Illinois
Motorcycle Test

The best way to pass the Illinois motorcycle exam is just like any exam - practice! Our website is specifically designed based on the official knowledge test you’ll take at the Secretary of State. The biggest exception is that if you fail our test you can take it again. Before you attempt you should first go through the Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual which can be picked up at your local Illinois SOS or downloaded online here. When you take our practice test make sure to note which questions you get wrong so you can restudy them in your manual. Click the "Start Test" button below to begin your practice test.

1 / 25

When should you reduce your following distance?

When traffic is heavy.

When following another motorcycle.

When on dry pavement.

In light traffic.

2 / 25

Should you wear a riding jacket if the weather is warm?

Not if the temperature is over 80 degrees.

Yes, riding jackets are made to keep the rider cool, even in warm weather.

Never.

It depends on the humidity.

3 / 25

In ideal conditions, your following distance should be:

Two seconds.

One second.

Four seconds.

Whatever feels safe to the rider.

4 / 25

In a motorcycle and car crash, the blame usually falls on:

Both drivers

The car driver

Neither

The motorcyclist

5 / 25

How should the throttle respond when you release it?

It makes no difference.

It should slowly return to idle.

It should remain in place.

It should snap back to idle.

6 / 25

As you ride you should monitor your path of travel up to where you will be in how many seconds?

5 seconds

20 seconds

30 seconds

12 seconds

7 / 25

Going through a curve, you should look where you want to go by turning:

Only your head.

Your head and shoulders.

Only your eyes.

Your entire upper body.

8 / 25

Expand the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you when:

Road conditions create greater stopping distances.

When you feel drowsy.

If the person in front of you is driving slowly.

When you want to drive faster than usual.

9 / 25

Which of the following should you inspect during a pre-ride check?

The general wear and tread of your tires.

None of these are correct.

How clean your motorcycle is.

Your odometer.

10 / 25

As you go through a braking maneuver, the changes in traction tells you that you should:

Increase pressure on both brakes.

Apply more front brake pressure and less rear brake pressure.

Reduce pressure on both brakes.

Apply more rear brake pressure and less front brake pressure.

11 / 25

If alcohol and drugs are consumed together:

They may not effect some people.

Their effects can be more pronounced than if taken alone.

They may counteract each other.

There is no difference.

12 / 25

Cold medicine and other over the counter drugs:

Don't impact a rider's abilities.

Are safe to use before operation.

Aren't encouraged to use before a ride, but pose no safety hazards.

Can affect a rider's abilities to safely operate their motorcycle.

13 / 25

If you are going too fast when you downshift, you run the risk of:

A rear wheel skid.

A front wheel skid.

Braking your clutch.

Losing tire pressure.

14 / 25

Shifting into a lower gear causes an effect similar to:

Using the brakes.

Hitting the throttle.

Starting your motorcycle.

Hitting wet pavement.

15 / 25

You will normally find neutral where on a motorcycle?

Between 1st and 2nd gear.

Between 3rd and 4th gear.

After 5th gear.

Before 1st gear.

16 / 25

Riding with a passenger:

Is illegal at night.

Can impact the handling of a motorcycle.

Is generally safer than riding alone.

Can make turning easier.

17 / 25

Your lane position should allow you to:

Do all of these things.

Position yourself to make a turn.

Signal to those around you.

Maximize your visibility.

18 / 25

You should roll on the throttle slightly as you go through a turn so that you:

Are able to stabilize the motorcycle.

Can pass anyone going too slow.

To let people know you're approaching.

Get through the turn as quickly as possible.

19 / 25

Proper motorcycle clothing should:

Not be leather in warm weather.

Never cover your arms or legs.

Only flap slightly when riding.

Protect you in the event of a crash.

20 / 25

If you get tired while riding, the best thing to do is:

Take deep breaths to increase your oxygen levels.

Ride slowly to remain safe.

Speed up to get to your destination quickly.

Stop as soon as possible and get some rest.

21 / 25

When riding at night, your following distance should be:

Longer than it is during the day.

Should be the same as it is during the day.

Whatever distance feels comfortable.

Shorter than it is during the day.

22 / 25

If your motorcycle starts and then cuts out shortly after and will not restart, the most likely issue is:

The throttle is not working.

The clutch is broken.

A flat tire.

The fuel supply valve is closed.

23 / 25

A helmeted rider is how many times more likely to survive a crash than a rider not wearing a helmet?

Ten times.

Three times.

There is no difference in survival rates.

Two times.

24 / 25

How can you encourage cars to avoid trying to share your lane?

Swerve toward them.

Make hand gestures.

Ride as closely to them as possible.

Ride in the middle of the lane.

25 / 25

Why do motorcycles need more attention than cars?

Minor issues can prove fatal on motorcycles.

Motorcycles are poorly constructed.

Motorcycles have more parts than cars.

All of these reasons.

Your score is

The average score is 0%

5/5 - (1 vote)

Motorcycle License

How To Get an Illinois Motorcycle License

You can't have the wind whipping past you as you speed down the Illinois roads if you don't have the proper endorsement first. Getting this endorsement is just a matter of passing a two-part exam that includes a written and on-cycle skills test. Once passed you will be awarded either a Class L or M on your license; the former which is for a motor-driven cycle less than 150cc and the latter for a motorcycle 150cc or greater displacement. For those that just want to practice, instructional permits are available. These permits last 12 months and restrict driving to daylight hours and under the direct supervision of a licensed motorist 21 years or older. Achieving a full license is applicable to anyone who passes the test and is 18 years or older. Those younger than 18 must first complete an approved driver education course before attempting for their motorcycle endorsement.

If you are unsure that you can pass either the knowledge or skills test of the motorcycle endorsement you need not despair. Basic Rider Courses (BRC) are available and get you up to speed on everything related to motorcycles. This 20-hour safety programs include both classroom and hands-on instructions. In it you'll learn the basic operations and fundamental skills you'll need to handle a motorcycle properly. With things like shifting, swerving, and other mental strategies you need to imbibe. Check out and sign up for a class today at one of the many locations.

Those with a motorcycle endorsement from another state and have just moved to Illinois need to do the following to get an Illinois endorsement:

Surrender your out of state license(s)
Pay the license fee
Pass the vision screening, written, and driving exam

Motorcycle Test

Illinois Motorcycle License Test Tips

The first part of the exam, the knowledge portion, will test to see if you know all the ins and outs of motorcycle operation, basic traffic safety, and specific techniques you need to know before you put the rubber on the road. The purpose of this test is to prove you are familiar with everything that goes into a motorcycle. You’ll be given 25 multiple-choice questions which 20 of them must be answered correctly. Using the information on this website in conjunction with the operator’s manual will ensure that you pass this test with flying colors.

The next portion is the on-cycle skills test, which shows an examiner that you are competent enough to drive a motorcycle on the roads of Illinois safely. In this exam, someone will give you a series of instructions which you then must complete to the best of your ability. These skills include basic things like accelerating, braking and turning. More advanced techniques related to swerving, quick stops, and others will also be tested. The Illinois Department of Transportation oversees this testing and to find a test site look through their facility finder.

Additional Information

Information on the Illinois Secretary of State

The IDOT is responsible for testing student drivers and licensing all drivers. To schedule your licensing examination or get more information contact them via:

Website: https://idot.illinois.gov/transportation-system/safety/roadway/ssm/m-class
Phone: 217.782.7820
Email: [email protected]

To find the office hours and / or location nearest you, please visit:
https://idot.illinois.gov/transportation-system/safety/roadway/ssm/contact-us

Additional Illinois Motorcycle License Helpful Links

Please use the links below to learn more about helpful topics related to the Illinois motorcycle license test or other motorcycle license related topics.

Illinois Motorcycle Test