle definition excludes tractors, vehicles with an enclosed cab, and mopeds. Mopeds have their own separate license and rules.

Correct answer: Keep a left-portion lane position to discourage them from squeezing by

Discourage lane sharing by holding a lane position that leaves no room to pass within your lane. Drivers are most tempted in heavy traffic, when preparing to turn, when they want to pass, and near exits.

Correct answer: At all times, day and night

Keeping the headlight on is one of the best ways to help others notice you — studies show a motorcycle with its light on is about twice as likely to be seen during the day. Use the low beam at night and in fog.

Correct answer: Firmly on the footrests, with toes pointed up, not down

Keep your feet firmly on the footrests. Don’t drag them, and don’t let your toes point downward — they could catch between the road and the footrests.

Correct answer: The Snell Memorial Foundation

A helmet with a label from the Snell Memorial Foundation gives you added assurance of quality on top of meeting DOT and state standards.

Correct answer: Straighten the motorcycle upright first, then brake

A leaned tire uses much of its traction just to corner, so hard braking can cause a skid. Straighten the bike upright first, then brake. If you must brake while leaning, apply light brakes and reduce lean as you slow.

Correct answer: On private property

Motor bikes, mini bikes, and similar small vehicles may not be used on a street or highway unless they meet motor-vehicle requirements such as a registration plate, and the operator is licensed. The only place to legally ride one without a license and safety equipment is private property.

Correct answer: A hand, a door, or a suddenly turning car can appear with no room for you to react

Squeezing between rows of cars leaves you vulnerable to the unexpected — a hand out a window, a door opening, or a car turning suddenly — with nowhere to go. Keep a full lane and discourage sharing by others.

Correct answer: Bright, reflective colors such as orange, red, yellow or green

Your body is half the visible surface of the rider-and-motorcycle unit, so bright, reflective gear helps drivers pick you out. Any bright color beats dark or drab clothing that disappears against the pavement.

Correct answer: Keep from accidentally using too much throttle

Start with your right wrist flat. This helps you keep from accidentally using too much throttle. Adjust the handlebars so your hands are even with or below your elbows for precise steering.

Correct answer: Three-quarter and full-face

There are two primary types of helmets offering two levels of coverage: three-quarter and full-face. Whichever you choose, make sure it meets DOT and state standards, fits snugly, and has no defects.