Motorcycle Permit Knowledge Test (U.S., Class M)
Protective gear: practice questions
Our Motorcycle Permit bank has 33 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.
Question 1
What federal standard must a motorcycle helmet meet to be DOT compliant?
- FMVSS 218
- FMVSS 108
- FMVSS 571
- FMVSS 302
Show the answer
A. FMVSS 218 — A DOT compliant helmet is certified by its maker to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218.
Question 2
How should a riding jacket fit?
- Snug enough not to flap in the wind, yet loose enough to move freely
- Very loose, so that air can circulate under it and keep you cool on hot days
- Tight enough to restrict arm movement
- Short enough to leave the lower back open
Show the answer
A. Snug enough not to flap in the wind, yet loose enough to move freely — Jacket and pants should fit snugly enough to keep from flapping, yet loosely enough to move freely.
Question 3
Does adding decals or stick-on decorations to a DOT compliant helmet affect its safety?
- No, stick-on items do not affect its safety properties
- Yes, any decoration voids the helmet's DOT rating and makes it illegal
- Yes, unless the decals are reflective
- Only if more than half the shell is covered
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A. No, stick-on items do not affect its safety properties — California's handbook says stick-on items such as decals do not affect the safety properties of a compliant helmet.
Question 4
What share of the visible surface area of the rider and motorcycle together is the rider's body?
- About half
- About a tenth
- About a quarter
- Almost all of it
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A. About half — Your body is half of the visible surface area of the rider/motorcycle unit, so bright clothing matters.
Question 5
Which of these is NOT recommended as riding footwear?
- Over-the-ankle boots
- Closed-toe leather boots
- Flip flops or sandals
- Sturdy boots with slip-resistant soles
Show the answer
C. Flip flops or sandals — California's handbook says shoes such as flip flops or sandals are not recommended protective apparel.