Vermont Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

Correct answer: Slightly bent, so you can press on the bars without stretching

Sit far enough forward that your arms are slightly bent. Bending your arms lets you press on the handlebars for precision steering without having to stretch.

Correct answer: Wear a securely fastened, quality helmet

The manual states plainly that wearing a securely fastened, quality helmet is the single most important thing you can do to improve your odds of surviving a crash.

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

Oil builds up on the road, and the first rain lifts it into a slick film before washing it to the side. Those opening minutes are the most treacherous, so slow down and add space.

Correct answer: A motorcycle endorsement

Vermont does not issue a separate motorcycle class. Instead, you add a motorcycle endorsement to your existing Vermont Operator, Junior, or Commercial Driver License.

Correct answer: Experienced riders who have prepared themselves and the motorcycle

The extra weight changes how the motorcycle behaves and takes extra practice and caution. Only experienced riders should attempt to carry passengers or large loads, and only after preparing the bike.

Correct answer: Never saw the motorcycle

A motorcycle's outline is much smaller than a car's, and most drivers are not looking for riders. Because they so often simply do not see you, your biggest safety job is making yourself easy to notice.

Correct answer: Against the gas tank

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

Correct answer: It should meet U.S. DOT standards and fit snugly all the way around

The most protection comes from a helmet that meets DOT (and state) standards, fits snugly all the way around, and has no obvious defects such as cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.

Correct answer: In the tire tracks left by cars

The center of the lane collects oil and grease that turn slick when wet. When it starts to rain, ride in the tire tracks left by cars — often the left track is the best position for traction.

Correct answer: A Motorcycle Learner Permit

A Vermont-licensed resident who does not yet hold a motorcycle endorsement may get a Motorcycle Learner Permit to learn to operate a motorcycle on public highways.

Correct answer: The same level of protective gear that you wear

A passenger is exposed to the same risks you are. Be sure they are properly attired in the same level of personal protective gear, including a helmet and eye or face protection.

Correct answer: At all times, day and night

Studies show a motorcycle with its light on during the day is twice as likely to be noticed. Keep the headlight on at all times — most motorcycles turn it on automatically once the engine starts.

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

Keep your feet firmly on the footrests near the controls. Don’t drag your feet, and don’t let your toes point down — they could get caught between the road and the footrests.

Correct answer: Lets you see as far to the sides as you need to

A study of more than 900 crashes did not find even one case where a helmet kept a rider from spotting danger. A DOT-compliant helmet lets you see as far to the sides as necessary.

Correct answer: Become slippery, especially when wet

Smooth surfaces like paint and metal offer far less grip than pavement and turn slick in the rain. Cross them upright, and avoid braking or turning while you are on them.

Correct answer: 120 days

The Motorcycle Learner Permit is valid for 120 days. If you have not taken your skills test by then, you may renew it — but only twice.

Correct answer: Passenger footrests and a seat large enough for two, plus something to hold onto

A passenger needs their own footrests, a seat big enough that neither of you is crowded, and a strap or solid handholds. The passenger should be able to reach the footrests and hold your waist, hips, belt, or the handholds.

Correct answer: Bright orange, red, yellow, or green with reflective material

Your body is half of the visible surface area of the rider and motorcycle. Bright, reflective clothing stands out against traffic and pavement, while drab or dark colors disappear against the road.

Correct answer: First gear, so you can move out quickly if needed

Remain in first gear while stopped so you can move out quickly if you need to — for example, to escape a vehicle bearing down from behind.

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

Most crashes happen on short trips of less than five miles, just a few minutes after starting out, and most riders are going slower than 30 mph — which is why wearing your helmet on every ride matters.