Arizona motorcycle permit test numbers to know
Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 29 Arizona numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.
Numbers quiz
12 questions a round from the 18 number questions in our Arizona bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.
Free and unlimited. Your answers count toward your readiness and mistake review.
Numbers flashcards
18 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.
Each deck starts with 20 free cards. Swipe right if you knew it, left to see it again.
See 3 of the cards
Alcohol & drugs
On a long ride, how often should you stop and get off the motorcycle to fight fatigue?
At least every two hours
Riding a motorcycle is more tiring than driving a car. Take frequent rest breaks, stopping and getting off the motorcycle at least every two hours, and limit total riding to about six hours a day.
Speed limits
You ride a two-wheeled motorcycle on an Arizona street with two lanes in your direction and a posted limit of 40 mph. Cars in your lane are stopped at a red light. When may you pass between them (lane filtering)?
When it is safe and you ride no faster than 15 mph
Arizona allows lane filtering: a two-wheeled motorcycle may pass vehicles stopped in its lane when the street has at least two lanes in the same direction, the posted limit is 45 mph or less, and the rider goes no faster than 15 mph.
Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, page 51
Distances & following gaps
In normal conditions, what is the minimum following distance behind the vehicle ahead?
Two seconds
Normally, keep at least a two-second following distance. Pick a fixed marker; when the vehicle ahead passes it, count "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two." If you reach the marker before "two," you are too close.
Every Arizona motorcycle number, by topic
Official Arizona laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.
Alcohol & drugs
5 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 0.08% | Legal BAC limit for adult drivers | azleg.govQuoteIf the person has an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more within two hours of driving or being in actual physical control of the vehicle |
| 0.04% | BAC limit in a commercial vehicle | azleg.govQuoteIf the vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle that requires a person to obtain a commercial driver license as defined in section 28-3001 and the person has an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more. |
| 12 months, 2 years, 84 months | Drunk driving (DUI)License or permit suspended for 12 months, or 2 years for a second or later refusal within 84 months | azleg.govQuotethe violator's license or permit to drive will be suspended or denied for twelve months, or for two years for a second or subsequent refusal within a period of eighty-four months |
| two hours | On a long ride, how often should you stop and get off the motorcycle to fight fatigue?Answer: At least every two hours | Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF manual with Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 69QuoteStop and get off the motorcycle at least every two hours. |
| 6 hours | How does eating marijuana differ from smoking it in its effects on a rider?Answer: Onset can take over an hour and effects can last over 6 hours | Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF manual with Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 68QuoteBut when marijuana is eaten the onset of effects could be delayed for more than an hour and the duration of the “high” could be more than 6 hours. |
Speed limits
3 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 45 mph | Lane splittingThe street must have at least two adjacent lanes in the same direction and a speed limit of 45 mph or less | azleg.govQuoteHas a speed limit that does not exceed forty-five miles per hour. 2. Travels at a speed that does not exceed fifteen miles per hour. |
| 15 mph | Lane splittingThe rider may not exceed 15 mph | azleg.govQuoteHas a speed limit that does not exceed forty-five miles per hour. 2. Travels at a speed that does not exceed fifteen miles per hour. |
| 15 mph | You ride a two-wheeled motorcycle on an Arizona street with two lanes in your direction and a posted limit of 40 mph. Cars in your lane are stopped at a red light. When may you pass between them (lane filtering)?Answer: When it is safe and you ride no faster than 15 mph | Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, page 51QuoteThe posted speed limit does not exceed 45 miles per hour. The motorcycle does not travel faster than 15 miles per hour. |
Distances & following gaps
3 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Two seconds | In normal conditions, what is the minimum following distance behind the vehicle ahead?Answer: Two seconds | Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF manual with Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 29QuoteNormally, a minimum of two seconds distance should be maintained behind the vehicle ahead. |
| Three seconds | What following distance should you use when riding at night?Answer: Three seconds or more | Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF manual with Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 42QuoteOpen up a three-second following distance or more. And allow more distance to pass and be passed. |
| two seconds | In a staggered group formation, how far behind the first rider should the third rider stay?Answer: At least two seconds, in the left side of the lane | Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF manual with Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 60QuoteThe third maintains the left position of the lane, at least two seconds behind the first rider. |
Ages, permits & the test
11 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| $7 | Fee | apps.azdot.govQuoteMotorcycle Endorsement $7 |
| 15 years, 6 months | Motorcycle permit15 years 6 months | azleg.govQuoteA person who is at least fifteen years and six months of age may apply to the department for an instruction permit for a class M license. |
| 7 months | Motorcycle permit7 months from issue | azleg.govQuoteThe permit is valid for seven months from the date of issuance. |
| 24 months | Motorcycle permitNo more than two Class M permits to the same person within 24 months (one renewal) | azleg.govQuoteOn a public highway from sunset to sunrise or when there is insufficient light to clearly discern a person and a vehicle on the highway at a distance of five hundred feet. D. The department shall not issue more than two class M permits to the same person within twenty-four months. |
| 500 feet | Motorcycle permitNo riding from sunset to sunrise or when there is not enough light to see a person or vehicle 500 feet away | azleg.govQuoteOn a public highway from sunset to sunrise or when there is insufficient light to clearly discern a person and a vehicle on the highway at a distance of five hundred feet. D. The department shall not issue more than two class M permits to the same person within twenty-four months. |
| 15 years, 6 months | What is the youngest age at which you can be issued an Arizona motorcycle instruction permit?Answer: 15 years and 6 months | Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF manual with Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 3QuoteIf you are at least 15 years and 6 months of age, you may be issued a motorcycle instruction permit. |
| 7 months | How long is an Arizona motorcycle instruction permit valid?Answer: 7 months | Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF manual with Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 3QuoteA motorcycle permit is valid for 7 months and can be renewed only one time within a 24-month period. |
| 24-month | How often can an Arizona motorcycle instruction permit be renewed?Answer: Only one time within a 24-month period | Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF manual with Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 3QuoteA motorcycle permit is valid for 7 months and can be renewed only one time within a 24-month period. |
| 6 months | An applicant under 18 wants an Arizona motorcycle license. How long must he or she have held an Arizona instruction permit?Answer: At least 6 months | Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF manual with Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 4Quoteunder 18 must have held an Arizona instruction permit for at least 6 months. |
| 30 hours | An Arizona applicant under 18 has not taken an MVD-approved motorcycle education program. What can a parent or guardian do instead?Answer: Certify in writing that the applicant completed at least 30 hours of motorcycle driving practice | Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF manual with Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 4Quoteor the parent or guardian must certify in writing that the applicant has completed at least 30 hours of motorcycle driving practice. |
| at least 45 | A pavement seam runs parallel to your path and you need to cross it. How should you do it?Answer: Move far enough away to cross it at an angle of at least 45 degrees, then make a deliberate turn | Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF manual with Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 50Quotemove far enough away from tracks, ruts, or pavement seams to cross at an angle of at least 45˚. |
Seat belts, lights & equipment
6 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| under 18 | HelmetsOperators and passengers under 18 must wear a securely fastened protective helmet | azleg.govQuoteAn operator or passenger of a motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle or motor driven cycle who is under eighteen years of age shall wear at all times a protective helmet on the operator's or passenger's head in an appropriate manner. |
| 500 feet | Besides the hours between sunset and sunrise, when else is an Arizona motorcycle permit holder forbidden to ride?Answer: When there is not enough light to clearly see people or vehicles 500 feet away | Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF manual with Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 3Quotebetween sunset and sunrise, or at any time when there is not enough light to clearly see persons or vehicles at a distance of 500 feet. |
| under age 18 | Under Arizona law, who must wear a safely secured helmet on a motorcycle?Answer: Operators and passengers under age 18 | Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF manual with Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 9QuoteArizona law requires operators and passengers under 18 to wear a helmet that is safely secured. |
| 200 feet | What does Arizona law require of a motorcycle's horn?Answer: It must be able to emit sound for at least 200 feet | Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF manual with Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 9QuoteYou must have at least one horn capable of emitting sound for at least 200 feet. |
| five miles | Some riders skip a helmet on quick errands. What does crash research say about short trips?Answer: Most crashes happen on trips of less than five miles, a few minutes after starting out | Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF manual with Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 14QuoteMost crashes happen on short trips (less than five miles long), just a few minutes after starting out. |
| Three times | Compared with riders who wear no helmet, how likely are helmeted riders to survive head injuries?Answer: Three times more likely | Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF manual with Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 14Quotehelmeted riders are three times more likely to survive head injuries than those not wearing helmets at the time of the crash. |
Other numbers
1 number
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 70% | About how much of a motorcycle's stopping power can the front brake provide?Answer: At least 70% | Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF manual with Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), page 24QuoteThe front brake is more powerful and can provide at least 70% of your total stopping power. |
Memory tips
How to study them (our advice, not official rules):
- Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
- Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
- Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.
Questions about the numbers
What numbers do I need to know for the Arizona motorcycle permit test?
Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 29 of them for Arizona, each with its source.
Why focus on numbers?
A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.
Where do these numbers come from?
Each one is quoted from the Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF manual with Supplementary Information for Three-Wheel Motorcycles), Arizona statutes or MVD pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.
Is the numbers drill free?
Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.