Iowa
Motorcycle Test

Passing your endorsement exam is a matter of knowing everything about your motorcycle. Our practice tests are designed with you in mind, ensuring that you are familiar with how these devices operate and what techniques you need to do when on the road with them. Our test is based on the official one, which pulls all of its questions from the Iowa Motorcycle Operator Manual, which can be picked up at your local DMV or downloaded online. When taking our practice test make sure you look over which questions you get wrong so you can look them up in the manual.

1 / 25

If you can't avoid an obstacle and must ride over it, you should:

Maintain your speed.

Slow down as much as safely possible.

Hit it at a high speed.

Brake hard when making contact.

2 / 25

The best way to learn motorcycle maintenance is to:

Internet research.

Read the owner's manual.

Ask other motorcycle owners.

Figuring it out on your own.

3 / 25

How should the throttle respond when you release it?

It should slowly return to idle.

It should remain in place.

It should snap back to idle.

It makes no difference.

4 / 25

Riding with a passenger:

Can make turning easier.

Can impact the handling of a motorcycle.

Is generally safer than riding alone.

Is illegal at night.

5 / 25

If you're stuck in a traffic jam on a freeway the best gear to be in is?

3rd

2nd

Neutral

1st

6 / 25

When approaching an intersection:

Never assume other drivers see you.

Use hand signals to alert the driver behind you.

Prepare to move through as quickly as possible.

Flash your lights.

7 / 25

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

The clutch is broken.

The throttle is not working.

A flat tire.

The fuel supply valve is closed.

8 / 25

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

When you want to drive faster than usual.

Road conditions create greater stopping distances.

When you feel drowsy.

If the person in front of you is driving slowly.

9 / 25

How long can the effects of marijuana last?

One hour.

Not for any significant amount of time.

Ten days.

More than six hours.

10 / 25

If alcohol and drugs are consumed together:

There is no difference.

They may counteract each other.

They may not effect some people.

Their effects can be more pronounced than if taken alone.

11 / 25

Shifting into a lower gear causes an effect similar to:

Hitting wet pavement.

Using the brakes.

Starting your motorcycle.

Hitting the throttle.

12 / 25

In car and motorcycle collisions, what percent are caused by the driver failing to properly yield the right-of-way to the rider?

Over 50 percent

25 percent

Less than 10 percent

Over 90 percent

13 / 25

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

Swerve toward them.

Ride in the middle of the lane.

Ride as closely to them as possible.

Make hand gestures.

14 / 25

You will normally find neutral where on a motorcycle?

Before 1st gear.

Between 1st and 2nd gear.

Between 3rd and 4th gear.

After 5th gear.

15 / 25

In slow tight turns you should counterbalance, which means...?

Leaning your body into the turn while the motorcycle is upright.

Staying upright and leaning the motorcycle.

Leaning with the motorcycle.

Leaning your body against the turn.

16 / 25

When braking, you should use:

Only rear brakes.

Whatever is convenient.

Both front and rear brakes.

Only front brakes.

17 / 25

Which surface provides the best traction?

Gravel

Wet pavement

Brick roads

Dry pavement

18 / 25

In hot weather, wearing a riding jacket:

Can help protect against heat exhaustion and dehydration.

Is not advised.

Can get you a ticket.

Can cause exhaustion and dehydration.

19 / 25

Your lane position should allow you to:

Signal to those around you.

Position yourself to make a turn.

Maximize your visibility.

Do all of these things.

20 / 25

When riding with a passenger in a sidecar you should always:

None of these are correct.

Expect to stop more quickly than usual.

Slow down sooner than usual.

Assume you are easier to see.

21 / 25

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

Reduce pressure on both brakes.

Increase pressure on both brakes.

Apply more rear brake pressure and less front brake pressure.

Apply more front brake pressure and less rear brake pressure.

22 / 25

The best way to avoid a crash is to:

Ride at the speed limit.

Make sure your bike is loud enough.

Have a valid license.

Make sure you are visible.

23 / 25

If you have to brake during a curve, the first thing you should do is:

Use only the rear brake.

Get the motorcycle upright.

Use only the front brake.

Lean into the turn.

24 / 25

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

Your odometer.

None of these are correct.

How clean your motorcycle is.

The general wear and tread of your tires.

25 / 25

A side stand can be dangerous unless it:

Has a spring that holds it locked down.

Has a functioning spring that holds it up tightly.

Returns most of the way to the up position.

Is easy to use.

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Motorcycle License

How To Get an Iowa Motorcycle License

Before you can take your motorcycle for a spin in the state of Iowa you're going to need the official endorsement from the state department of transportation. To get this endorsement you must first pass both a knowledge and skills test. Once passed, you will be given a Class M designation that proves you are safe to drive on Iowa's roads. Instruction permits are available and allow users to practice with another person that has a valid license.

Getting this permit requires passing both the knowledge exam and a vision screening. Individuals 14 through 17 may drive a motorcycle with an instruction permit with an immediate family member 21 years or older; or with another licensed adult 25 years or older who have written permission from their parent or guardian. Before you can apply for a full motorcycle license you must hold an instructional permit for 6 months.

Sometimes the best way to study for a test is to do it in a group and the Iowa Motorcycle Rider Education is just such a program. This 15-hour class divides into five hours spent in the classroom and the other 10 in hands-on demonstrations. In this Basic Rider Course (BRC) individuals learn basic skills like turning, shifting, and stopping. Once both the knowledge and skills parts of this class are completed you will be given a certificate of completion which can be taken to your local DMV to get your motorcycle endorsement. Test locations are found throughout the state of Iowa.

If you have just moved to Iowa and have a motorcycle endorsement from another state you will need to go to your local DMV and pass the knowledge, skills and vision tests along with surrendering your old license and paying applicable fees.

Motorcycle Test

Iowa Motorcycle License Test Tips

Before you can test your skills you first have to test your knowledge. This knowledge exam gives you an honest and objective measure of your knowledge of motorcycle operation, safety techniques, and traffic signals. When using this website in conjunction with the official operator's manual you are given all the tools necessary to do well on this test. This part of the exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions of which 20 of them must be answered correctly. Once completed you will earn your learner's permit and be able to practice your motorcycle skills in earnest.

Once you've held your instructional permit for 6 months you'll be eligible for the on-cycle skills part of the exam. This test shows that all your practice and diligence have paid off and that you are a safe motorcycle driver in the state of Iowa. You'll be teamed up with an examiner who will give you instructions on different skills you need to be able to do effectively such as quick turns, stopping, staying within boundaries, and more. Other skills you will have to do is sharp left turns and a right U-turn. If you accrue too many points or stall your engine four times during the course of the test you will be given an automatic failure. Look through the beginning of your operator's manual to see a list of permanent driver's license stations near you.

Additional Information

Information on the Iowa Department of Transportation

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

Website: https://www.iowataxandtags.org/drivers-license-services/motorcycle-license/
Phone: 800.532.1121

To find the office hours and / or location nearest you, please visit:
https://www.iowataxandtags.org/contact/

Additional Iowa Motorcycle License Helpful Links

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

Iowa Motorcycle Test