Iowa Motorcycle Permit Practice Test 2

20 questions written from the Iowa Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, 18th revision), with an explanation and page citation for every answer.

Question 1 of 20
Basic vehicle control

What does the front brake provide when you brake?

Keyboard: press 1–4 or A–D to answer, Enter for the next question, S to save, R to read aloud, P to pause reading, L to listen and answer.

Sample questions

  1. What does the front brake provide when you brake?

    • A Only enough to hold the motorcycle on a hill
    • B About 25% of your total stopping power
    • C About half of your total stopping power
    • D 70% or more of your total stopping power
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    D. 70% or more of your total stopping power

    The front brake is more powerful and can provide 70% or more of your total stopping power, because braking shifts the motorcycle's weight onto the front tire. Use both brakes every time you slow or stop so that using them correctly becomes automatic in an emergency.

    Source: Iowa Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, 18th revision), page 15

  2. When should your passenger get on the motorcycle?

    • A Before you start the engine, while the bike is on its stand
    • B After you have started the engine and shifted to neutral
    • C Whenever the passenger feels ready, with the engine off
    • D After you shift into first gear and release the brake
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    B. After you have started the engine and shifted to neutral

    Tell your passenger to get on only after you have started the engine and put the transmission in neutral. As they mount, keep both feet on the ground and the front brake applied so the motorcycle cannot move or tip.

    Source: Iowa Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, 18th revision), page 38

  3. An oncoming driver at an intersection looks right at you. What should you assume?

    • A The driver will flash headlights if pulling out
    • B The driver may still not see you or yield
    • C The driver has seen you and will wait
    • D You have the right-of-way, so you can maintain speed
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    B. The driver may still not see you or yield

    Never count on eye contact. Too often a driver looks right at a motorcyclist and still fails to see them. If a car can enter your path, assume that it will, and be ready to slow or brake.

    Source: Iowa Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, 18th revision), page 23

  4. A 15-year-old Iowa permit holder wants to ride with a family friend who is not a relative. What must be true of that friend?

    • A At least 25, motorcycle-endorsed, with the parent's written permission
    • B At least 18 and riding on the same motorcycle as a passenger
    • C Any age, as long as the friend has completed a rider course
    • D At least 21 and licensed to drive a car or a motorcycle
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    A. At least 25, motorcycle-endorsed, with the parent's written permission

    For a rider aged 14 through 17, a licensed adult who is not a parent, guardian or immediate family member must be at least 25, hold a valid license with the motorcycle endorsement, and have the parent's or guardian's written permission. The extra age and permission requirements protect young learners riding with non-family adults.

    Source: Iowa Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, 18th revision), page 6