MSF Written Test (PDF) 2026 Motorcycle
Permit Exam Questions & Answers
Give three reasons why motorcycling is more risky than driving a car. - ANSWER-
Vulnerability, Visibility, Judgment.
What are some ways to prepare for the riding risks? - ANSWER- Risk acceptance, Mental
readiness, physical readiness, riding gear, understand your abilities/limitations, know your
motorcycle and awareness of riding conditions.
What does it mean to act responsibly? - ANSWER- Demonstrate acceptance of and
commitment to managing the risks of riding, helping reduce your chances of a crash, injury or
death.
What is the benefit of wearing apparel specifically designed for motorcycling - ANSWER-
Protection, comfort/cover, control.
How does riding gear make a rider more comfortable? - ANSWER- By protecting you from all
elements.
What is the difference between retro-reflective and reflective? - ANSWER- Retro-reflective
material: reflects light back to the source and illuminates the rider.
Reflective, bright to make yourself more visible/visibility.
Why aren't ordinary glasses or sunglasses sufficient eye protection? - ANSWER- Do not
provide adequate eye protection.
What three things should you consider when shopping for riding gear? - ANSWER- 1. Brightly
colored/retro-reflective material.
2. Protection.
3. All kinds of riding conditions.
Where do you find the recommended maintenance schedule for your motorcycle? - ANSWER-
Owners Manual
, What are the six primary controls and where is each located? - ANSWER- 1. Throttle (right
handgrip)
2. Clutch lever (infront of left hand grip)
3. Gearshift lever (infront of left foot rest)
4. Front brake lever (infront of right handgrip)
5. Rear brake pedal (infront of right footrest)
6. Handlebars
What is the purpose of the engine cutoff switch and where is it located? - ANSWER- Allows
you to shut off the engine without removing your hands (right handgrip)
What must you remember when using your motorcycle turn signal? - ANSWER- Most models
(motorcycles) do not cancel turn signals.
How do you start the bike? - ANSWER- 1. Turn fuel valve from off to on, turn ignition switch
on
2. Shift transmission to neutral
3. Move engine cut off to "run" or "on"
4. Squeeze clutch before operating
5. Press the starter button
How do you use the friction Zone? - ANSWER- Gradually, slowly
What are the elements of good riding posture? - ANSWER- Straight back, head/eyes up, look
forward, feet on footrests, knees against tank, relax arms, bend elbows, hands on controls.
What are the four steps to turning? - ANSWER- 1. Speed (S)
2. Position (P)
3. Aim (A)
4. Turn (T)
Why is it important to look through turns? - ANSWER- You go where you look
What does lifting or pressing on the shift lever accomplish? - ANSWER- Shifting from lower to
higher gears
Permit Exam Questions & Answers
Give three reasons why motorcycling is more risky than driving a car. - ANSWER-
Vulnerability, Visibility, Judgment.
What are some ways to prepare for the riding risks? - ANSWER- Risk acceptance, Mental
readiness, physical readiness, riding gear, understand your abilities/limitations, know your
motorcycle and awareness of riding conditions.
What does it mean to act responsibly? - ANSWER- Demonstrate acceptance of and
commitment to managing the risks of riding, helping reduce your chances of a crash, injury or
death.
What is the benefit of wearing apparel specifically designed for motorcycling - ANSWER-
Protection, comfort/cover, control.
How does riding gear make a rider more comfortable? - ANSWER- By protecting you from all
elements.
What is the difference between retro-reflective and reflective? - ANSWER- Retro-reflective
material: reflects light back to the source and illuminates the rider.
Reflective, bright to make yourself more visible/visibility.
Why aren't ordinary glasses or sunglasses sufficient eye protection? - ANSWER- Do not
provide adequate eye protection.
What three things should you consider when shopping for riding gear? - ANSWER- 1. Brightly
colored/retro-reflective material.
2. Protection.
3. All kinds of riding conditions.
Where do you find the recommended maintenance schedule for your motorcycle? - ANSWER-
Owners Manual
, What are the six primary controls and where is each located? - ANSWER- 1. Throttle (right
handgrip)
2. Clutch lever (infront of left hand grip)
3. Gearshift lever (infront of left foot rest)
4. Front brake lever (infront of right handgrip)
5. Rear brake pedal (infront of right footrest)
6. Handlebars
What is the purpose of the engine cutoff switch and where is it located? - ANSWER- Allows
you to shut off the engine without removing your hands (right handgrip)
What must you remember when using your motorcycle turn signal? - ANSWER- Most models
(motorcycles) do not cancel turn signals.
How do you start the bike? - ANSWER- 1. Turn fuel valve from off to on, turn ignition switch
on
2. Shift transmission to neutral
3. Move engine cut off to "run" or "on"
4. Squeeze clutch before operating
5. Press the starter button
How do you use the friction Zone? - ANSWER- Gradually, slowly
What are the elements of good riding posture? - ANSWER- Straight back, head/eyes up, look
forward, feet on footrests, knees against tank, relax arms, bend elbows, hands on controls.
What are the four steps to turning? - ANSWER- 1. Speed (S)
2. Position (P)
3. Aim (A)
4. Turn (T)
Why is it important to look through turns? - ANSWER- You go where you look
What does lifting or pressing on the shift lever accomplish? - ANSWER- Shifting from lower to
higher gears
