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

You should check to make sure that your brake light:

At least works with both levers at once.

At least works with the rear pedal.

Works with at least one lever.

Operates with both levers independently.

2 / 25

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

Get through the turn as quickly as possible.

Can pass anyone going too slow.

To let people know you're approaching.

Are able to stabilize the motorcycle.

3 / 25

When you upshift gear, you should:

Roll on the throttle.

None of these are correct.

Maintain throttle.

Roll off the throttle.

4 / 25

When approaching a curve your priority should be to:

Find the most aggressive line to make the turn.

Reduce your speed.

Shift down two gears.

Make the turn at maximum speed.

5 / 25

The best way to avoid a crash is to:

Make sure you are visible.

Have a valid license.

Make sure your bike is loud enough.

Ride at the speed limit.

6 / 25

In ideal conditions, your following distance should be:

Two seconds.

Four seconds.

Whatever feels safe to the rider.

One second.

7 / 25

The gear shift lever is located:

In front of the left footrest.

In front of the right footrest.

Behind the right footrest.

On the left handlebar.

8 / 25

In hot weather, wearing a riding jacket:

Is not advised.

Can get you a ticket.

Can help protect against heat exhaustion and dehydration.

Can cause exhaustion and dehydration.

9 / 25

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

Hit it at a high speed.

Slow down as much as safely possible.

Brake hard when making contact.

Maintain your speed.

10 / 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.

11 / 25

How long can the effects of marijuana last?

One hour.

Not for any significant amount of time.

Ten days.

More than six hours.

12 / 25

If operating a three-wheeled motorcycle or riding with a sidecar, avoid the far side of the right lane because:

To make sure vehicles can pass on your right.

You want to stay close to oncoming traffic.

The right side tends to have less traction.

You might run off the road.

13 / 25

When braking, you should use:

Only rear brakes.

Only front brakes.

Both front and rear brakes.

Whatever is convenient.

14 / 25

Which surface provides the best traction?

Dry pavement

Wet pavement

Gravel

Brick roads

15 / 25

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

Ride as closely to them as possible.

Swerve toward them.

Make hand gestures.

Ride in the middle of the lane.

16 / 25

Motorcycles:

Can only be ridden safely during the day.

Have no blind spots.

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

Have blind spots that should be routinely checked.

17 / 25

You will normally find neutral where on a motorcycle?

After 5th gear.

Between 3rd and 4th gear.

Before 1st gear.

Between 1st and 2nd gear.

18 / 25

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

Share it with other riders.

Spend more time on the motorcycle when not riding it.

Use your arms to steer rather than support.

Change positions often.

19 / 25

To best stay in control of a motorcycle a rider should:

Always have at least one hand on the handlebar.

Keep their feet firmly on the footrests.

Never brake in a curve.

Always drive the speed limit.

20 / 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

25 percent

Over 50 percent

Less than 10 percent

21 / 25

If your rear tire locks up how can you regain control of your motorcycle?

Shifting up one gear.

Quickly accelerating.

Depressing the rear brake harder.

Release the rear brake.

22 / 25

When utilizing the front brake, you should:

Squeeze as hard as possible.

Use limited pressure.

Also use the rear brake.

Squeeze firmly and progressively.

23 / 25

Shifting into a lower gear causes an effect similar to:

Starting your motorcycle.

Using the brakes.

Hitting wet pavement.

Hitting the throttle.

24 / 25

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

Road conditions create greater stopping distances.

When you feel drowsy.

When you want to drive faster than usual.

If the person in front of you is driving slowly.

25 / 25

If your motorcycle has convex mirrors instead of flat mirrors, practicing with them is helpful because:

They make images look even closer than regular mirrors.

Unlike flat mirrors, they make items look farther away than they really are.

They provide a 180 degree view.

The reflection is darker than flat mirrors.

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