New York Motorcycle Permit Practice Test 1

20 questions written from the New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC), with an explanation and page citation for every answer.

Question 1 of 20
Licensing & state lawsNew York rule

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

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. 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. 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

  3. Your throttle sticks open, and twisting it back and forth does not free it. What should you do?

    • A Use the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch
    • B Apply the front brake hard and hold it
    • C Shift into a higher gear
    • D Turn off the fuel valve and keep riding
    Show answer

    A. Use the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch

    If the throttle stays stuck, immediately operate the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch at the same time. This removes power from the rear wheel, though engine noise may not drop right away.

    Source: New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC), page 33

  4. How often should you make a complete check of your motorcycle?

    • A Once a week
    • B Before every ride
    • C Once a month
    • D Only before long trips
    Show answer

    B. Before every ride

    A motorcycle needs more attention than a car, so make a complete check before every ride: tires, fluids, lights, signals, brakes, clutch, throttle, mirrors and horn. A small failure that would only inconvenience a driver can cause a motorcycle crash.

    Source: New York State Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC), page 10