Question 1

Motorcycle Classifications

Accepted Answer

A motorcycle is classified as a vehicle with two or three wheels. There are two types: motorcycles and motor-driven cycles.

Question 2

Helmets

Accepted Answer

Motorcycle riders under the age of 21 must wear helmets approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Question 3

Eye Protection

Accepted Answer

All riders, regardless of age, must wear protective eye gear unless their motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen.

Question 4

Passenger Restrictions

Accepted Answer

Passengers can only ride on motorcycles equipped with passenger seats and footrests.

Question 5

Hand Signals

Accepted Answer

Hand signals can be used for turning, stopping, and changing lanes if the motorcycle's signals aren't visible.

Question 6

Lane Splitting

Accepted Answer

It's illegal in Pennsylvania to ride a motorcycle between lanes of traffic.

Question 7

Left Turn Hand Signal

Accepted Answer

The arm is extended straight out.

Question 8

Right Turn Hand Signal

Accepted Answer

The arm is extended out and up, forming a 90-degree angle.

Question 9

Stop or Decrease Speed Hand Signal

Accepted Answer

The arm is extended out and down with the palm facing back.

Question 10

DUI

Accepted Answer

Operating a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and can result in serious penalties.

Question 11

Two-Second Rule

Accepted Answer

The recommended following distance to maintain under ideal conditions is at least two seconds.

Question 12

Three-Second Rule

Accepted Answer

The recommended following distance to maintain under less than ideal conditions is at least three seconds.

Question 13

Blind Spots

Accepted Answer

Areas where other vehicles can't be seen in the motorcycle's mirrors.

Question 14

Countersteering

Accepted Answer

Pushing the handlebar in the direction you want to go at speeds above 12 mph.

Question 15

Downshifting

Accepted Answer

Shifting to a lower gear.

Question 16

Intersection Approach

Accepted Answer

Approaching an intersection, a rider should stay in the left portion of the lane to increase visibility.

Question 17

Group Riding

Accepted Answer

When riding in a group, motorcycles should follow a staggered formation.

Question 18

Motorcycle Maintenance

Accepted Answer

Regular inspection and maintenance is key for safe motorcycle operation.

Question 19

Motorcycle Insurance

Accepted Answer

Pennsylvania law requires motorcyclists to carry liability insurance.

Question 20

Motorcycle Inspection

Accepted Answer

Motorcycles must be inspected annually in Pennsylvania.

Question 21

Night Riding

Accepted Answer

Riders must use their headlight when riding at night or in poor visibility conditions.

Question 22

Motorcycle Tires

Accepted Answer

Tires should have a minimum of 2/32-inch tread depth.

Question 23

Motorcycle Controls

Accepted Answer

Throttle, front brake, rear brake, clutch, gear shift lever, turn signals, horn, headlights.

Question 24

Saddlebags

Accepted Answer

Saddlebags should be balanced and securely fastened to the motorcycle.

Question 25

Engine Cut-Off Switch

Accepted Answer

A safety feature that allows the rider to stop the engine quickly.

Question 26

Footrests

Accepted Answer

Footrests are necessary for maintaining balance and control of the motorcycle.

Question 27

Seating Position

Accepted Answer

The rider should sit as far forward as comfortably possible.

Question 28

Body Position in Turns

Accepted Answer

The rider should lean with the motorcycle when going into turns.

Question 29

Collision Avoidance

Accepted Answer

The four steps are: evaluate, execute, escape, and end.

Question 30

Braking

Accepted Answer

Use both brakes for maximum stopping power.

Question 31

Brake Failure

Accepted Answer

If the brakes fail, downshift and use the engine to slow the motorcycle.

Question 32

Skidding

Accepted Answer

If the rear wheel skids, keep the motorcycle straight and gradually release the rear brake.

Question 33

Wind

Accepted Answer

High winds can push a motorcycle off course. It's best to slow down and maintain a firm grip on the handlebars.

Question 34

Rain

Accepted Answer

Rain can make roads slippery. Riders should reduce their speed and increase their following distance.

Question 35

Snow and Ice

Accepted Answer

It's best to avoid riding in snowy or icy conditions. If unavoidable, ride slow and smooth.

Question 36

Roadway Obstructions

Accepted Answer

Pot holes, oil slicks, and debris can cause a motorcycle to lose control. Riders should avoid or navigate them carefully.

Question 37

Road Rash

Accepted Answer

A type of skin abrasion caused by sliding on the road after a fall from a motorcycle.

Question 38

High-Speed Wobble

Accepted Answer

A dangerous oscillation of the front wheel that can occur at high speeds.

Question 39

Hill Start

Accepted Answer

Using the front brake to hold the motorcycle steady when starting on a hill.

Question 40

Riding with a Load

Accepted Answer

If carrying a load, it should be secured and centered over the motorcycle to maintain balance.

Question 41

Motorcycle Parking

Accepted Answer

Motorcycles should be parked at a 90-degree angle to the curb.

Question 42

Crosswinds

Accepted Answer

Crosswinds can affect a rider's balance and control. Riders should lean into the wind to compensate.

Question 43

Wildlife

Accepted Answer

Riders should be cautious in areas known for wildlife crossings, especially during dawn and dusk.

Question 44

Head Checks

Accepted Answer

Riders should perform head checks before changing lanes to cover blind spots.

Question 45

Railroad Crossings

Accepted Answer

It's safest to cross railroad tracks at a right angle.

Question 46

Left Turns in Front of You

Accepted Answer

This is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. Be prepared to react.

Question 47

Panic Stop

Accepted Answer

A sudden, emergency stop where the rider applies maximum braking without locking the wheels.

Question 48

Riding Two Abreast

Accepted Answer

Pennsylvania law allows two motorcycles to ride side by side in a single lane.

Question 49

Roadway Position

Accepted Answer

A rider should position themselves in the part of the lane that makes them most visible to other drivers.

Question 50

Weaving Between Lanes

Accepted Answer

Weaving between lanes or 'lane splitting' is illegal in Pennsylvania.

Question 51

Muffler

Accepted Answer

A motorcycle's exhaust system must have a muffler to reduce noise.

Question 52

Engine Braking

Accepted Answer

Using the engine's natural drag to help slow the motorcycle.

Question 53

Wheelie

Accepted Answer

Lifting the front wheel off the ground while riding, which is illegal on public roads in Pennsylvania.

Question 54

Mirrors

Accepted Answer

Motorcycles must have at least one rearview mirror, although two are recommended for increased visibility.

Question 55

Slow Riding

Accepted Answer

When riding slow, riders should keep the clutch partially engaged and control the speed with the rear brake.

Question 56

Emergency Signal Devices

Accepted Answer

In case of breakdown, a rider should use emergency signal devices to alert other drivers.

Pennsylvania Motorcycle License Study Guide