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

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

Assume you are easier to see.

None of these are correct.

Slow down sooner than usual.

Expect to stop more quickly than usual.

2 / 25

The gear shift lever is located:

Behind the right footrest.

In front of the left footrest.

In front of the right footrest.

On the left handlebar.

3 / 25

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

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

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.

4 / 25

Your lane position should allow you to:

Position yourself to make a turn.

Maximize your visibility.

Do all of these things.

Signal to those around you.

5 / 25

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

Quickly accelerating.

Depressing the rear brake harder.

Release the rear brake.

Shifting up one gear.

6 / 25

To stop quickly, the best method is to:

Downshift.

Use only your rear brakes.

Use both brakes simultaneously.

Use only your front brakes.

7 / 25

If alcohol and drugs are consumed together:

They may counteract each other.

Their effects can be more pronounced than if taken alone.

There is no difference.

They may not effect some people.

8 / 25

Which surface provides the best traction?

Brick roads

Wet pavement

Gravel

Dry pavement

9 / 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.

10 / 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.

11 / 25

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

Never brake in a curve.

Always have at least one hand on the handlebar.

Keep their feet firmly on the footrests.

Always drive the speed limit.

12 / 25

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

Speed up to get to your destination quickly.

Ride slowly to remain safe.

Stop as soon as possible and get some rest.

Take deep breaths to increase your oxygen levels.

13 / 25

Before going for a ride you should check all of the following except:

Tire tread.

Tire pressure.

Mirror position.

Damage to the paint.

14 / 25

In ideal conditions, your following distance should be:

Whatever feels safe to the rider.

Two seconds.

One second.

Four seconds.

15 / 25

In hot weather, wearing a riding jacket:

Can cause exhaustion and dehydration.

Can help protect against heat exhaustion and dehydration.

Is not advised.

Can get you a ticket.

16 / 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.

17 / 25

You should check to make sure that your brake light:

At least works with both levers at once.

Works with at least one lever.

At least works with the rear pedal.

Operates with both levers independently.

18 / 25

Cold medicine and other over the counter drugs:

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

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

Are safe to use before operation.

Don't impact a rider's abilities.

19 / 25

A motorcycle with a sidecar:

Cannot be driven on highways.

Is three times less stable than a regular motorcycle.

Can tip over if making a turn too fast.

Is illegal.

20 / 25

A critical head injury is __________ times more likely when a motorcycle rider is not wearing a helmet during a crash.

five

two

zero

twenty

21 / 25

Shifting into a lower gear causes an effect similar to:

Hitting the throttle.

Hitting wet pavement.

Starting your motorcycle.

Using the brakes.

22 / 25

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

Reduce pressure on both brakes.

Apply more rear brake pressure and less front brake pressure.

Increase pressure on both brakes.

Apply more front brake pressure and less rear brake pressure.

23 / 25

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

One quarter.

None.

Roughly three quarters.

Half.

24 / 25

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

25 percent

Over 90 percent

Less than 10 percent

Over 50 percent

25 / 25

When should you reduce your following distance?

In light traffic.

When traffic is heavy.

When following another motorcycle.

When on dry pavement.

Your score is

The average score is 74%

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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