Maryland Motorcycle Permit Practice Test 3

20 questions written from the Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001), with an explanation and page citation for every answer.

Question 1 of 20
Basic vehicle control

How should your right hand start out on the throttle?

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. How should your right hand start out on the throttle?

    • A Wrist up and knuckles down
    • B Fingertips only, with the palm off the grip
    • C Wrapped over the brake lever at all times
    • D Wrist down and knuckles up
    Show answer

    D. Wrist down and knuckles up

    Start with your wrist down and knuckles up on the throttle. This position helps keep you from accidentally using too much throttle, especially if you hit a bump.

    Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001), page 17

  2. At intersections, which vehicles are the biggest danger to motorcyclists?

    • A Cars turning left in front of you and cars pulling out of side streets
    • B Cars directly behind you waiting at the light
    • C Parked cars along the curb
    • D Cars traveling in the same direction in the next lane
    Show answer

    A. Cars turning left in front of you and cars pulling out of side streets

    Over half of motorcycle-car crashes are caused by drivers entering a rider's right-of-way. Cars turning left in front of you, including from the lane to your right, and cars pulling out of side streets are the biggest dangers.

    Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001), page 25

  3. In Maryland, what is the lowest alcohol test result that the law treats as prima facie evidence of driving while impaired by alcohol?

    • A 0.10
    • B 0.05
    • C 0.02
    • D 0.07
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    D. 0.07

    Under Maryland law, a test result of at least 0.07 but less than 0.08 is prima facie evidence of driving while impaired by alcohol, and 0.08 or more is under the influence per se. At 0.05 or less the law presumes you were not impaired. Impairment starts well below these levels, so the only safe choice is not to drink and ride.

    Source: Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration website

  4. You accidentally lock the rear wheel on a good-traction straight road. What should you do?

    • A Keep it locked until you have completely stopped
    • B Release it immediately and then reapply
    • C Release it and use only the front brake
    • D Lean the motorcycle to slow the skid
    Show answer

    A. Keep it locked until you have completely stopped

    If you lock the rear brake on a good-traction surface, keep it locked until you have completely stopped. You can still control the motorcycle on a straightaway if it is upright and going in a straight line.

    Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001), page 32