Pennsylvania 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 proper control.

Correct answer: One out of every five

One out of every five motorcycle crashes results in head or neck injuries. Head and neck injuries account for a majority of serious and fatal injuries to motorcyclists.

Correct answer: Stopping quickly and swerving

Knowing when and how to stop or swerve are the two skills most critical to avoiding a crash. It is not always possible to stop in time, so you must also be able to swerve around an obstacle.

Correct answer: A Class M learner’s permit

If you wish to operate a motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle, you must first get a Class M learner’s permit before you can learn to drive.

Correct answer: At intersections

The greatest potential for conflict is at intersections — which include driveways and side streets. Over one-half of car-motorcycle crashes are caused by drivers entering a rider’s right-of-way.

Correct answer: Never saw the motorcycle

A motorcycle's outline is much smaller than a car's, and most drivers are not even looking 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: Far enough that your arms are 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.

Correct answer: No — research found no case in which a helmet kept a rider from spotting danger

A study of more than 900 crashes found not even 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.

Correct answer: Apply both brakes at the same time, squeezing the front lever firmly and progressively

Apply both brakes at the same time. Squeeze the front lever firmly and progressively rather than grabbing it. If the front wheel locks, release and reapply it; if the rear locks on good traction, keep it locked until you stop.

Correct answer: Every Class M applicant — the knowledge test is the gate to the permit

The knowledge test is universal in Pennsylvania. You cannot get a Class M license without first holding the learner’s permit, and passing the knowledge test is how you earn that permit.

Correct answer: Turns left in front of you

Cars that turn left in front of you — including cars turning left from the lane to your right — and cars on side streets that pull into your lane are the biggest dangers. Use SEE and keep an escape route.

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. In Pennsylvania motorcycles built in 1973 or later must use their headlights at all times, and most modern bikes switch the light on with the engine.

Correct answer: To help keep from accidentally using too much throttle

Start with your right wrist flat. This helps keep you from accidentally using too much throttle. Adjust the handlebars so your hands are even with or below your elbows for precision steering.

Correct answer: Snugly, all the way around

A helmet should fit snugly all the way around and have no obvious defects such as cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.

Correct answer: 70% or more of the potential stopping power

The front brake can provide 70% or more of your potential stopping power, so never be shy about using it. Always use both brakes together to stop.

Correct answer: Between sunrise and sunset

A Class M permit allows you to drive only between sunrise and sunset. Night riding is not permitted on a permit.

Correct answer: Stop at the line, then edge forward and stop again to look around the obstruction

Stop at the stop line first, then edge forward and stop again just short of the cross lane. Lean your body forward to look around buildings, parked cars, or bushes, keeping your front wheel out of the cross lane while you look.

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 any bright color beats drab or dark, so a brightly colored helmet and jacket or vest are your best bets for being seen.

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: A Snell Memorial Foundation label

A helmet designed to meet DOT and state standards is required; a label from the Snell Memorial Foundation gives you added assurance of quality.