North Carolina 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. This gives you precise control of the handlebars.

Correct answer: Account for a majority of serious and fatal injuries to motorcyclists

Crash analyses show head and neck injuries account for a majority of serious and fatal injuries to motorcyclists, and that a properly worn approved helmet reduces them.

Correct answer: As close to a 90-degree angle as possible

Hitting an obstacle at a right angle keeps both tires square to it so it is less likely to deflect your wheel. Slow down before contact, keep the motorcycle straight up, and look where you want to go.

Correct answer: A motorcycle endorsement on your driver license (or a motorcycle learner permit)

NC law requires the operator of any motorcycle to have a motorcycle endorsement shown on their driver license. If you are not yet ready for the skills portion, you may instead ride on a motorcycle learner permit.

Correct answer: At intersections

An intersection can be a busy crossroads or just a residential driveway — anywhere traffic may cross your path. More than half of car-motorcycle crashes are caused by drivers entering a rider's right of way, so use SEE hard at every one.

Correct answer: Never saw the motorcycle

From the front or rear a motorcycle's outline is much smaller than a car's, and most drivers are not looking for riders in the first place. Ride as though you have not been seen, and make yourself as easy to spot as you can.

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 having to stretch.

Correct answer: Not one case in which a helmet kept a rider from spotting danger

An approved helmet lets you see as far to the sides as necessary. In a study of over 900 crashes, not one case was found where a helmet kept a rider from spotting danger.

Correct answer: Rise slightly off the seat with your weight on the footpegs to absorb the shock

Rising slightly off the seat lets your knees and elbows soak up the jolt and keeps you from being bounced off. Just before contact, roll on a little throttle to lighten the front end, then check your tires and rims afterward.

Correct answer: Pass a motorcycle knowledge test and meet the on-cycle skills requirement

An endorsement is earned by passing a knowledge test that includes questions on motorcycling, and by meeting the on-cycle skills requirement (a DMV skills test, an approved Basic Rider Course, or accepted equivalent training).

Correct answer: Turns left across your path or pulls out from a side street

Cars turning left in front of you — including one turning left from the lane to your right — and cars pulling out of side streets are the crashes that hurt riders most. If a car can enter your path, assume that it will.

Correct answer: Keep your headlight on

Studies show a motorcycle with its headlight on during the day is about twice as likely to be noticed. Most bikes sold in the U.S. since the late 1970s turn the headlight on automatically with the engine.

Correct answer: Keep from accidentally using too much throttle

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

Correct answer: On short trips, just a few minutes after starting out

Most crashes happen on short trips (less than five miles long), just a few minutes after starting out — so gear up for every ride, no matter how short.

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

When rain begins it mixes with oil and dust on the road to make a slick film until it washes to the side. Wet painted lines, steel plates, and manhole covers are also slippery, so slow down and be extra smooth.

Correct answer: When you renew your license

The knowledge test will be waived on a renewal. It is still required when you first add the endorsement or apply for a learner permit.

Correct answer: Does not guarantee the driver will actually yield to you

Too often a driver looks right at a motorcyclist and still fails to "see" the bike. Never count on eye contact as a promise that a driver will yield — the only eyes you can count on are your own.

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

Your body is about half of the visible surface of the rider-and-motorcycle unit. Bright colors stand out in daylight, and reflective material added to a vest or helmet helps drivers spot you from the side and at night.

Correct answer: Keep your balance as the motorcycle turns

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

Correct answer: Cut both the number and the severity of head injuries by half

Most crashes happen at under 30 mph. At these speeds, helmets can cut both the number and the severity of head injuries by half.