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

Cold medicine and other over the counter drugs:

Don't impact a rider's abilities.

Are safe to use before operation.

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

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

2 / 25

In terms of lane positioning, you should divide the land into:

2 parts

5 parts

4 parts

3 parts

3 / 25

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

Below the gas tank.

Near the brake.

Next to the ignition.

Under the seat.

4 / 25

How much of a motorcycle's braking power does the front brake provide?

Roughly three quarters.

One quarter.

None.

Half.

5 / 25

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

12 seconds

5 seconds

30 seconds

20 seconds

6 / 25

If alcohol and drugs are consumed together:

They may not effect some people.

They may counteract each other.

There is no difference.

Their effects can be more pronounced than if taken alone.

7 / 25

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

Use your arms to steer rather than support.

Share it with other riders.

Spend more time on the motorcycle when not riding it.

Change positions often.

8 / 25

Proper motorcycle clothing should:

Never cover your arms or legs.

Only flap slightly when riding.

Not be leather in warm weather.

Protect you in the event of a crash.

9 / 25

To reduce your chances of being in a crash you should:

Only ride at night.

Use your turn signals when making a lane change.

Avoid highways.

Never go below the posted speed limit.

10 / 25

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

Ten times.

Two times.

Three times.

There is no difference in survival rates.

11 / 25

How should the throttle respond when you release it?

It should slowly return to idle.

It should snap back to idle.

It should remain in place.

It makes no difference.

12 / 25

If braking in a curve:

You will have improved traction throughout the turn.

Never brake in a curve.

None of these are correct.

You may have less traction as you lean into the curve.

13 / 25

Riding with a passenger:

Is generally safer than riding alone.

Is illegal at night.

Can make turning easier.

Can impact the handling of a motorcycle.

14 / 25

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

The clutch is broken.

A flat tire.

The fuel supply valve is closed.

The throttle is not working.

15 / 25

A side stand can be dangerous unless it:

Is easy to use.

Has a spring that holds it locked down.

Returns most of the way to the up position.

Has a functioning spring that holds it up tightly.

16 / 25

To stop quickly, the best method is to:

Use both brakes simultaneously.

Use only your rear brakes.

Use only your front brakes.

Downshift.

17 / 25

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

Never.

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

Not if the temperature is over 80 degrees.

It depends on the humidity.

18 / 25

When preparing to pass a vehicle on the left, it is important to ride on the left side of your lane because:

So you can signal to oncoming traffic.

It will give you the best chance of spotting hazards in the next lane.

All of these reasons.

The left side of the lane is the safest part of the lane.

19 / 25

Brightly-colored helmets:

Are distracting to other drivers.

Are for fashion only.

Make riders more visible.

Do not offer the same protection as other helmets.

20 / 25

When riding at night, your following distance should be:

Longer than it is during the day.

Shorter than it is during the day.

Should be the same as it is during the day.

Whatever distance feels comfortable.

21 / 25

You should maintain a cushion of space around you to:

Provide an escape route.

Have more time to react.

Have room to maneuver.

All of these things.

22 / 25

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

Both drivers

The motorcyclist

Neither

The car driver

23 / 25

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

Apply more front brake pressure and less rear brake pressure.

Increase pressure on both brakes.

Reduce pressure on both brakes.

Apply more rear brake pressure and less front brake pressure.

24 / 25

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

Slow down sooner than usual.

None of these are correct.

Assume you are easier to see.

Expect to stop more quickly than usual.

25 / 25

You will normally find neutral where on a motorcycle?

Before 1st gear.

Between 3rd and 4th gear.

Between 1st and 2nd gear.

After 5th gear.

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.