Missouri Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

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

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

Correct answer: A DOT-compliant helmet, eye or face protection, and protective clothing

Your gear is “right” when it protects you. In a crash you have a far better chance of avoiding serious injury with a DOT-compliant helmet, face or eye protection, and protective clothing.

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

Oil and dust build up on the road, and the first rain lifts them into a slick film before washing them away. Slow down and, when it starts to rain, ride in the tire tracks left by cars.

Correct answer: A Class M license or permit, or a driver license with the M endorsement

You must hold a Class M license or permit — or a driver license showing the Motorcycle (M) endorsement — to operate a motorcycle or motortricycle on public roadways in Missouri.

Correct answer: At intersections

Intersections carry the highest risk for riders — anywhere traffic may cross your path, from a busy urban corner to a residential driveway. Over half of motorcycle-car crashes happen when a driver enters the rider’s right-of-way.

Correct answer: Never saw the motorcycle

A motorcycle's narrow outline is easy to miss, and most drivers are not looking for one. Because so many say they never saw the rider, making yourself conspicuous is one of your most important safety jobs.

Correct answer: Your arms are slightly bent when you hold the handgrips

Sit far enough forward that your arms are slightly bent when holding the handgrips. Bent arms let you press on the handlebars without stretching.

Correct answer: Wear a securely-fastened, quality helmet

Head and neck injuries account for a majority of serious and fatal motorcycle injuries. Wearing a securely-fastened, quality helmet is the single most important thing you can do to survive a crash.

Correct answer: Lane markings, steel plates, and manhole covers, especially when wet

Painted lines, steel plates, and manhole covers offer far less grip than pavement and turn slick when wet, as do gravel, mud, leaves, snow, and ice. Cross them upright and avoid braking or turning on them.

Correct answer: 16 years old

The Class M motorcycle license may be issued starting at age 16. Graduated Driver License (GDL) requirements apply to Class M applicants between 16 and 18.

Correct answer: Turns left across the rider’s path

Cars turning left in front of you — including from the lane on your right — and cars pulling in from side streets are the biggest intersection dangers. A driver often fails to see the rider or misjudges the speed.

Correct answer: At all times, day and night

Studies show a motorcycle with its light on during the day is twice as likely to be noticed. Motorcycles sold in the USA since 1978 turn the headlight on automatically when running; use low beam at night and in fog.

Correct answer: Flat

Hold the handgrips firmly and start with your right wrist flat. This helps keep you from accidentally applying too much throttle.

Correct answer: Lets you see as far to the sides as you need to

A DOT-compliant helmet lets you see as far to the sides as necessary. A study of over 900 crashes found no case in which a helmet kept a rider from spotting danger.

Correct answer: Slow down before reaching it, avoid sudden moves, and use both brakes gently

Reduce speed before the slippery patch, since your motorcycle needs more distance to stop. Any sudden change in speed or direction can cause a skid, so be smooth and squeeze the brakes gradually.

Correct answer: No — not unless the license also shows the Motorcycle (M) endorsement

A Class F license does not allow you to ride a motorcycle unless it carries the M endorsement. Without a Class M license or M endorsement you may not operate a motorcycle on public roads.

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

Slow down, choose a position that makes you more visible to that driver, and cover the clutch and both brakes to cut your reaction time. Keep a space cushion that lets you take evasive action.

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

Your body is about half the visible surface of the rider-and-motorcycle unit, so bright, reflective gear matters. Any bright color beats drab or dark clothing, and reflective material helps day and night.

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

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

Correct answer: Meet U.S. DOT standards, fit snugly all the way around, and have no defects

A good helmet meets U.S. DOT (and state) standards, fits snugly all the way around, and has no obvious defects such as cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps. A Snell label is an added assurance of quality.