United States · Permit test
There’s no single national motorcycle permit test. Each state’s DMV writes its own, sets its own fees and decides whether you need a rider course first. What doesn’t change much is the riding knowledge behind it: gear, lane position, braking, curves and hazards. This guide covers the shared basics and the rules in California, Texas, Florida and New York. There’s a free 20-question practice test further down.
Key facts
How it works
Topics
What to wear before you ride, and why each piece matters in a crash.
Learn the controls and check the motorcycle before every ride.
How to use the three paths in your lane and keep a space cushion.
The core control skills that keep you upright in normal riding and emergencies.
Why intersections are the biggest risk and how to make drivers notice you.
Dangerous surfaces and what to do when something goes wrong with the motorcycle.
Carrying a passenger or load safely, and riding in a group without getting in each other’s way.
Free practice test
These 20 questions are our own, written from the California Motorcycle Handbook and checked against New York’s motorcycle manual. They cover the safety basics most state tests ask about. Real tests vary: New York’s has 20 questions with 14 needed to pass, while California asks for 80%. We use 80% here, so 16 right is a pass. After each answer you can ask the tutor to explain it another way.
Sample of the permit test: same format, 20 questions.
Test day
Study options
Your state’s motorcycle manual is free, and the test comes from it. Read that first. If your state requires or rewards a rider course, that’s worth booking early. We’ve compared the courses, apps and websites people use.
| Option | Price | Free to use | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official and free | |||
Your state’s motorcycle manualOfficial · web and PDFEvery state publishes one, and the test comes from it. California’s is the Motorcycle Handbook (DL 665), New York’s is the MV-21MC, and Texas posts a Motorcycle Operator Manual through TDLR. Start here before you pay for anything. | Free | The whole manual | |
California DMV sample motorcycle testOfficial · webShort, but written by DMV in the style of the real California test. Useful for any state, since the safety content overlaps a lot. | Free | A 10-question sample test | |
| Apps and websites | |||
Driving-Tests.org and DMV GenieWeb and app · all statesThese two are the same company. The website has free motorcycle tests for each state, with explanations. The DMV Genie app covers car, motorcycle and CDL, and has 4.8 stars from about 184,000 ratings on the App Store. | Free with ads, Premium upgrade | State motorcycle practice tests, no account needed | |
DMV Motorcycle Permit Test (Iteration Mobile)App · iPhoneThe most-rated motorcycle-only app: 4.6 stars from about 2,300 ratings. Over 340 questions, practice by topic and a link to your state’s manual. | Free with ads ($2.99 to remove them) | Practice tests and mock tests | |
Motorcycle DMV Written Test (Infinity Loop)App · iPhoneState-by-state motorcycle tests in English and Spanish, with no sign-up. Rated 4.8 stars from about 700 ratings. Some reviewers mention ads during tests. | Free with ads | All practice tests | |
| In person | |||
Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic RiderCourseCourse · nationwideThe standard beginner course in many states, with online or classroom lessons and then on-bike training. Florida requires it for the endorsement, and New York accepts it to waive the road test. Use MSF’s site to find a course near you. | Set by the local training provider | Nothing; some providers include the online eCourse | |
California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP)Course · CaliforniaThe CHP-approved course. It’s required for riders under 21, and the DL 389 certificate you get can waive the DMV skills test if you hand it in within 12 months. | Set by the program; ask your training site | Nothing | |
TDLR-approved motorcycle schoolsCourse · TexasTexas requires every applicant to finish one. The MSB-8 certificate is valid for 24 months and lets DPS waive the knowledge test. | Set by each school | Nothing | |
Florida Rider Training ProgramCourse · FloridaThe Basic RiderCourse here is required by Florida law for the motorcycle endorsement. Some other courses, like the Advanced RiderCourse, don’t count for a new endorsement. | Set by each sponsor | Nothing | |
Prices and ratings checked October 2026.
Explore
FAQ
It depends on your state. New York’s test has 20 multiple-choice questions, and you need 14 right, including at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions. California says its test is multiple choice with an 80% pass mark, but doesn’t publish the number of questions. In Texas, the required course lets DPS waive the knowledge test altogether.
Usually not, as of October 2026. California and New York describe the motorcycle knowledge test as one you take at a DMV office. Some rider courses start with an online part, but that alone doesn’t get you a permit. Check your own state’s DMV page, since a few states do run online tests.
As of October 2026, it’s $46 for a California Class M1 or M2 application, $16 to add a motorcycle to an existing Texas license, and $7 for the endorsement in Florida, plus your license fee. In New York, the Class M fee is $68.75 to $97.50, depending on your age, and it covers the permit and the license. Rider courses cost extra and are paid to the course provider.
It varies. You can start at 15 in Texas, though you’re limited to motorcycles of 250cc or less until 16. In California the minimum is 15½. In New York and Florida it’s 16. If you’re under 18, expect extra steps, like a parent’s signature or driver education.
In some states, yes. Texas requires a state-approved course for everyone. Florida requires the Basic RiderCourse before it adds the endorsement. California requires a course if you’re under 21. In New York the course is optional, but it can replace your road test.
Mostly riding safety from your state’s motorcycle manual: protective gear, checking your motorcycle, lane position, following distance, braking, curves, intersections, slippery surfaces and group riding. Some states, like New York, also include road-sign questions.
Which of these protects your whole face if you crash?
A face shield, lowered and locked in place A face shield that’s down and locked covers your whole face. Goggles only cover your eyes, and a windshield or sunglasses are not a substitute for real eye and face protection.
What should you look for when you choose a motorcycle helmet?
It meets U.S. DOT safety standards and fits snugly A helmet should meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards, fit snugly and stay fastened. A loose or non-DOT helmet may not protect you, or may come off, when you need it most.
Which footwear is best for riding?
Boots high enough to cover your ankles, with hard, slip-resistant soles Boots or sturdy shoes should cover and support your ankles. The soles should be hard, durable and slip-resistant, heels should be short, and laces should be tucked in so they can’t catch.
During your pre-ride check, how should the throttle behave?
It should snap back when you let go of it Before each ride, check that the clutch and throttle work smoothly. The throttle should snap back closed when you release it. If it doesn’t, it could stick open while you’re riding.
You’re about to ride a motorcycle you haven’t ridden before. What should you do?
Ride cautiously, accelerate gently and leave extra room to stop Every motorcycle reacts a little differently. Learn where the controls are first, then ride carefully: gentle acceleration, slower turns and more room to stop.
Under normal conditions, what’s the minimum following distance behind the vehicle ahead?
2 seconds Keep at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle ahead. Pick a fixed marker and count “one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two” after the vehicle passes it. If you reach the marker first, you’re too close.
When should you open up your following distance to 3 seconds or more?
When the pavement is slippery, traffic is heavy or you can’t see past the vehicle ahead Add space when you need more time to stop or more time to spot trouble: slippery pavement, heavy traffic, or a vehicle ahead you can’t see through. Many manuals also add riding at night.
There are vehicles on both sides of you. Which part of your lane is usually best?
The center of the lane With traffic on both sides, the center of the lane (path 2) is usually best. It keeps the most space between you and the vehicles on each side and helps stop others from sharing your lane.
About how much of your stopping power comes from the front brake?
About three-quarters The front brake gives about three-quarters of your stopping power. Use both brakes every time you slow or stop, squeezing the front and pressing the rear, so the habit is there in an emergency.
What should you do as you ride through a curve?
Roll on the throttle to hold a steady speed or speed up gently Slow down before the curve, look through it, lean, then roll on the throttle through the turn. A steady or gently rising speed stabilizes the suspension and keeps the motorcycle steady.
You want to turn left. Which handgrip do you press to make the motorcycle lean left?
The left handgrip To lean, you press on the handgrip in the direction of the turn. Press left, lean left, go left. Press right, lean right, go right.
You must swerve around something in the road, and you also need to slow down. When should you brake?
Before or after the swerve, but never while swerving Keep braking and swerving separate. Brake before or after, never during the swerve. Braking while you swerve, especially with the front brake, can make the motorcycle fall over.
Over half of motorcycle and car crashes are caused by what?
Drivers entering a rider’s right-of-way Over one-half of motorcycle and passenger vehicle collisions are caused by drivers entering a rider’s right-of-way. Cars turning left in front of you and cars pulling out of side streets are the biggest dangers.
A driver at a side street looks right at you. What should you assume?
They may still pull out, so be ready to brake or swerve Never count on eye contact as a sign a driver will yield. Drivers can look right at a motorcyclist and still not “see” them. If a vehicle can enter your path, assume it will.
What’s the best way to help other drivers see your motorcycle during the day?
Keep your headlight on at all times Keep your headlight on at all times. A motorcycle with its light on is about twice as likely to be noticed. Bright or reflective clothing helps too.
You need to cross railroad tracks that run beside your path, almost parallel to it. How should you cross them?
Move away, then cross at an angle of at least 45 degrees with a quick, sharp turn For tracks or seams running parallel to your course, move far enough away to cross at an angle of at least 45 degrees, then make a quick, sharp turn. Edging across could catch your tires and throw you off balance.
Your throttle sticks open while you’re riding. What should you try first?
Twist the throttle back and forth several times Twist the throttle back and forth several times. That may free a stuck cable. If it stays stuck, use the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch at the same time, then stop and check it before riding again.
Your front wheel and handlebars start to shake from side to side (a wobble). What should you do?
Grip the handlebars firmly, roll off the throttle gradually and don’t brake Grip the handlebars firmly but don’t fight the wobble. Roll off the throttle gradually, don’t use the brakes, and move your weight forward and down. Then leave the road and fix the cause, often loading or tire pressure.
How should a group of riders ride on a straight road?
In a staggered formation, with the leader in the left part of the lane A staggered formation keeps the group close with space around each rider. The leader rides in the left part of the lane, the second rider one second behind in the right part, and the third two seconds behind the leader. Switch to single file for curves, turns and entering or leaving a highway.
You’re going to carry a passenger. What should you tell them?
Get on after the engine is running, sit as far forward as possible and keep both feet on the footrests Tell your passenger to get on only after you start the engine, sit as far forward as possible without crowding you, hold your waist, hips or belt, and keep both feet on the footrests, even when stopped. They should lean with you.