Washington Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

Correct answer: Up, scanning well ahead for hazards

Keep your head and eyes up, scanning well ahead for hazards. This posture also helps with balance and control.

Correct answer: Compliant with Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines

To legally ride in Washington you must wear a helmet that is compliant with Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines. The helmet law applies to all riders.

Correct answer: Speed (slow, stop, or speed up) or position (swerve or turn)

When a hazard appears, you can change speed — slow down, stop, or occasionally speed up — or change position by swerving or turning. Knowing which to use, and practicing both, is what keeps an emergency from becoming a crash.

Correct answer: The Department of Licensing (DOL) through the Washington Motorcycle Safety Program

The manual, training, and testing all belong to the Department of Licensing (DOL) through the Washington Motorcycle Safety Program (WMSP). Training and testing are conducted locally by DOL-approved schools.

Correct answer: At intersections

The majority of motorcycle-versus-vehicle collisions occur at intersections. They are busy, full of blind spots, and packed with traffic controls and turning vehicles, so approach every one ready to see and be seen.

Correct answer: "I didn't see the motorcycle."

Motorcycles have a much smaller profile and smaller lights than cars, so they are easy to miss. Because "I didn't see you" is the driver's most common excuse, your biggest safety job is making yourself easy to see.

Correct answer: Forward far enough that your arms are slightly bent at the handgrips

Sit forward far enough that your arms are slightly bent when holding the handgrips. Bent arms let you press on the handlebars without stretching and react quickly.

Correct answer: Head injury

The most common cause of rider death in crashes is head injury. A quality, properly fitted, securely fastened helmet is the single best thing you can do to improve your chances of survival.

Correct answer: Apply both brakes fully without locking either wheel

A quick stop uses both brakes applied fully without locking either wheel. Practice using both brakes even for normal stops so the habit is automatic when you need to stop hard.

Correct answer: A motorcycle permit or endorsement on your driver license

You must have a motorcycle permit or endorsement on your driver license to legally operate a motorcycle in Washington. A plain driver license is not enough.

Correct answer: A car turning left across the motorcycle's path

The most common intersection crash is a car turning left across the path of an oncoming motorcycle. The driver often never sees the rider, so watch every waiting car and be ready to react.

Correct answer: Yours — the rider owns the responsibility to be seen

The manual is blunt: as a rider, you own the responsibility to be seen. Assume other drivers cannot see you and ride in a way that helps them notice you.

Correct answer: Against the gas tank

Keep your knees against the gas tank to help maintain balance and control as you turn, accelerate, or stop.

Correct answer: By "DOT" labels on the rear exterior and the interior of the helmet

DOT compliance is indicated by "DOT" labels on the rear exterior, as well as the interior, of the helmet.

Correct answer: Squeeze it firmly and progressively, without grabbing it

Squeeze the front brake firmly and progressively, adding force as weight transfers forward and loads the front suspension. Grabbing the lever or using abrupt pressure can lock the front wheel.

Correct answer: They require separate training, testing, and endorsements

State law mandates separate training, testing, and endorsements for two- and three-wheeled motorcycles because of the differences in handling. You need the correct endorsement for the type you ride.

Correct answer: First gear, so you can move quickly if you need to

Stay in first gear at intersections and check your mirrors often. Being ready to move lets you pull out of the way of a car approaching from behind that may not stop in time.

Correct answer: Brightly or lightly colored gear with retro-reflective strips

Bright, light colors stand out in daylight and reflective strips help at night. If you prefer to wear black gear, wear a high-visibility reflective vest over your jacket for the whole ride.

Correct answer: Keep them firmly on the footrests at all times

Plant your feet firmly on the footrests to maintain balance and control. Never drag your feet while riding, since serious injury can occur.

Correct answer: Full-face

Full-face helmets are considered the safest because they provide the best protection for your chin and face. Half-shell and three-quarter shell helmets do not protect those areas.