Pennsylvania Motorcycle Permit Exam Simulator

A full-length mock motorcycle knowledge test: Pennsylvania does not publish the count or pass mark; we use 30 questions at 80%. New questions every attempt.

How this simulator works

  • Knowledge test: 30 questions, 24 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 Pennsylvania test. Then you can review every answer with its explanation.
  • Questions are drawn fresh from the full Pennsylvania bank each time.

Sample questions

  1. When may you ride with a Pennsylvania Class M learner's permit?

    • A Between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.
    • B At any hour if you wear reflective gear
    • C Only between sunrise and sunset
    • D At any hour after holding the permit for 30 days
    Show answer

    C. Only between sunrise and sunset

    A Pennsylvania Class M permit allows riding only between sunrise and sunset. Night riding is harder because you are harder to see and distances are harder to judge, so learners are kept to daylight hours.

    Source: Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147), page 41

  2. Under Pennsylvania law, what equipment must a motorcycle have to carry a passenger, other than in a sidecar or enclosed cab?

    • A Footrests and handholds for the passenger
    • B A backrest or sissy bar mounted behind the passenger seat
    • C A second set of mirrors
    • D A larger fuel tank
    Show answer

    A. Footrests and handholds for the passenger

    Pennsylvania law requires any motorcycle carrying a passenger, other than in a sidecar or enclosed cab, to have footrests and handholds for the passenger. The footrests let the passenger keep both feet on the pegs, even when stopped, as the manual instructs.

    Source: Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147), page 33

  3. In normal conditions, what is the minimum following distance the Pennsylvania manual recommends behind the vehicle ahead?

    • A Four seconds
    • B One second
    • C Two seconds
    • D Ten seconds
    Show answer

    A. Four seconds

    Normally keep at least four seconds behind the vehicle ahead: count from when its rear bumper passes a fixed marker until you reach it. Motorcycles need as much distance to stop as cars, and the gap also gives you a better view of potholes and other hazards.

    Source: Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147), page 14

  4. You cannot avoid riding over an obstacle in the road. How should you position yourself?

    • A Sit down firmly and grip the tank with your knees
    • B Lean far forward over the handlebars
    • C Rise slightly off the seat with your weight on the footpegs
    • D Put your feet down to steady the motorcycle
    Show answer

    C. Rise slightly off the seat with your weight on the footpegs

    If you must ride over an obstacle, slow down, keep the motorcycle straight and rise slightly off the seat with your weight on the footpegs. Your knees and elbows then absorb the shock, which helps keep you from being thrown off.

    Source: Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147), page 28