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

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

Brake hard when making contact.

Slow down as much as safely possible.

Maintain your speed.

Hit it at a high speed.

3 / 25

When braking, you should use:

Both front and rear brakes.

Whatever is convenient.

Only front brakes.

Only rear brakes.

4 / 25

How should the throttle respond when you release it?

It should remain in place.

It should snap back to idle.

It makes no difference.

It should slowly return to idle.

5 / 25

Cold medicine and other over the counter drugs:

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

Are safe to use before operation.

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

Don't impact a rider's abilities.

6 / 25

When approaching an intersection:

Use hand signals to alert the driver behind you.

Never assume other drivers see you.

Flash your lights.

Prepare to move through as quickly as possible.

7 / 25

The best time to adjust your mirrors is:

Standing on your motorcycle before or after you start it.

While riding at low speeds.

Seated on the bike before you start it.

In normal driving conditions.

8 / 25

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

None of these are correct.

How clean your motorcycle is.

The general wear and tread of your tires.

Your odometer.

9 / 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.

They provide a 180 degree view.

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

The reflection is darker than flat mirrors.

10 / 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.

Apply more rear brake pressure and less front brake pressure.

Reduce pressure on both brakes.

Increase pressure on both brakes.

11 / 25

The best way to learn motorcycle maintenance is to:

Read the owner's manual.

Figuring it out on your own.

Ask other motorcycle owners.

Internet research.

12 / 25

Brightly-colored helmets:

Make riders more visible.

Are for fashion only.

Are distracting to other drivers.

Do not offer the same protection as other helmets.

13 / 25

When riding at night, your following distance should be:

Whatever distance feels comfortable.

Should be the same as it is during the day.

Longer than it is during the day.

Shorter than it is during the day.

14 / 25

When positioning yourself in a lane:

Do so in a way that doesn't welcome other drivers into your lane.

Don't worry about other drivers, focus on yourself.

Keep the greatest distance possible from other vehicles.

Do what feels comfortable.

15 / 25

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

Next to the ignition.

Under the seat.

Below the gas tank.

Near the brake.

16 / 25

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

Leaning your body against the turn.

Leaning with the motorcycle.

Staying upright and leaning the motorcycle.

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

17 / 25

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

Speed up to get to your destination quickly.

Stop as soon as possible and get some rest.

Ride slowly to remain safe.

Take deep breaths to increase your oxygen levels.

18 / 25

In ideal conditions, your following distance should be:

Whatever feels safe to the rider.

Four seconds.

Two seconds.

One second.

19 / 25

When utilizing the front brake, you should:

Squeeze firmly and progressively.

Use limited pressure.

Also use the rear brake.

Squeeze as hard as possible.

20 / 25

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

Both drivers

The car driver

The motorcyclist

Neither

21 / 25

If braking in a curve:

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

You will have improved traction throughout the turn.

None of these are correct.

Never brake in a curve.

22 / 25

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

You want to stay close to oncoming traffic.

You might run off the road.

The right side tends to have less traction.

To make sure vehicles can pass on your right.

23 / 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

Over 90 percent

25 percent

Less than 10 percent

24 / 25

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

5 parts

4 parts

3 parts

2 parts

25 / 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.

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