Michigan Motorcycle Permit Practice Test 1
21 questions written from the Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116), with an explanation and page citation for every answer.
Your friend has a valid Michigan operator's license but no CY endorsement. May he ride his two-wheeled motorcycle on a public street?
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
Your friend has a valid Michigan operator's license but no CY endorsement. May he ride his two-wheeled motorcycle on a public street?
- A No, he must first add a motorcycle endorsement to his license
- B Yes, a valid operator's license covers any motor vehicle
- C Yes, as long as he stays on streets posted at 35 mph or less
- D Only if another licensed motorcyclist rides with him as a passenger
Show answer
A. No, he must first add a motorcycle endorsement to his license
Michigan law says that before anyone operates a motorcycle (other than an autocycle) on a public street or highway, they must have a motorcycle endorsement, the CY, on their operator's or chauffeur's license. The endorsement shows you have proven the extra knowledge and skill a motorcycle demands.
Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116), page 17
When used correctly, about how much of your total stopping power does the front brake provide?
- A About 25 percent
- B About 50 percent, the same as the rear
- C 70 percent or more
- D Very little, so the rear brake should do most of the work
Show answer
C. 70 percent or more
The front brake can supply 70 percent or more of your stopping power, because braking shifts the motorcycle's weight forward onto the front tire. That is why the front brake is needed for effective speed reduction, and using both brakes shortens your stopping distance.
Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116), page 40
How many paths of travel (lane positions) does each traffic lane give a motorcycle?
- A Only one
- B Three
- C Two
- D Four
Show answer
B. Three
Each lane gives a motorcycle three paths of travel: left, center and right. A responsible rider moves among them to see and be seen, avoid surface hazards and keep a space cushion.
Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116), page 45
Your front tire goes flat while riding. Why is this especially hazardous?
- A It makes the rear brake stop working
- B It affects your steering, so you must steer well to stay balanced
- C It causes the engine to stall immediately
- D It makes the throttle stick open
Show answer
B. It affects your steering, so you must steer well to stay balanced
With a front flat, the steering feels heavy and is harder to control, which makes it particularly hazardous. A rear flat is more likely to make the back of the motorcycle jerk or sway. In either case you must steer smoothly to keep your balance.
Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116), page 55