Pennsylvania Motorcycle Test Sample Questions
Real, Pennsylvania-specific sample questions from our practice question bank, with the correct answer, a full explanation, and a source reference for each. See our national sample questions for topics that apply to every state, or take the full Pennsylvania motorcycle practice test to test yourself instead of just reading the answers.
More Questions
1. What is the correct way to ride through a curve?
Slowing before a curve and applying steady throttle through it keeps the motorcycle stable and balanced.
Source: PennDOT, Motorcycle Operator Manual, Cornering
2. Why should a rider change lane position rather than stay in one fixed spot within the lane?
Moving within the lane helps a rider stay visible to other drivers and avoid oil, debris, or uneven pavement.
Source: PennDOT, Motorcycle Operator Manual, Lane Positioning
3. How many questions are on Pennsylvania's motorcycle knowledge exam, and what score is needed to pass?
Pennsylvania's motorcycle knowledge exam has 20 multiple-choice questions, and a score of at least 80%, or 16 correct answers, is required to pass.
Source: PennDOT, Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147)
4. Why is riding at night more hazardous than riding during the day?
Lower visibility at night makes it harder for other drivers to notice a motorcycle, so riders should add reflective gear and extra following distance.
Source: PennDOT, Motorcycle Operator Manual, Night Riding
5. What should a passenger do to help the rider keep the motorcycle balanced through a turn?
A passenger should hold on and lean in the same direction as the rider through turns, rather than fighting the motorcycle's lean.
Source: PennDOT, Motorcycle Operator Manual, Carrying Passengers
6. What is required of every motorcycle rider and passenger under 21 in Pennsylvania regarding helmets?
Pennsylvania requires riders and passengers under 21, and any rider with less than two years of riding experience, to wear a DOT-compliant helmet.
Source: PennDOT, Motorcycle Operator Manual, Protective Gear
7. What should a rider do when crossing wet metal grates or railroad tracks?
Crossing slick surfaces like grates or tracks at close to a right angle, without braking on them, reduces the risk of a wheel slipping out.
Source: PennDOT, Motorcycle Operator Manual, Road Hazards
8. Why should a rider avoid staying in a car's blind spot for long?
A motorcycle can disappear into a car's blind spot; lingering there risks a driver changing lanes without noticing the rider.
Source: PennDOT, Motorcycle Operator Manual, Sharing the Road