Tennessee Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

Correct answer: Lets you operate all the controls and steer effectively

Position yourself comfortably so you can operate all the controls and steer effectively. Good posture helps you interact with the motorcycle and react quickly to hazards.

Correct answer: Three times more likely to survive head injuries

No matter the speed, helmeted riders are three times more likely to survive head injuries than those not wearing a helmet. A securely fastened, quality helmet is the single most important thing you can wear.

Correct answer: Apply both brakes at the same time

Apply both brakes at the same time for the shortest stop. Squeeze the front brake lever firmly and progressively — don't be shy about it, but don't grab it either — while pressing down on the rear brake.

Correct answer: 16 years old

A Class M license lets the holder operate a motorcycle at 16 years of age or older. Younger riders are limited to the Class M-Limited license or the Class P-M learner permit.

Correct answer: At intersections

Intersections hold the greatest potential for conflict — anywhere traffic can cross your path. Over half of car-motorcycle crashes are caused by drivers violating a rider's right-of-way, so use SEE and slow down at every one.

Correct answer: Never saw the motorcycle

A motorcycle's outline is much smaller than a car's and is easy to miss, so drivers so often simply never see the rider. Your biggest safety job is making yourself easy to notice — ride as if you have not been seen.

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 having to reach too far.

Correct answer: Three-quarter and full face

The two recommended types are three-quarter and full-face helmets, which provide two different levels of good coverage. A full-face helmet gives the most protection.

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

A locked front wheel means instant loss of steering and balance. Release the front brake lever immediately, then reapply it — failing to release right away will result in a crash.

Correct answer: More than 125 cc

Class M (Motorcycle Only) covers any two- or three-wheel vehicle of more than 125 cubic centimeters (126 cc and up). Smaller engines fall under the M-Limited class.

Correct answer: Turns left across the rider's path

Cars turning left in front of you — including cars turning left from the lane on your right — and cars pulling out from side streets are the biggest dangers. Treat every left-turning car as a possible threat.

Correct answer: At all times while it is operated

Tennessee law requires a motorcycle headlight to be on at all times while it is operated. Studies show that during the day a motorcycle with its light on is twice as likely to be noticed.

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: A Snell Memorial Foundation label

Choose a helmet designed to meet U.S. DOT and state standards. A helmet that also carries a label from the Snell Memorial Foundation gives you added assurance of quality.

Correct answer: Keep it locked until you have completely stopped

On a good-traction surface, going straight, you can keep a locked rear wheel locked until you stop — even locked, you can control the motorcycle if it is upright and straight. Releasing a rear wheel that is out of line with the front can cause a violent high-side crash.

Correct answer: 51 to 125 cc

Class M-Limited covers a motor-driven cycle from 51 to 125 cc — a motor producing no more than five brake horsepower or a cylinder capacity of no more than 125 cc.

Correct answer: Slow, select a lane position that increases your visibility, and cover the brakes

Slow down, pick a lane position that makes you more visible to that driver, and cover the clutch and both brakes to cut your reaction time. Be ready to brake hard if the vehicle turns in front of you.

Correct answer: Low beam

Use low beam at night and in fog so your light does not reflect back and reduce what you can see. Save the high beam for when you are not following or meeting another vehicle.

Correct answer: Firmly on the footrests, near the controls, with toes up

Keep your feet firmly on the footrests to maintain balance, and keep them near the controls. Don’t drag your feet or point your toes down — they could catch between the road and the footrests.

Correct answer: Fit snugly all the way around with no obvious defects

A good helmet fits snugly all the way around and has no obvious defects such as cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.