New York
Motorcycle Test

Passing the New York motorcycle test will mean that you have taken the time to study for your written exam and spent hours practicing for your on-cycle skills test. This site offers a New York motorcycle practice test that will help you to prepare for the actual New York State DMV road motorcycle test. The actual test will have 20 multiple choice questions and you will need to get at least 14 correct, earning a score of 70% or higher. As you take your motorcycle practice test, keep in mind that the questions you see will be very similar to what will be on the actual test. All of the questions are based on information found in the NY State Motorcycle Operator’s Manual (MV-21MC). You can download a copy of the manual here and use this as your number one source to study. Click the "Start Test" button below to begin.

1 / 25

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

None.

Roughly three quarters.

Half.

One quarter.

2 / 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.

3 / 25

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

two

five

twenty

zero

4 / 25

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

Use your arms to steer rather than support.

Spend more time on the motorcycle when not riding it.

Share it with other riders.

Change positions often.

5 / 25

To stop quickly, the best method is to:

Use both brakes simultaneously.

Use only your front brakes.

Downshift.

Use only your rear brakes.

6 / 25

Shifting into a lower gear causes an effect similar to:

Hitting the throttle.

Using the brakes.

Hitting wet pavement.

Starting your motorcycle.

7 / 25

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

Get on before starting the engine.

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

Grab onto your collar while riding.

None of these are correct.

8 / 25

If braking in a curve:

None of these are correct.

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

You will have improved traction throughout the turn.

Never brake in a curve.

9 / 25

Why do motorcycles need more attention than cars?

Motorcycles are poorly constructed.

All of these reasons.

Motorcycles have more parts than cars.

Minor issues can prove fatal on motorcycles.

10 / 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.

11 / 25

Riding with a passenger:

Can make turning easier.

Is generally safer than riding alone.

Can impact the handling of a motorcycle.

Is illegal at night.

12 / 25

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

Only ride at night.

Avoid highways.

Use your turn signals when making a lane change.

Never go below the posted speed limit.

13 / 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.

14 / 25

You should maintain a cushion of space around you to:

All of these things.

Have room to maneuver.

Provide an escape route.

Have more time to react.

15 / 25

When braking, you should use:

Whatever is convenient.

Only rear brakes.

Only front brakes.

Both front and rear brakes.

16 / 25

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

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

Leaning with the motorcycle.

Staying upright and leaning the motorcycle.

Leaning your body against the turn.

17 / 25

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

Make hand gestures.

Ride in the middle of the lane.

Swerve toward them.

Ride as closely to them as possible.

18 / 25

Brightly-colored helmets:

Are for fashion only.

Do not offer the same protection as other helmets.

Are distracting to other drivers.

Make riders more visible.

19 / 25

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

Speed up to get to your destination quickly.

Take deep breaths to increase your oxygen levels.

Ride slowly to remain safe.

Stop as soon as possible and get some rest.

20 / 25

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

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

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

So you can signal to oncoming traffic.

All of these reasons.

21 / 25

The best way to avoid a crash is to:

Make sure your bike is loud enough.

Make sure you are visible.

Have a valid license.

Ride at the speed limit.

22 / 25

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

Under the seat.

Below the gas tank.

Next to the ignition.

Near the brake.

23 / 25

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

The motorcyclist

Both drivers

The car driver

Neither

24 / 25

If you fail to keep your right wrist flat when you start, you may:

Not be able to apply the rear brake.

Not be able to apply enough throttle.

Apply too much throttle.

Not be able to start your motorcycle.

25 / 25

Your lane position should allow you to:

Position yourself to make a turn.

Signal to those around you.

Do all of these things.

Maximize your visibility.

Your score is

The average score is 0%

3.7/5 - (3 votes)

Motorcycle License

How To Get A New York Motorcycle License

If you are a resident of New York and want to hit the roads on a motorcycle, you will need to have a Class M driver license or a motorcycle learner permit. Obtaining a learner permit is the first step in getting your Class M license from New York DMV. Besides the paperwork you’ll need to fill out, you’ll also need to take two very important tests.

These two exams are your New York State Motorcycle knowledge test and road test. Both of these exams will test your knowledge and ability to safely operate a motorcycle and understand all the rules and responsibilities that come with it. Anyone between the ages of 16-18 will need to have a Class MJ permit in order to operate a motorcycle, and must obey the restrictions with this permit. You will also be required to take both written and road tests.

As an alternative to taking the New York state Motorcycle road test, applicants also have the option to complete a New York State Motorcycle Safety Program Basic RiderCourse. Those who successfully complete this class will earn a road test waiver card and can use this when applying for their Class M motorcycle license. There are 20 training sites for interested students who want to learn or improve their motorcycle riding skills. Certified RiderCoaches will teach classroom lessons and have hands on off-street riding instruction. You can view more information on these courses here.

If you have just moved to New York and are looking to exchange your out of state motorcycle license, you can do so without having to take the written and road test again. Visit the New York DMV website for more information on the process of exchanging your license.

Motorcycle Test

New York Motorcycle License Test Tips

You can use this site to assist in preparing for your New York motorcycle written test. This portion of the exam is to make sure that you understand the information found in the motorcycle operator’s manual. All of the questions you find in this exam are centered around the manual. You’ll see questions that are relating to the type of gear you should wear on a motorcycle, how you should maneuver through traffic safely, and even some statistics on riding a motorcycle. Take your time reading through the manual so you can ace the written test.

While it’s not required, New York DMV recommends you get at least 30 hours of practice on a motorcycle, which includes 10 hours of practice in medium to high volume traffic before you schedule the on-cycle skills test. This exam will test your ability to safely handle a motorcycle on the road and follow the laws. The examiner may ask you to perform certain actions on an obstacle course or through real time traffic. Get there ahead of time to give yourself time to relax before taking the exam, which could take about 20 minutes.

Additional Information

Information on the New York Department of Motor Vehicles

The NY 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.ny.gov/driver-license/get-motorcycle-license
Phone: 518.486.9786

To find the office hours and / or location nearest you, please visit:
https://dmv.ny.gov/offices

Additional New York Motorcycle License Helpful Links

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

New York Motorcycle Test