Washington Motorcycle Permit Exam Simulator

A full-length mock motorcycle knowledge test: 50 questions; DOL does not publish a pass mark, so we score at 80%. New questions every attempt.

How this simulator works

  • Knowledge test: 50 questions, 40 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 Washington test. Then you can review every answer with its explanation.
  • Questions are drawn fresh from the full Washington bank each time.

Sample questions

  1. What is the minimum age to get a motorcycle instruction permit in Washington?

    • A 16, and you must already hold a current Washington driver license
    • B 15, as long as you are enrolled in a rider training course
    • C 18, unless a parent rides with you
    • D 16, and no driver license is needed before you apply for the permit
    Show answer

    A. 16, and you must already hold a current Washington driver license

    Washington requires motorcycle instruction-permit riders to be at least 16 and to hold a current Washington driver license. A motorcycle permit is added to an existing driver license, so it cannot be your first license.

    Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator Manual, page 11

  2. What kind of helmet does Washington law require motorcycle riders to wear?

    • A A helmet that complies with DOT (Department of Transportation) standards
    • B A helmet only if the rider is under 18
    • C Any helmet, including a novelty helmet
    • D A Snell-certified full-face helmet with a tinted shield for daytime riding
    Show answer

    A. A helmet that complies with DOT (Department of Transportation) standards

    To ride legally in Washington you must wear a DOT-compliant helmet, shown by DOT labels on the outside back and inside the helmet. Head injury is the most common cause of rider death, and a quality helmet greatly improves your survival odds.

    Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator Manual, page 16

  3. You are riding at 30 mph and want to turn left. How do you start the lean using countersteering?

    • A Press forward on the right handgrip
    • B Turn the handlebars to the left like a bicycle at walking pace
    • C Press forward on the left handgrip
    • D Shift your weight to the right footpeg
    Show answer

    C. Press forward on the left handgrip

    To countersteer, press on the grip in the direction you want to turn: press left, lean left, go left. A motorcycle must lean to turn above walking pace, and a press on the grip is what starts that lean.

    Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator Manual, page 29

  4. What minimum following distance does the Washington manual recommend for motorcycles in ideal conditions?

    • A 2 seconds
    • B 3 seconds
    • C 12 seconds
    • D 1 second
    Show answer

    B. 3 seconds

    Washington recommends at least a three-second following distance for both two- and three-wheeled motorcycles, and three seconds is the absolute minimum for ideal conditions. Increase it for bad weather, fatigue, poor surfaces or heavy traffic.

    Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator Manual, page 56