New York Motorcycle Permit Exam Simulator

A full-length mock motorcycle knowledge test: 20 questions, 14 correct to pass (70%). New questions every attempt.

How this simulator works

  • Knowledge test: 20 questions, 14 correct to pass.
  • No time limit, like the real test. Take your time.
  • You won’t see whether you were right until the end, just like at the New York test. Then you can review every answer with its explanation.
  • Questions are drawn fresh from the full New York bank each time.

Sample questions

  1. You are 25 and practice on a New York motorcycle learner permit outside New York City and Long Island. Who may supervise you?

    • A A licensed motorcyclist age 21 or older
    • B Any licensed car driver age 18 or older
    • C Any adult who has passed the permit test
    • D A licensed motorcyclist age 18 or older
    Show answer

    A. A licensed motorcyclist age 21 or older

    Outside New York City and Long Island, your supervisor must hold a valid motorcycle license and be at least 21. (In New York City and on Long Island the supervisor must also be a parent, guardian or driving instructor.) A fully licensed rider can spot mistakes and coach you before they turn into crashes.

    Source: New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC), page 4

  2. During a quick stop, your front wheel locks. What should you do?

    • A Keep the front brake locked until you stop
    • B Release both brakes and coast to a stop
    • C Release the front brake immediately, then reapply it firmly
    • D Pump the rear brake rapidly
    Show answer

    C. Release the front brake immediately, then reapply it firmly

    If the front wheel locks, release the front brake immediately, then reapply it firmly while pressing the rear brake. A locked front tire has no steering grip and can quickly cause a fall.

    Source: New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC), page 27

  3. What is the normal minimum following distance behind the vehicle ahead?

    • A One second
    • B Four seconds
    • C One motorcycle length per 10 mph
    • D Two seconds
    Show answer

    D. Two seconds

    Normally keep at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead, counted from when its rear bumper passes a fixed marker. Motorcycles need as much distance to stop as cars, and following too closely is a major factor in motorcycle crashes.

    Source: New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC), page 17

  4. What does New York law require every motorcycle operator and passenger to wear?

    • A A helmet only if they are under age 21
    • B A helmet meeting USDOT motorcycle helmet standards
    • C A helmet only on highways with higher speed limits
    • D Any bicycle or sports helmet that fits snugly
    Show answer

    B. A helmet meeting USDOT motorcycle helmet standards

    New York has a universal helmet law: all operators and passengers must wear approved motorcycle helmets meeting USDOT Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. Most riders crash at under 30 mph, where a helmet cuts head injuries by half.

    Source: New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC), page 5