Michigan Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

Correct answer: Sit with your back straight and your head and eyes up

Keep your back straight and your head and eyes up. Sitting properly lets you use your arms to steer the motorcycle rather than to hold yourself up.

Correct answer: A majority of serious and fatal motorcycle injuries

Head injuries account for a majority of serious and fatal injuries to motorcyclists. Research shows riders wearing helmets have fewer and less severe head injuries in a crash, which is why a helmet is the most important gear you can wear.

Correct answer: Stopping quickly and swerving

No matter how careful you are, you will sometimes find yourself in a difficult spot. Your chances of avoiding a crash depend on your ability to stop quickly and to swerve, so both are critical skills to practice.

Correct answer: A motorcycle endorsement (CY)

Before operating a motorcycle on a public street or highway you must procure a motorcycle endorsement (CY) on your operator’s or chauffeur’s license. A plain driver’s license alone is not enough.

Correct answer: At intersections

The greatest potential for crashes is at intersections. About 40 percent of motorcycle-car crashes are caused by other drivers there, so your use of the SEE strategy and a clear space cushion at every intersection is critical.

Correct answer: Never saw the motorcycle

A motorcycle's outline is much smaller than a car's, and most drivers are looking through that narrow silhouette for other cars, not 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: Your knees against the gas tank and your feet on the footrests

Keep your knees against the gas tank and your feet on the footrests, near the controls so you can use them quickly. Avoid pointing your toes down where they could catch the road.

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

Wear a helmet that complies with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards — look for the DOT label reading FMVSS No. 218. A Snell sticker may also appear, meaning it also meets Snell Memorial Foundation standards.

Correct answer: Squeeze the front brake and press the rear brake at the same time, without locking either wheel

Apply controlled pressure to both brakes at the same time without locking either wheel. Do not grab the front lever all at once — increase pressure gradually as weight transfers forward, keep your knees against the tank, and look well ahead.

Correct answer: Pass an approved rider education course, OR pass the written knowledge test and the rider skills test

A motorcycle endorsement may be obtained either by successfully completing an approved motorcycle rider education course, or by passing the written knowledge test and then the rider skills test. The requirements differ for teens and adults.

Correct answer: Turns left in front of you

Cars turning left in front of you are the biggest danger at intersections. Ride with your headlight on, choose a lane position that gives the best view of oncoming traffic, and keep a space cushion that lets you take evasive action.

Correct answer: Keep your headlight on

Studies show a motorcycle with its light on during the day is about twice as likely to be noticed. Keep the headlight on at all times; new U.S. motorcycles built since 1978 turn the headlight on automatically with the engine.

Correct answer: Avoid accidentally using too much throttle

Hold the handgrips firmly and keep your right wrist flat. This keeps you from unintentionally rolling on too much throttle and helps you control the motorcycle smoothly.

Correct answer: A full-face helmet, because it covers all of the head and face

A full-face helmet gives the most protection because it covers all of the head and face and usually has a face shield that protects the eyes. Three-quarter and half helmets protect less.

Correct answer: Keep the rear brake applied and the front tire pointed straight until you have stopped

If the rear wheel locks, keep it locked until you have come to a complete stop — you can still bring the motorcycle to a controlled stop in a straight line. A front-wheel skid is different: release the front brake immediately and reapply it smoothly.

Correct answer: Both waived

The knowledge test and rider skills test requirements are waived if you have successfully passed a motorcycle rider education course approved by the department. This is why most Michigan riders never sit the Secretary of State written motorcycle test.

Correct answer: The traffic-activated sensor did not detect your smaller vehicle, so stop where the sensors are located in the pavement

Traffic-activated sensor lights can be troublesome because the sensor may not detect a motorcycle. To improve your chance of being detected, stop where the sensors are located — they are usually visible as lines cut into the road surface.

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

Most crashes occur in broad daylight, and your body is about half of the visible surface of the rider-and-motorcycle unit. Bright, reflective clothing and a brightly colored helmet are your best bets for being seen day or night.

Correct answer: Squeeze the front brake so it cannot roll

Mount from the left side, grasp both handgrips, and squeeze the front brake to keep the motorcycle from rolling as you swing your leg over and raise the side stand.

Correct answer: The least protection and is more likely to come off in a crash

A “shorty” half-helmet protects the least of your head and is more likely to come off on impact. Novelty helmets with thin or missing liners must be avoided altogether.