Pennsylvania Motorcycle Permit Practice Test 3

20 questions written from the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147), with an explanation and page citation for every answer.

Question 1 of 20
Lane position & seeing

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

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. 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

  2. How should a motorcycle helmet fit to give the most protection?

    • A Loosely, so it is comfortable on long rides
    • B Tight at the base and loose at the top
    • C Snugly, all the way around
    • D Loose enough to slide on without unfastening the strap
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    C. Snugly, all the way around

    A helmet protects best when it meets DOT standards, fits snugly all the way around and has no obvious defects. A snug, fastened helmet stays in place during a crash instead of shifting or flying off.

    Source: Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147), page 6

  3. Your rear tire suddenly goes flat. What are you most likely to feel?

    • A The back end jerking or swaying from side to side
    • B The steering feeling heavy
    • C A loud bang followed by engine shutdown
    • D An instant loss of engine power to the rear wheel and chain
    Show answer

    A. The back end jerking or swaying from side to side

    If the rear tire goes flat, the back of the motorcycle may jerk or sway from side to side; a front flat makes the steering feel heavy. You will seldom hear a tire go flat, so learn to recognize the change in handling.

    Source: Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147), page 31

  4. You stop at a red light with a passenger on board. What should your passenger do with their feet?

    • A Put both feet on the ground
    • B Put one foot down to help balance
    • C Keep both feet on the pegs
    • D Rest their feet near the muffler
    Show answer

    C. Keep both feet on the pegs

    Tell your passenger to keep both feet on the pegs, even when stopped, and to keep legs away from the mufflers, chain and other moving parts. Give these instructions before you start, even if your passenger also rides.

    Source: Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147), page 34