Connecticut motorcycle permit practice test
The Connecticut DMV motorcycle knowledge test has 16 questions. It's based on Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217). Practise Connecticut's own motorcycle rules below, then the full motorcycle manual tests.
Connecticut motorcycle rules
| Knowledge test | 16 questions |
|---|---|
| Permit | Motorcycle learner's permit (optional; a novice course is not required to get it): requires a valid Connecticut driver's license, Form R-229, notarized parental consent (Form 2-D) under 18, and passing the motorcycle knowledge and vision tests. Valid 60 days, renewable once in the same calendar year for another 60 days ($16). Restrictions: Connecticut only, daylight only, no passengers, no limited-access highways, vision-protecting equipment and approved protective headgear required regardless of age, must carry permit and driver's license. Fees: $40 tests, $16 permit. |
| Skills test or course | No DMV skills test: the 'M' endorsement requires completing a DMV-approved novice motorcycle safety course (Connecticut Rider Education Program, CONREP) with classroom and on-motorcycle training; course completion is valid for two years and is presented at a DMV hub or branch to add the 'M' endorsement ($30). An 'M' with restriction '3' limits the rider to three-wheel motorcycles. Out-of-state active-duty military with a CT license and an approved MSF or CONREP course may get the endorsement exam waived. |
| Helmet law | Partial law. Effective October 1, 2025, riders under 21 must wear protective headgear when operating a motor-driven cycle or motorcycle (manual front pages, 'Motor-Driven Cycles'). The same manual's older text says no one under 18 may operate or be a passenger on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle without headgear; the passenger age after the 2025 change is not stated. Learner's permit holders must wear USDOT/NHTSA-approved headgear (conforming to CGS 14-289g) regardless of age. |
| Eye protection | Required for learner's permit holders: vision-protecting equipment such as goggles, glasses, face shields, windshields or wind screens (DMV permit page). No general eye-protection requirement for endorsed riders is stated in the manual or DMV pages reviewed (CGS text could not be retrieved from cga.ct.gov). |
| Passengers | Permit holders may not carry passengers. New 'M' endorsement holders 18 and older may not carry passengers for the first 90 days; 16- and 17-year-olds may not carry any passenger for six months after getting the endorsement. Under 18, passengers must wear headgear. |
| Lane splitting or filtering | No Connecticut-specific rule is stated. The manual's MSF text says cars and motorcycles each need a full lane and lane sharing is usually prohibited (Lane Sharing, MOM p. 16). Connecticut statutes could not be retrieved from cga.ct.gov to confirm the statutory wording. |
Connecticut motorcycle law questions
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Question 1What letter designates a motorcycle endorsement on a Connecticut driver's license?
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A: M. The motorcycle endorsement is designated by the letter 'M' and allows operation of a motorcycle on public highways. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): Getting Your Connecticut Motorcycle Endorsement (front pages).
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Question 2Which of these riders does NOT need a Connecticut motorcycle endorsement?
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A: A non-resident college student with a valid out-of-state license that authorizes motorcycle operation. Non-residents or temporary residents (such as military members, students or non-resident workers) with a valid out-of-state license authorizing motorcycle operation do not need a Connecticut endorsement. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): Getting Your Connecticut Motorcycle Endorsement (front pages).
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Question 3How many questions are on the Connecticut motorcycle knowledge test?
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A: 16. The knowledge exam has 16 questions taken from the motorcycle manual and the Connecticut Driver's Manual. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): Motorcycle Learner's Permit: What will the knowledge and vision tests include? (front pages).
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Question 4What must you complete to have the 'M' endorsement added in Connecticut after passing the knowledge and vision tests?
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D: A DMV-approved novice motorcycle safety course. Connecticut requires completion of a novice motorcycle-training course approved by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles (CONREP), with proof presented to DMV. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): Getting Your Connecticut Motorcycle Endorsement (front pages).
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Question 5How long is completion of a Connecticut novice motorcycle safety course valid for getting the endorsement?
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B: Two years. DMV says the approved novice course is valid for two years from the date of completion. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): Motorcycle endorsement: How to (Step 3).
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Question 6Is a novice motorcycle safety course required before you can get a Connecticut motorcycle learner's permit?
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B: No, the course is not required for the permit. DMV notes the novice safety course is not required to obtain a learner's permit; it is required for the endorsement. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): Get a permit: Step 1.
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Question 7What must you already hold to get a Connecticut motorcycle learner's permit?
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A: A valid Connecticut driver's license. You must possess a valid Connecticut driver's license and pass the motorcycle knowledge and vision tests. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): Motorcycle Learner's Permit (front pages).
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Question 8How long is a Connecticut motorcycle learner's permit valid?
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B: 60 days. The permit is valid for 60 days and may be renewed once in a calendar year. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): Motorcycle Learner's Permit (front pages).
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Question 9How many times can a Connecticut motorcycle learner's permit be renewed in the same calendar year?
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D: Once, for an additional 60 days. It can be renewed once, for an additional 60 days, during the calendar year in which it was issued. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): Renew a permit.
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Question 10Which is a restriction on a Connecticut motorcycle learner's permit?
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D: You may ride only in daylight and only in Connecticut. Permit holders may ride only in Connecticut, only in daylight, with no passengers and not on limited-access highways. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): What you need to know about operating a motorcycle with a motorcycle learner's permit (front pages).
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Question 11With a Connecticut motorcycle learner's permit, may you carry a passenger?
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C: No, the permit is not valid for carrying passengers. The permit is not valid for carrying passengers. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): What you need to know about operating a motorcycle with a motorcycle learner's permit (front pages).
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Question 12A 45-year-old rides with a Connecticut motorcycle learner's permit. Must they wear a helmet?
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B: Yes, permit holders must wear approved headgear regardless of age. Every motorcycle learner's permit holder must wear USDOT or NHTSA approved protective headgear regardless of age. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): Motorcycle Learner's Permit (front pages).
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Question 13What eye protection rule applies to Connecticut motorcycle learner's permit holders?
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B: Vision-protecting equipment such as goggles, glasses, a face shield or a windshield must be used. DMV lists vision-protecting equipment (goggles, glasses, face shields, windshields, wind screens) as required while riding on a learner's permit. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): Motorcycle learner's permit restrictions.
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Question 14Effective October 1, 2025, which motorcycle and motor-driven cycle operators must wear protective headgear in Connecticut (in addition to permit holders)?
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B: Riders under 21. The manual states that effective October 1, 2025, riders under 21 must wear protective headgear when operating a motor-driven cycle or motorcycle. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): Motorcycling and Connecticut Law: Motor-Driven Cycles (front pages).
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Question 15When does a Connecticut motorcycle learner's permit expire at the latest, no matter when it was issued?
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A: December 31 of the year you passed the knowledge test. The manual says the permit expires on December 31 of the year the knowledge test was passed, regardless of when it was issued. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): What you need to know about operating a motorcycle with a motorcycle learner's permit (front pages).
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Question 16A 25-year-old just got a Connecticut 'M' endorsement. How long must they wait before carrying a passenger?
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B: 90 days. Drivers 18 and older may not transport passengers for 90 days after getting a motorcycle endorsement. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): Passenger Restrictions for New 'M' Endorsement Holders (front pages).
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Question 17A 17-year-old just got a Connecticut motorcycle endorsement. For how long may they not carry any passenger?
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D: Six months. No 16- or 17-year-old may transport any passenger on a motorcycle for six months after receiving the endorsement. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): Passenger Restrictions for New 'M' Endorsement Holders (front pages).
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Question 18Under Connecticut law, during which hours may a 16- or 17-year-old licensee not ride a motorcycle, except for work, school, religious or medical reasons?
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B: 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.. Connecticut prohibits 16- and 17-year-old licensees from driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. except for employment, school, religious or medical reasons, and this applies to motorcycles. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): Other Laws for 16- and 17-Year-Old Motorcycle Operators (front pages).
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Question 19How does Connecticut define a motor-driven cycle (moped)?
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A: A motorcycle, scooter or bicycle with a motor that has a seat height of at least 26 inches and no more than five brake horsepower. A motor-driven cycle has a seat height of at least 26 inches and a motor producing no more than five brake horsepower. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): Motorcycling and Connecticut Law: Motor-Driven Cycles (front pages).
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Question 20What license do you need to operate a motor-driven cycle in Connecticut?
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C: A valid driver's license, but no motorcycle endorsement. You need a valid driver's license to operate a motor-driven cycle but do not need a motorcycle endorsement. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): Motorcycling and Connecticut Law: Motor-Driven Cycles (front pages).
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Question 21On a road where the speed limit is higher than a motor-driven cycle's top speed, where must it be ridden in Connecticut?
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D: In the right-hand lane or on a usable right shoulder, except when preparing to turn left. The motor-driven cycle must keep to the right-hand traffic lane or a usable right shoulder, except when preparing to turn left at an intersection or into or from a private road or driveway. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): Motorcycling and Connecticut Law: Motor-Driven Cycles (front pages).
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Question 22Where may a motor-driven cycle never be operated in Connecticut?
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D: On a limited access highway or turnpike. A motor-driven cycle cannot be operated on a limited access highway or turnpike. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): Motorcycling and Connecticut Law: Motor-Driven Cycles (front pages).
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Question 23Under Connecticut law, a motorcycle has no more than how many wheels in contact with the ground?
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D: Three. Connecticut defines a motorcycle as a motor vehicle with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground and a saddle, seat or platform for the rider. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): Motorcycling and Connecticut Law: What is a motorcycle? (front pages).
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Question 24What does restriction '3' on a Connecticut motorcycle endorsement mean?
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D: You may operate only a three-wheel motorcycle. An 'M' endorsement with restriction '3' limits the holder to operating only a three-wheel motorcycle. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): Endorsements.
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Question 25How must a Connecticut motorcycle license plate be mounted?
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B: Fastened immovably in an upright position on the rear, plainly visible and legible from behind. Connecticut law says the plate must be fastened immovably in an upright position on the rear of the motorcycle, plainly visible and legible from behind. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): Motorcycle License Plate (front pages).
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Question 26What does Connecticut DMV charge for the motorcycle knowledge and vision tests?
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C: $40. The knowledge and vision testing fee is $40; the learner's permit is $16 and adding the 'M' endorsement is $30. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): Motorcycle endorsement fees.
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Question 27When you ride a motorcycle in Connecticut, which traffic laws apply to you?
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A: All Connecticut traffic laws, with the same penalties as other motorists. Motorcycle and motor-driven cycle operators must observe all Connecticut traffic laws and face the same penalties and fines as other motorists. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): Motorcycle Operator Required To Observe All Connecticut Traffic Laws (front pages).
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Question 28What must you carry while riding on a Connecticut motorcycle learner's permit?
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A: Your motorcycle permit and your driver's license. You must have your motorcycle permit and your driver's license in your possession while operating the motorcycle. Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217): What you need to know about operating a motorcycle with a motorcycle learner's permit (front pages).
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Full motorcycle practice tests
300 questions on riding skills and safety from the Motorcycle Operator Manual, which most states use.
Manual: Connecticut Motorcycle Operator Manual (R-217). Source: Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, checked 2026-10-27.