Virginia Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

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: Every operator and every passenger, regardless of age

Virginia has a universal helmet law. A motorcycle operator is required to wear an approved protective helmet, and passengers are also required to wear an approved helmet. There is no age exemption — every rider, every age, every time.

Correct answer: Wet pavement, gravel, and metal manhole covers

Poor-traction surfaces include wet pavement, gravel roads or collected sand and gravel, mud, snow and ice, and lane markings, steel plates, and manhole covers — especially when wet. Motorcycles handle best on surfaces with good traction.

Correct answer: Two-wheeled and three-wheeled motorcycles

A Class M designation signifies that the license holder may operate both two-wheeled and three-wheeled motorcycles. Riders who test on or train for both types receive the M classification.

Correct answer: Assume that it will, and prepare to react

If a car can enter your path at an intersection, assume that it will. Choose a lane position that increases your visibility to the oncoming car, and be ready to take evasive action.

Correct answer: Never saw the motorcycle

It is hard to see something you are not looking for, and most drivers are not looking for motorcycles. From ahead or behind, a motorcycle's outline is much smaller than a car's, so your first job is to make yourself easy to see.

Correct answer: Slightly bent

Sit far enough forward that your arms are slightly bent when you hold the handgrips. Bending your arms lets you turn the handlebars without having to stretch.

Correct answer: Yes — an approved helmet is required whenever you ride, including on a permit

The universal helmet requirement applies at all times, including while riding on a motorcycle learner’s permit. There is no situation in Virginia in which a rider may legally ride without an approved helmet.

Correct answer: Just after it starts to rain, before surface oil washes to the side of the road

Wet pavement is most slippery just after it starts to rain, before the surface oil washes away. Reduce speed before you reach a slippery surface, and be especially careful entering wet curves.

Correct answer: Class M2

Class M2 is marked on the license for two-wheeled motorcycles. Class M3 is for three-wheeled motorcycles, and Class M covers both.

Correct answer: The clutch and both brakes, to reduce your reaction time

Try to make eye contact with the driver and, at the same time, cover the clutch and both brakes to reduce your reaction time. Reduce speed before the intersection so you have room to act.

Correct answer: Keep your headlight on at all times

Studies show that during the day a motorcycle with its lights off is twice as likely to go unnoticed. Keeping the headlight on is the best way to help others see you, and using the high beam in daylight makes you even more likely to be spotted by oncoming drivers.

Correct answer: Down, to avoid accidentally using too much throttle

Start with your right wrist down. This helps keep you from accidentally using too much throttle, especially if you need to reach for the brake suddenly.

Correct answer: The single most important thing you can do to survive a crash

Head injuries are a rider’s greatest threat. Wearing a securely fastened helmet is the single most important thing you can do to improve your chances of surviving a crash.

Correct answer: Both brakes, applying the front gradually and avoiding lock-up

Do not be afraid to use the front brake on a slippery surface — it is still more effective than the rear. Just apply it gradually and avoid locking the front wheel, and do not squeeze the lever too hard.

Correct answer: Class M3

Class M3 is the three-wheeled-only designation. When you apply, DMV asks whether you want to operate two-wheeled (M2) or three-wheeled (M3) motorcycles and marks the license accordingly.

Correct answer: Move away from the turning car without changing speed or position radically

Reduce speed before the intersection and, as you enter it, move away from the turning car. Do not change speed or position radically — a sudden move may make the driver think you are about to turn.

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

Most crashes happen in broad daylight, and your body is about half of the visible surface of the rider-and-cycle unit. Bright orange, yellow, or green clothing and a brightly colored helmet stand out — any bright color beats drab or dark.

Correct answer: Firmly on the footpegs, not dragging on the ground

Keep your feet firmly on the footpegs. Firm footing helps your balance, and dragging a foot can catch on something and cause you to lose control. Keep your feet near the controls.

Correct answer: Snugly, all the way around, with no cracks or frayed straps

Whichever style you choose, a helmet should fit snugly all the way around and have no obvious defects such as cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.