Nevada Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

Correct answer: Against the gas tank, to help 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: Both the operator and any passenger, regardless of age

Nevada is a universal-helmet state. Motorcyclists must wear helmets, and helmets are required for both drivers and passengers on motorcycles and mopeds — there is no age exemption (NRS 486.231).

Correct answer: Use both brakes at the same time

Applying both brakes together gives the shortest stop. Do not be shy about the front brake — squeeze it firmly and progressively rather than grabbing it — while pressing down on the rear.

Correct answer: A Nevada Class M driver’s license

If you live in Nevada and want to ride a motorcycle on public streets and highways, you need a Nevada Class M driver’s license (or the Class M endorsement added to your license).

Correct answer: Use a complete traffic lane

Nevada law gives motorcyclists the right to use a full traffic lane. A car should not crowd you or try to share your lane, because a motorcycle needs the whole lane to maneuver safely.

Correct answer: Never saw the motorcycle

A motorcycle's outline is much smaller than a car's, and most drivers are not looking for motorcycles. Because you are so easy to miss, your biggest safety job is making yourself seen — ride as if you are invisible until you know otherwise.

Correct answer: 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 stretching, and lets your arms steer rather than hold you up.

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

Helmets must meet the standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). A DOT label is your assurance the helmet meets that standard.

Correct answer: Release the front brake immediately, then reapply it firmly

A locked front wheel means an immediate loss of steering and balance. Release the front brake at once to get the wheel rolling again, then reapply it smoothly — failing to release it will cause a crash.

Correct answer: Three wheels

Nevada defines a motorcycle as a motor vehicle equipped with a seat or saddle and designed to travel with no more than three wheels in contact with the ground.

Correct answer: Illegal, even when the vehicles are stopped

Nevada prohibits driving a motorcycle between vehicles in adjacent lanes, even if those vehicles are stopped (NRS 486.351). The only exception is for a police officer performing their duty — for everyone else, lane splitting is against the law.

Correct answer: At all times, day and night

A motorcycle running its headlight during the day is about twice as likely to be noticed. Keep it on at all times — use the low beam at night and in fog.

Correct answer: Firmly on the footrests, with toes pointed up

Keep your feet firmly on the footrests to maintain balance. Don’t drag your feet, and don’t let your toes point downward — they could get caught between the road and the footrests.

Correct answer: Securely fastened on your head

Keep your helmet securely fastened whenever you ride. If it is not fastened, it is likely to fly off your head in a crash before it can protect you.

Correct answer: Keep it locked until you have completely stopped

On a straight, upright motorcycle with good traction, you can control it with the rear wheel locked and keep it locked until you stop. Releasing a locked rear brake when the wheels are out of line risks a violent high-side crash.

Correct answer: Any class of license — no motorcycle endorsement is required

A Class M license is not required to operate a trimobile. You may operate one while holding any class of license, with no endorsements or restrictions.

Correct answer: A police officer in the performance of duty

NRS 486.351 bans riding between vehicles occupying adjacent lanes and carves out a single exception — a police officer performing official duties. No skill level or bike size changes the rule for ordinary riders.

Correct answer: Bright orange, red, yellow, or green with reflective material

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 drivers spot you from the side and behind.

Correct answer: Firmly, to keep your grip over rough surfaces

Hold the handgrips firmly to keep your grip over rough surfaces. Start with your right wrist flat, which helps keep you from accidentally using too much throttle.

Correct answer: Three-quarter and full-face

There are two primary helmet types offering two levels of coverage: three-quarter and full-face. Whichever you choose, make sure it fits snugly and has no cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.