New York Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

Correct answer: So you can use your arms to steer, not to hold yourself up

Sit so you 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: 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: Use both brakes at the same time

Apply both brakes together every time. Squeeze the front lever firmly and progressively while pressing the rear — do not grab or jam either, which can lock a wheel.

Correct answer: A Class M or Class MJ motorcycle license

You must have a motorcycle operator’s license (Class M) or a motorcycle junior operator’s license (Class MJ) to operate a motorcycle in New York. A regular Class D car license alone is not enough.

Correct answer: Turns left across the rider’s path

Traffic from the other direction turning left in front of you is one of the biggest threats at an intersection. Watch every left-turning car as a possible hazard.

Correct answer: On at all times when you operate on the road

NY law requires the headlight and rear light to be on whenever you ride, day or night. A lit headlight makes a motorcycle about twice as likely to be noticed during the day.

Correct answer: Yellow and diamond-shaped, with black symbols

Warning signs are normally yellow diamonds with black letters or symbols. They tell you a hazard or special condition is ahead — slow down and stay alert.

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

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

Correct answer: An approved helmet still lets you see as far to the sides as you need to

An approved helmet lets you see as far to the sides as necessary. A study of over 900 crashes found no case where a helmet kept a rider from spotting danger.

Correct answer: 70 percent or more

The front brake provides 70 percent or more of your stopping power and is safe when used properly. Do not be shy about using it, but squeeze — never grab.

Correct answer: Class MJ is the junior (under-18) version of the motorcycle license

Class M is the standard motorcycle operator’s license; Class MJ is the motorcycle junior operator’s license issued to riders under 18. Junior motorcycle operators must obey New York’s graduated license (GDL) restrictions.

Correct answer: Slow down, stay visible, and be ready to stop or swerve

Never assume the driver sees you. Reducing speed and keeping an escape route means you already have the time and room to react if they turn across your path.

Correct answer: Keep your headlight on

Studies show a motorcycle with its headlight on during the day is twice as likely to be noticed. Keeping the light on at all times is the simplest thing you can do to be seen.

Correct answer: A white rectangle with black letters or symbols

Regulation signs are normally white rectangles with black letters or symbols (some use red). They state a traffic law you must obey.

Correct answer: Firmly on the foot pegs, near the controls, so you keep balance and can reach the controls fast

Keep your feet firmly on the foot pegs to maintain balance and keep them near the controls so you can reach them fast. Do not drag your feet or point your toes down, or they may catch on the road or pegs.

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 properly and has no defects.

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

A locked front wheel means lost steering control. Release the front brake at once, then reapply it firmly and progressively while keeping pressure on the rear.

Correct answer: Both the Motorcycle Manual and the Driver’s Manual

The DMV states your motorcycle license written test will be based on information from BOTH the NY Motorcycle Manual (MV-21MC) and the NY State Driver’s Manual (MV-21) — so road signs, permit rules, and registration facts are all fair game.

Correct answer: Cover the clutch and both brakes

Covering the clutch and both brakes shaves precious fractions of a second off your reaction time — a real advantage where collisions are most likely.

Correct answer: Helps oncoming drivers see you sooner

A high beam in daylight increases the chance that drivers coming toward you will spot your motorcycle. Switch to low beam at night and in cloudy weather.