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APG Practice Tests · New York

Motorcycle Practice

50 original questions across five topics, with explanations and short lessons. These are unofficial study aids, not actual DMV exam questions or a complete permit-test syllabus. APG is not affiliated with the DMV.

Official New York DMV manuals

Study both manuals for your written test. The official books remain on the DMV website; APG provides these links for reading and downloading.

Read Motorcycle Manual ↗Motorcycle Manual PDF ↗Driver’s Manual ↗

Official permit and license steps · Rider training information

Short study lessons

Prepare yourself and the motorcycle

Wear approved protective equipment, get familiar with the controls, and inspect tires, brakes, lights and fluid levels before riding. Follow the owner’s manual for the motorcycle you use.

Read the official DMV topic ↗
Build control and hazard awareness

Practice braking, turns and shifting with qualified instruction. Leave space, check blind spots, make yourself visible and adjust speed for traffic, curves and road surfaces.

Read the official DMV topic ↗
Know New York requirements

Review license and learner restrictions, helmets, eye protection, lighting and lane rules. The motorcycle written test draws on both the Motorcycle Manual and Driver’s Manual.

Read the official DMV topic ↗
Ride alert and within your limits

Alcohol, some medicines and fatigue can impair riding. Plan rest breaks and avoid riding when your judgment or coordination is affected. A practice question bank cannot replace hands-on rider training.

Read the official DMV topic ↗

50 original APG practice questions

Choose an answer before opening the explanation. Each topic contains 10 questions. This review does not predict an official test score.

New York rules & protective gear · 10 questions

2. Does a motorcycle windshield remove the operator’s eye-protection requirement?

  • A. No, approved eye protection is still required
  • B. Yes, at all speeds
  • C. Yes, only during daylight
Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. A windshield does not replace approved eye protection.

Review official DMV topic: Licenses, ownership and special rules ↗

6. For ordinary learner practice, how old must the supervising motorcycle license holder be?

  • A. At least 21
  • B. Any age if licensed
  • C. At least 18
Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. The supervisor must be at least 21 and hold a valid motorcycle license; additional learner restrictions apply.

Review official DMV topic: Licenses, ownership and special rules ↗

8. Which helmet fit and fastening are appropriate?

  • A. Snug fit with the strap securely fastened
  • B. Loose fit with the strap hanging free
  • C. Snug fit with fastening optional on short trips
Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. A secure, properly fitted helmet is less likely to come off.

Review official DMV topic: Preparing to ride ↗

9. What is appropriate footwear for riding?

  • A. Sturdy, slip-resistant footwear covering the ankles
  • B. Loose sandals
  • C. Shoes with long untucked laces
Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. Ankle coverage, support and secured laces reduce hazards.

Review official DMV topic: Preparing to ride ↗

10. Which eye protection is appropriate in low light?

  • A. Clear protection that allows adequate vision
  • B. Dark tint to reduce headlight brightness
  • C. A scratched shield if securely fastened
Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. Tinted protection can interfere with vision at night.

Review official DMV topic: Preparing to ride ↗

Pre-ride checks & controls · 10 questions

11. When should you inspect your motorcycle for a ride?

  • A. Only at annual inspection
  • B. Only before long trips
  • C. Before every ride
Show answer and explanation

Answer: C. A pre-ride check helps find defects before entering traffic.

Review official DMV topic: Preparing to ride ↗

12. Which tire checks belong in a pre-ride inspection?

  • A. Only whether the tire looks round
  • B. Tread pattern alone
  • C. Pressure, tread and condition
Show answer and explanation

Answer: C. Check inflation and wear as well as visible damage.

Review official DMV topic: Preparing to ride ↗

13. How should the throttle respond when released during a pre-ride check?

  • A. Remain at the last setting
  • B. Need a strong push to close
  • C. Return freely
Show answer and explanation

Answer: C. A sticking throttle needs attention before riding.

Review official DMV topic: Preparing to ride ↗

14. How should you check that both brake controls activate the brake light?

  • A. Check only with both controls held together
  • B. Operate each control separately
  • C. Use only the rear control
Show answer and explanation

Answer: B. Separate checks can reveal a failed brake-light switch.

Review official DMV topic: Preparing to ride ↗

15. When should you adjust mirrors?

  • A. Only after reaching highway speed
  • B. While making the first turn
  • C. Before moving off
Show answer and explanation

Answer: C. Set mirrors while stopped so adjustment does not distract you.

Review official DMV topic: Preparing to ride ↗

16. What should you do before riding an unfamiliar motorcycle in traffic?

  • A. Assume every control works identically
  • B. Learn its controls and handling first
  • C. Skip the owner’s manual if experienced
Show answer and explanation

Answer: B. Control locations and responses can differ between motorcycles.

Review official DMV topic: Preparing to ride ↗

17. What arm position supports normal motorcycle control?

  • A. Arms slightly bent
  • B. Arms stretched as far as possible
  • C. Arms locked straight
Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. A slight bend allows steering inputs without stretching.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

18. Where should your feet normally rest while riding?

  • A. Firmly on the foot pegs near the controls
  • B. With toes pointing downward toward the road
  • C. Dragging beside the motorcycle
Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. Stable foot placement supports balance and access to controls.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

19. While stopping, which gear should you normally reach so you can move away if needed?

  • A. First gear
  • B. Neutral until traffic moves
  • C. The highest gear available
Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. Downshift as you slow and remain ready to move.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

20. What is a risk of downshifting at too high a road speed?

  • A. Guaranteed shorter braking distance
  • B. Automatic improvement in traction
  • C. Rear-wheel skid or a sudden lurch
Show answer and explanation

Answer: C. Slow appropriately and release the clutch smoothly.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

Visibility, traffic & space · 10 questions

21. Is one lane position always best for a motorcycle?

  • A. Yes, always the extreme right
  • B. Yes, always the exact center
  • C. No, adapt position to hazards and visibility
Show answer and explanation

Answer: C. Choose a position that preserves visibility and room to respond.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

22. Why leave space around your motorcycle?

  • A. To encourage cars to share the lane
  • B. To avoid checking mirrors
  • C. To gain time and maneuvering room
Show answer and explanation

Answer: C. A space cushion provides options when hazards develop.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

23. What should happen to following distance on a slippery road?

  • A. Increase it
  • B. Reduce it to follow tire tracks closely
  • C. Keep it unchanged at all speeds
Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. Reduced traction can require more stopping room.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

24. Before changing lanes, what should supplement your mirror check?

  • A. Only a louder exhaust note
  • B. Only a longer turn signal
  • C. A head check for traffic in blind spots
Show answer and explanation

Answer: C. Mirrors do not show every vehicle beside you.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

25. A driver makes eye contact with you at an intersection. What should you assume?

  • A. The driver has guaranteed your right of way
  • B. The driver may still fail to yield
  • C. The driver will remain stopped until you pass
Show answer and explanation

Answer: B. Eye contact is not proof that another driver will act safely.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

26. Why cancel a turn signal after completing the maneuver?

  • A. To make the headlight brighter
  • B. To show that you intend to turn again
  • C. To avoid misleading other road users
Show answer and explanation

Answer: C. A signal left on can create a dangerous misunderstanding.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

27. How should you handle a persistent tailgater when safe?

  • A. Allow the vehicle to pass
  • B. Brake sharply to warn the driver
  • C. Speed above the limit
Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. Create separation without provoking a collision.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

28. How should you adapt riding at night?

  • A. Use the same speed on unfamiliar roads
  • B. Follow taillights more closely
  • C. Reduce speed and allow more following space
Show answer and explanation

Answer: C. Darkness limits sight distance and makes judging distance harder.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

29. What can convex mirrors do to your distance judgment?

  • A. Make every vehicle appear at its exact distance
  • B. Make vehicles seem farther away
  • C. Eliminate the need for head checks
Show answer and explanation

Answer: B. Learn the mirror view while stopped and allow extra room.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

30. What is a safe passing rule for motorcycle riders?

  • A. Pass between a car and the lane line
  • B. Pass only where permitted and within speed limits
  • C. Exceed the limit whenever passing
Show answer and explanation

Answer: B. Motorcycles must obey passing restrictions and speed limits.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

Braking, curves & road surfaces · 10 questions

31. For normal braking, how should you use the brakes?

  • A. Use only the rear brake every time
  • B. Use both with smooth, controlled pressure
  • C. Grab the front lever abruptly
Show answer and explanation

Answer: B. Practice coordinated braking without sudden inputs.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

32. Before entering a curve, what should you do?

  • A. Wait until the tightest point to slow
  • B. Accelerate hard before assessing the curve
  • C. Reduce speed to suit the curve and conditions
Show answer and explanation

Answer: C. A controlled entry speed reduces the need for abrupt correction.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

33. Where should you direct your vision during a turn?

  • A. At the nearest obstacle
  • B. Through the turn toward the intended path
  • C. At the road immediately below the front tire
Show answer and explanation

Answer: B. Looking through the turn helps guide a planned path.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

34. During a normal road-speed left turn, which handgrip pressure initiates the lean?

  • A. Press the right handgrip only
  • B. Press the left handgrip
  • C. Pull hard on both grips
Show answer and explanation

Answer: B. Pressing the grip on the intended side initiates the lean. Practice with a qualified instructor.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

35. How should braking and an emergency swerve be coordinated?

  • A. Always lock the rear wheel first
  • B. Brake hard throughout the swerve
  • C. Separate braking from the swerve
Show answer and explanation

Answer: C. Brake before or after the swerve rather than combining abrupt maneuvers.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

36. Why can the first minutes of rain be especially slippery?

  • A. Rain instantly improves all tire traction
  • B. Water mixes with accumulated surface oil
  • C. Painted lines become rougher when wet
Show answer and explanation

Answer: B. Treat early rain and contaminated pavement cautiously.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

37. How should you use controls on slippery pavement?

  • A. Smoothly, with reduced speed
  • B. With abrupt throttle and brake changes
  • C. With maximum lean regardless of grip
Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. Sudden changes can exceed the traction available.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

38. What is a particular concern with wet painted lines and metal covers?

  • A. They can provide less traction
  • B. They remove the need to slow
  • C. They always grip better than dry asphalt
Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. Avoid abrupt inputs while crossing low-grip surfaces.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

39. If bridge gratings cause a mild wandering sensation, what does the manual recommend?

  • A. Accelerate hard to overpower it
  • B. Relax, maintain steady speed and ride straight
  • C. Zigzag sharply across the grating
Show answer and explanation

Answer: B. A zigzag path creates more danger than the normal wandering feeling.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

40. After riding over an object, what should you check once safely off the road?

  • A. Tires and rims for damage
  • B. Only the fuel level
  • C. Only mirror alignment
Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. An impact can damage wheels or tires even if riding still feels possible.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

Passengers, loads & rider fitness · 10 questions

41. Who should carry a passenger or a large load?

  • A. Any rider without adjusting technique
  • B. An experienced rider prepared for the handling change
  • C. A learner using a passenger for balance
Show answer and explanation

Answer: B. Extra weight changes handling, balance and stopping.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

42. What passenger equipment is essential on a suitable motorcycle?

  • A. Foot rests only for highway riding
  • B. A proper seat, passenger foot rests and protective gear
  • C. A seat alone if the passenger holds tightly
Show answer and explanation

Answer: B. The motorcycle must accommodate the passenger safely.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

43. While stopped, where should a passenger normally keep their feet?

  • A. Dragging on the pavement
  • B. On the passenger foot pegs
  • C. On the rider’s foot pegs
Show answer and explanation

Answer: B. Passenger movement can affect balance; explain expectations beforehand.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

44. What should a passenger do in a normal turn?

  • A. Stay behind the rider and lean with the rider
  • B. Lean opposite the rider
  • C. Stand up to see over the rider
Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. Coordinated passenger movement helps avoid upsetting balance.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

45. How should you adjust stopping plans with a passenger?

  • A. Brake later to compensate for extra grip
  • B. Assume stopping distance is unchanged
  • C. Begin slowing earlier and allow extra space
Show answer and explanation

Answer: C. The added weight changes the motorcycle’s response.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

46. Where should cargo weight generally be positioned?

  • A. Loose so it can shift in a turn
  • B. High and behind the rear axle
  • C. Low, secure and forward near or ahead of the rear axle
Show answer and explanation

Answer: C. Low, balanced loading helps preserve stability.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

47. Why distribute saddlebag weight evenly?

  • A. To eliminate tire-pressure checks
  • B. To increase permissible load without limit
  • C. To avoid an unbalanced load
Show answer and explanation

Answer: C. Uneven loading can affect balance and steering.

Review official DMV topic: Ride within your abilities ↗

48. Which is a sound alcohol decision before riding?

  • A. Rely on coffee to remove impairment
  • B. Assume riding slowly cancels impairment
  • C. Do not drink and ride
Show answer and explanation

Answer: C. Alcohol can impair judgment and coordination even before obvious symptoms.

Review official DMV topic: Being in shape to ride ↗

49. Can nonprescription medicine affect riding?

  • A. No, only illegal drugs impair riding
  • B. Yes, some medicines can impair alertness
  • C. No, if you already have a license
Show answer and explanation

Answer: B. Check warnings and avoid riding when a medicine impairs you.

Review official DMV topic: Being in shape to ride ↗

50. You feel fatigued during a ride. What is the safer response?

  • A. Stop safely and rest
  • B. Ride faster to finish sooner
  • C. Keep riding with louder music
Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. Fatigue reduces concentration and safe decision-making.

Review official DMV topic: Being in shape to ride ↗

Official sources checked October 13, 2026. Consult current DMV requirements before testing and practice physical riding skills with a qualified instructor.