South Carolina Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

Correct answer: Stand on the left side, grasp both handgrips, and squeeze the front brake as you swing your right leg over

Mount from the left side. Grasp both handgrips, squeeze the front brake to keep the motorcycle from rolling, and swing your right leg over the seat.

Correct answer: Protection

Protection should be the first consideration when buying a motorcycle helmet. Head injuries account for a majority of serious and fatal injuries to motorcyclists.

Correct answer: A two-wheel motorcycle, a motorcycle with a sidecar, and a three-wheel motorcycle

A Class M license is issued to someone who can demonstrate the ability to operate a motorcycle. With it you may ride a two-wheel motorcycle, a motorcycle with a detachable sidecar, a moped, or a three-wheel motorcycle.

Correct answer: Keep the motorcycle from rolling

Squeezing the front brake as you mount keeps the motorcycle from rolling while you swing your leg over and settle onto the seat.

Correct answer: DOT, FMVSS No. 218, CERTIFIED, along with the manufacturer and model

A DOT-compliant helmet carries a label stating the manufacturer and/or brand, model, and the words DOT, FMVSS No. 218, CERTIFIED.

Correct answer: Learning how to operate a motorcycle on public roads

A Beginner’s Permit is issued so you can learn to operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle on public roads. It is not a motorcycle license — you still must pass a skills test to upgrade to a Class M license.

Correct answer: Rock it back and forth — if it rolls freely, it is in neutral

Do not rely only on the indicator light. Rock the motorcycle back and forth — if it rolls freely, it is in neutral.

Correct answer: A full-face helmet

A full-face helmet gives the most protection because it covers all of the head and face and has a flip-up face shield that protects the eyes.

Correct answer: Pass the motorcycle knowledge test and an eye exam

A moped (Class G) applicant must pass an eye examination and the motorcycle knowledge test. A person is eligible for a moped license regardless of the status of any other license.

Correct answer: Shut off the engine without removing your hands from the controls

The engine cut-off switch, on the right handgrip and worked by the right thumb, lets you shut off the engine without taking your hands off the controls.

Correct answer: A half helmet

Half helmets provide the least amount of protection. Full-face helmets provide the most, and three-quarter helmets should be paired with an approved face shield or goggles.

Correct answer: Does not require a motorcycle license — any class except a Class G moped license works

South Carolina does not require a motorcycle license to operate a three-wheel motorcycle. It may be operated with any class of license except a Class G moped license.

Correct answer: Raise the side stand

Always raise the side stand before riding. Many motorcycles have a safety mechanism that cuts power to the motor if the bike is placed in gear with the side stand down.

Correct answer: Comfortably but snugly, with no gaps between the pads and your head

A helmet should fit comfortably but snugly. One that is too loose can lift in the wind or come off in a fall; one that is too tight can cause sores or headaches.

Correct answer: An S3 restriction on the Class M license

If you only want to operate a motorcycle with a sidecar permanently attached, you get a special S3 restriction on your Class M license. The SCDMV’s Master Examiner administers that test, and you may not operate a two-wheel motorcycle without the sidecar.

Correct answer: Your feet can reach the ground while you are seated on it

Make sure the motorcycle fits you: your feet should reach the ground while you are seated on it. A bike that fits is easier to control.

Correct answer: A majority of serious and fatal injuries to motorcyclists

Head injuries account for a majority of serious and fatal injuries to motorcyclists, and riders wearing helmets have fewer and less severe head injuries in a crash.

Correct answer: 15 years old

You must be at least 15 years old to operate a moped on public streets and highways, and you must hold a valid driver’s license, motorcycle license, beginner’s permit, or moped operator’s license.

Correct answer: Keeping your back straight and your head and eyes up

Keep your back straight and your head and eyes up. Sit so you can use your arms to steer the motorcycle rather than to hold yourself up.

Correct answer: Protecting your whole face, not just your eyes

A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield helps protect your whole face from wind, dust, rain, insects, and debris. Goggles protect the eyes but not the rest of the face.