District of Columbia
Motorcycle Test

Traffic, traffic, traffic! If for no other reason than the perpetual gridlock, you should apply to get a Washington DC Motorcycle license. Actually, in the District of Columbia, they're called a motorcycle endorsement which means you must hold a valid passenger vehicle license before legally riding a motorcycle. Regardless, getting around all those stopped cars will be worth it. Use our practice test to bone up on the questions so you pass the first time! You will be presented with 25 questions and you must answer 20 questions correctly to pass. There is no time limit. You may not go back once you answer a question. Click the "Start Quiz" button below to begin. Good luck!

1 / 25

If your motorcycle starts to handle differently during a ride you should:

Ride until you find the next service station.

Maintain speed and test both brakes.

Pull over and check the tires.

Check the motorcycle's tires once you return home.

2 / 25

A good way of 'bonding' with your motorcycle is to:

Change positions often.

Share it with other riders.

Use your arms to steer rather than support.

Spend more time on the motorcycle when not riding it.

3 / 25

When riding with a passenger, you should inform the passenger to:

Only get on the motorcycle after you've started the engine.

Get on before starting the engine.

Grab onto your collar while riding.

None of these are correct.

4 / 25

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

The motorcyclist

The car driver

Both drivers

Neither

5 / 25

How long can the effects of marijuana last?

One hour.

More than six hours.

Not for any significant amount of time.

Ten days.

6 / 25

You should maintain a cushion of space around you to:

Have more time to react.

All of these things.

Provide an escape route.

Have room to maneuver.

7 / 25

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

Make hand gestures.

Swerve toward them.

Ride in the middle of the lane.

Ride as closely to them as possible.

8 / 25

Where will you usually find the fuel supply valve on a motorcycle?

Below the gas tank.

Near the brake.

Under the seat.

Next to the ignition.

9 / 25

A pre-ride inspection should be done:

Once per year.

Whenver is convenient.

Before every ride.

At least once per month.

10 / 25

Taking corners too fast:

Is the safest way to make a turn.

Helps riders stay in their lane.

Can cause the rider to swerve out of their lane.

Isn't an issue since motorcycles are easy to maneuver.

11 / 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 90 percent

Less than 10 percent

25 percent

Over 50 percent

12 / 25

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

Take deep breaths to increase your oxygen levels.

Speed up to get to your destination quickly.

Stop as soon as possible and get some rest.

Ride slowly to remain safe.

13 / 25

Shifting into a lower gear causes an effect similar to:

Starting your motorcycle.

Hitting the throttle.

Hitting wet pavement.

Using the brakes.

14 / 25

What is the best position within the lane while riding a motorcycle?

It varies depending on the circumstances.

The left side of the lane.

The middle of the lane.

The right side of the lane.

15 / 25

Motorcycles:

Have blind spots that should be routinely checked.

Have no blind spots.

Can only be ridden in the state where they are registered.

Can only be ridden safely during the day.

16 / 25

To stop quickly, the best method is to:

Use only your rear brakes.

Use both brakes simultaneously.

Downshift.

Use only your front brakes.

17 / 25

Brightly-colored helmets:

Are for fashion only.

Are distracting to other drivers.

Do not offer the same protection as other helmets.

Make riders more visible.

18 / 25

You should check to make sure that your brake light:

At least works with the rear pedal.

Works with at least one lever.

Operates with both levers independently.

At least works with both levers at once.

19 / 25

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

Losing tire pressure.

A front wheel skid.

Braking your clutch.

A rear wheel skid.

20 / 25

Which surface provides the best traction?

Brick roads

Gravel

Dry pavement

Wet pavement

21 / 25

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

None of these are correct.

The general wear and tread of your tires.

Your odometer.

How clean your motorcycle is.

22 / 25

When approaching an intersection:

Prepare to move through as quickly as possible.

Never assume other drivers see you.

Flash your lights.

Use hand signals to alert the driver behind you.

23 / 25

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

Are able to stabilize the motorcycle.

Get through the turn as quickly as possible.

To let people know you're approaching.

Can pass anyone going too slow.

24 / 25

If alcohol and drugs are consumed together:

They may not effect some people.

Their effects can be more pronounced than if taken alone.

There is no difference.

They may counteract each other.

25 / 25

If wet road conditions create a longer stopping distance, you should:

Increase your following distance.

Get off the road.

Prepare to brake aggressively.

None of these are correct.

Your score is

The average score is 80%

5/5 - (1 vote)

District of Columbia Drivers Test

District of Columbia Motorcycle Test

District of Columbia CDL Test

Motorcycle License

How To Get A District of Columbia Motorcycle License

In order to get a motorcycle endorsement in the District of Columbia you need to have a valid REAL ID driver's license or Limited Purpose License. If you do not have one of these two documents you will need to furnish additional documentation to the Washington DC DMV.

In addition, you must pass the Washington DC motorcycle knowledge test. (PRO TIP: Practice practice practice using our District of Columbia motorcycle practice test at the top of the page. You'll ace your knowledge test!) You can take the motorcycle knowledge test at any DC DMV Service Center. You do not need to have an appointment to take the test. A list of service centers can be found here.

Please note, the Washington DC DMV Service Centers no longer offer a motorcycle road skills test. All riders must complete a motorcycle demonstration course and provide a certificate of completion to demonstrate competence. Additionally, be prepared to pay the DMV Fees. The assessed fees can vary based on a number of factors. For a full list of possible charges, please see the Washington DC Driver's License Fees page. You can pay the fees using cash, check, money order, or credit card. Accepted credit cards are Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.

Motorcycle Test

District of Columbia Motorcycle License Safety Tips

Potential motorcycle riders must be aware that controlling a motorcycle is vastly different than controlling a four-wheeled motor vehicle. A motorcycle can accelerate and decelerate more quickly than a car but they are also much less stable and provide nearly no protection in a collision. Therefore, a rider must be constantly vigilant to avoid dangerous situations. Some safety tips for riders are:

Take a training course and stay current on your motorcycle skills.
Approximately 70% of incidents occur in intersections. Be hyper-aware in these areas.
Often other drivers have difficulty seeing motorcycles. Practice defensive driving and stay away from vehicles' blind spots.

Be aware of road conditions. A little bit of rain or a slick road can really put a hurt on your day.
Wear appropriate clothing and a DOT approved helmet.
Lane splitting (riding in between two lanes) is not legal in the District of Columbia. Stay in your own lane and signal properly to change lanes.
Riding a motorcycle while carrying a passenger requires more skill than riding solo. Do not carry passengers until you are extremely confident in your abilities riding alone.
STAY SOBER! RIDE SAFE!

Additional Information

Information on the Washington DC Department of Motor Vehicles

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

Website: https://dmv.dc.gov/service/get-motorcycle-endorsement
Phone: 202.737.4404
Email: [email protected]

To find the office hours and / or location nearest you, please visit:
https://dmv.dc.gov/page/all-DC-DMV-locations

Additional Washington DC Motorcycle License Helpful Links

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