Tennessee
Motorcycle Test

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security equips all residents, wishing to obtain a motorcycle license, with the tools they need to pass their tests. The Motorcycle Operator Manual is available at all driver service centers across the state free of charge. After you have reviewed all of the material, you can take this site’s Tennessee motorcycle practice test, which will help you to prepare. The knowledge test consists of 30 questions. You will need to answer at least 24 questions correctly, which is an 80% or higher. Click the "Start Test" button below to begin your motorcycle practice test.

1 / 25

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

Swerve toward them.

Ride in the middle of the lane.

Make hand gestures.

Ride as closely to them as possible.

2 / 25

When approaching a curve your priority should be to:

Make the turn at maximum speed.

Shift down two gears.

Reduce your speed.

Find the most aggressive line to make the turn.

3 / 25

If you have to brake during a curve, the first thing you should do is:

Get the motorcycle upright.

Use only the front brake.

Lean into the turn.

Use only the rear brake.

4 / 25

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

Keep their feet firmly on the footrests.

Always drive the speed limit.

Never brake in a curve.

Always have at least one hand on the handlebar.

5 / 25

Proper motorcycle clothing should:

Not be leather in warm weather.

Never cover your arms or legs.

Only flap slightly when riding.

Protect you in the event of a crash.

6 / 25

If alcohol and drugs are consumed together:

They may not effect some people.

Their effects can be more pronounced than if taken alone.

They may counteract each other.

There is no difference.

7 / 25

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

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.

They make images look even closer than regular mirrors.

8 / 25

When utilizing the front brake, you should:

Use limited pressure.

Squeeze as hard as possible.

Also use the rear brake.

Squeeze firmly and progressively.

9 / 25

Taking corners too fast:

Can cause the rider to swerve out of their lane.

Isn't an issue since motorcycles are easy to maneuver.

Helps riders stay in their lane.

Is the safest way to make a turn.

10 / 25

Your handlebars should be adjusted so that they are:

Slightly below your shoulders.

Level with your elbows.

Even with your hips.

None of these are correct.

11 / 25

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

Change positions often.

Spend more time on the motorcycle when not riding it.

Share it with other riders.

Use your arms to steer rather than support.

12 / 25

Shifting into a lower gear causes an effect similar to:

Using the brakes.

Hitting wet pavement.

Starting your motorcycle.

Hitting the throttle.

13 / 25

If your motorcycle starts to handle differently during a ride you should:

Ride until you find the next service station.

Pull over and check the tires.

Maintain speed and test both brakes.

Check the motorcycle's tires once you return home.

14 / 25

When you upshift gear, you should:

Roll on the throttle.

Maintain throttle.

None of these are correct.

Roll off the throttle.

15 / 25

The best way to learn motorcycle maintenance is to:

Ask other motorcycle owners.

Internet research.

Read the owner's manual.

Figuring it out on your own.

16 / 25

In hot weather, wearing a riding jacket:

Can help protect against heat exhaustion and dehydration.

Can cause exhaustion and dehydration.

Can get you a ticket.

Is not advised.

17 / 25

Motorcycles:

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

Can only be ridden safely during the day.

Have no blind spots.

Have blind spots that should be routinely checked.

18 / 25

Why do motorcycles need more attention than cars?

All of these reasons.

Minor issues can prove fatal on motorcycles.

Motorcycles have more parts than cars.

Motorcycles are poorly constructed.

19 / 25

A side stand can be dangerous unless it:

Has a functioning spring that holds it up tightly.

Has a spring that holds it locked down.

Returns most of the way to the up position.

Is easy to use.

20 / 25

When approaching an intersection:

Flash your lights.

Prepare to move through as quickly as possible.

Never assume other drivers see you.

Use hand signals to alert the driver behind you.

21 / 25

In ideal conditions, your following distance should be:

Whatever feels safe to the rider.

Four seconds.

Two seconds.

One second.

22 / 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.

Apply more rear brake pressure and less front brake pressure.

Reduce pressure on both brakes.

23 / 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.

To let people know you're approaching.

Are able to stabilize the motorcycle.

Can pass anyone going too slow.

24 / 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.

Leaning your body against the turn.

Staying upright and leaning the motorcycle.

25 / 25

When positioning yourself in a lane:

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

Do what feels comfortable.

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

Keep the greatest distance possible from other vehicles.

Your score is

The average score is 56%

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Motorcycle License

How To Get A Tennessee Motorcycle License

Getting on the streets in Tennessee and riding a motorcycle means you must be able to operate the vehicle and also understand the rules of the road. To earn a Class M Motorcycle Operator License, you'll need to take a road skills test and a knowledge test at one of Tennessee’s Department of Safety and Homeland Security Driver Services Center. Applicants must be 16 years or older to operate a motor-driven cycle over 50cc. People between 15-16 years old will be required to obtain a special permit in order to operate a motorcycle with restrictions. They will need to pass a written test, vision screening, and demonstrate the ability to operate a motorized bicycle, which is the only type of vehicle they can drive with the special permit. If you are new to Tennessee and are licensed to drive a motorcycle in another state that required a knowledge and skills test, you will be exempt from taking that again. However, you will still be required to take a Tennessee vision screening at a Driver Service Center. You can find more information on Page 11 of Tennessee’s Comprehensive Driver License Manual.

If you would rather take a class to prepare for your knowledge and on-cycle skills test, you can join the Tennessee Motorcycle Rider Education Program. You will learn how to safely operate a motorcycle, the rules of the road, and other motorcycle issues. If you successfully pass the course, you will receive a completion card and certificate. When you apply for a motorcycle license, having a certificate will waive the knowledge and skills test requirements. You can find a list of testing locations on their website.

Motorcycle Test

Tennessee Motorcycle License Test Tips

Tennessee’s Motorcycle Knowledge Test is a very important factor when it comes to obtaining your Class M Motorcycle Operator License. This is because it tests your understanding of safety and knowledge on a cycle. You will be tested on things such as best practices for carrying passengers and/or cargo, effective street strategies, and how to prepare for a safe ride. The knowledge test covers everything you need to ride safely and reduce your chances of experiencing a crash, whether you are operating a standard two-wheel motorcycle or a three-wheel motorcycle.

The Tennessee on-cycle skills test averages at around 20-25 minutes and will test your ability of how you drive and control a motorcycle to obeying traffic signals and posted signs. You also want to keep in mind that you will be tested on your pre-trip vehicle inspection. You will need less than 6 errors to pass the test. When you feel you are ready and have had enough practice, you can schedule your appointment at one of Tennessee’s Driver Service Centers.

Additional Information

Information on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security

The DSHS 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.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/classm.html
Phone: 615.251.5166
Email: Email.Safety@tn.gov

To find the office hours and / or location nearest you, please visit:
https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/locations/dllocationcity.html

Additional Tennessee Motorcycle License Helpful Links

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

Tennessee Motorcycle Test