Michigan motorcycle permit practice test
It's based on Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116). Practise Michigan's own motorcycle rules below, then the full motorcycle manual tests.
Michigan motorcycle rules
| Permit | Motorcycle Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP): valid Michigan driver's license, vision and knowledge tests, TIP fee; valid 180 days; no more than two TIPs in 10 years (MCL 257.306(5)). Must carry the permit, ride under constant visual supervision of a licensed motorcyclist 18+, no night riding, no passengers. The rider-skills-test route requires age 18+; teens 16-17 (Level 2 or 3 GDL) must take a rider education course. |
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| Skills test or course | Either an approved Michigan Rider Education Program course (BRC, 3-Wheel BRC, IRLW/BRC2/RRBRC), which waives the knowledge and skills tests, or a rider skills test at an approved driver testing business (four exercises: cone weave and normal stop, right turn from a stop then U-turn, quick stop, obstacle swerve). Only two skills-test attempts (24 hours apart, before the TIP expires); after a second failure, an MSF Basic Rider Course is required. Three-wheel endorsement (restriction code 20) does not allow two-wheelers. |
| Helmet law | Required under 21, during a rider education course, and during a rider skills test. Riders 21+ may ride without one if they have held the CY endorsement more than two years or passed an approved course AND carry at least $20,000 first-party medical benefits (MCL 257.658(5)). Moped operators under 19 must wear a helmet. Helmets must meet DOT standards. |
| Eye protection | Above 35 mph on a motorcycle without a windshield, the operator must wear goggles, eyeglasses or a shatter-resistant transparent face shield (MCL 257.708a). |
| Passengers | No more persons than the motorcycle is designed and equipped for; seats and secure footrests for each seating position; passenger's feet must reach the footrests (unless a permanent disability prevents it). TIP holders may not carry passengers. |
Michigan motorcycle law questions
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Question 1How long is a Michigan motorcycle temporary instruction permit (TIP) valid?
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A: 180 days. A TIP allows you to legally operate a motorcycle for 180 days. Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Operating with a temporary instruction permit, page 3.
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Question 2How many motorcycle temporary instruction permits can a Michigan rider get in a 10-year period?
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C: Two. Only two TIPs will be issued during a 10-year period (MCL 257.306(5)). Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Operating with a temporary instruction permit, page 3.
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Question 3Who must supervise a Michigan rider on a motorcycle TIP?
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B: A licensed motorcycle operator at least 18, with constant visual supervision. A TIP requires constant visual supervision by a licensed motorcycle operator who is at least 18. Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Operating with a temporary instruction permit, page 3.
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Question 4Which of these is NOT allowed with a Michigan motorcycle TIP?
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A: Riding at night. TIP holders may not ride at night or carry passengers, and must carry the permit and be supervised. Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Operating with a temporary instruction permit, page 3.
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Question 5Your second Michigan motorcycle TIP expires before you take the rider skills test. How can you now get your endorsement?
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D: Pass a rider education course. If your second TIP expires before the skills test, you must pass a rider education course to get the endorsement. Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Motorcycle temporary instruction permit, page 3.
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Question 6How many attempts at the Michigan motorcycle rider skills test are allowed before a rider course becomes required?
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C: Two. The rider skills test can only be attempted twice; failing the second attempt means you must pass an MSF Basic Rider Course. Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): What to expect during the rider skills test, page 4.
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Question 7How long must you wait between your first and second Michigan rider skills test attempts?
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B: At least 24 hours. The second attempt cannot be scheduled until at least 24 hours after the first, and must be completed before your TIP expires. Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): What to expect during the rider skills test, page 4.
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Question 8What happens if you arrive for the Michigan rider skills test without an approved helmet?
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B: The test will not be given. The skills test will not be given if you are not wearing a U.S. DOT-approved, labeled and properly fastened helmet. Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): What to expect during the rider skills test, page 4.
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Question 9What is the minimum age to use the rider skills test route (TIP plus skills test) to get a Michigan motorcycle endorsement?
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A: 18. To get the endorsement by taking the rider skills test you must be at least 18; teens must complete a rider education course. Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Applying for a motorcycle endorsement: Motorcycle temporary instruction permit, page 2.
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Question 10A 16-year-old Michigan teen wants a motorcycle endorsement. What must they have?
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D: A Level 2 or Level 3 graduated license and an approved rider education course. Teens must be at least 16, hold a Level 2 or 3 GDL license and complete an approved rider education course. Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Applying for a motorcycle endorsement: Teens, page 2.
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Question 11What is the civil fine for a first offense of riding without a motorcycle endorsement in Michigan?
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B: Not more than $250. A first violation of MCL 257.312a(1) is a civil infraction with a fine of not more than $250; repeat violations are misdemeanors. Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Motorcycle endorsement, page 1.
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Question 12Can a Michigan rider with a three-wheeled motorcycle endorsement ride a two-wheeled motorcycle?
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A: No. A three-wheel endorsement is restricted to three-wheeled motorcycles and does not permit operation of a two-wheeler. Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Three-wheeled motorcycle endorsement, page 2.
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Question 13What does passing an approved Michigan rider education course do for the knowledge and skills tests?
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D: Waives both tests. The knowledge test and rider skills test requirements are waived if you pass an approved motorcycle rider education course. Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Knowledge test, page 3.
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Question 14What minimum insurance must you show to register a motorcycle in Michigan?
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D: $20,000/$40,000 public liability and $10,000 property damage. You need proof of insurance for at least $20,000/$40,000 public liability and $10,000 property damage. Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Michigan motorcycle registration requirements, page 9.
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Question 15Under Michigan law, which riders must always wear a helmet?
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B: Riders under 21. A helmet is required if you are under 21, taking a rider education course or taking a rider skills test (MCL 257.658(5)). Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Section Two: Equipment (helmet law), page 13.
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Question 16A 25-year-old Michigan rider has held the CY endorsement for three years. What else is needed to ride legally without a helmet?
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B: At least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits. Riders 21+ need both the experience/course requirement and at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits to ride without a helmet. Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Section Two: Equipment (helmet law), page 13.
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Question 17How long must a Michigan rider 21 or older have held a motorcycle endorsement to qualify for the helmet exemption (if they haven't taken a course)?
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A: More than two years. The exemption requires having the CY endorsement for longer than two years, or having passed an approved rider education course. Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Section Two: Equipment (helmet law), page 13.
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Question 18Under what age must a Michigan moped operator wear a crash helmet?
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D: Under 19. A moped operator less than 19 years of age must wear a crash helmet (MCL 257.658(4)). Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Helmet use; moped, page 13.
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Question 19When must a Michigan motorcyclist wear goggles, eyeglasses or a face shield?
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B: When riding over 35 mph on a motorcycle without a windshield. An operator going faster than 35 mph on a motorcycle without a windshield must wear goggles, eyeglasses or a shatter-resistant face shield (MCL 257.708a). Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Windshields, goggles, eyeglasses, or face shields, page 15.
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Question 20Which motorcycles may NOT be ridden on a Michigan limited access highway?
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B: Motorcycles with engines smaller than 125 cc, and mopeds. A person may not operate a motorcycle with less than a 125 cc engine, or a moped, on a limited access highway (MCL 257.679a). Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Limited access highways, page 13.
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Question 21What must be true before a passenger can ride on a Michigan motorcycle?
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D: There is a seat and secure footrests for them, and their feet can reach the footrests. A motorcycle must have adequate seats and secure footrests for each seating position, and a passenger's feet must be able to rest on them (unless a permanent disability prevents it). Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Seats and foot rests, page 13.
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Question 22How high may motorcycle handlebars be in Michigan?
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D: No higher than 30 inches above the lowest point of the seat. Handlebars may not be higher than 30 inches from the lowest point of the undepressed saddle to the highest point of the handgrip (MCL 257.661a). Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Handlebars of motorcycle, page 13.
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Question 23How many brakes must a Michigan motorcycle have?
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B: Two: one on the front wheel and one on the rear wheel. A motorcycle or moped on a highway must have at least 2 brakes, one on the front wheel and one on the rear wheel (MCL 257.705). Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Brake equipment, page 14.
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Question 24From what distance must a Michigan motorcycle horn be audible?
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A: Not less than 200 feet. The horn must be audible under normal conditions from not less than 200 feet (MCL 257.706). Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Horn or other warning device, page 14.
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Question 25Where may a Michigan motorcyclist mount a rearview mirror besides the motorcycle?
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D: On a helmet or visor securely attached to the operator's head. Rearview mirrors may be positioned on the helmet or visor worn by the operator if the helmet is securely attached to the operator's head (MCL 257.708). Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Mirrors, page 15.
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Question 26What is the minimum tread depth for motorcycle tires in Michigan?
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D: 1/32 inch, front and rear. For motorcycles and mopeds the minimum allowable tread level is 1/32 inch front and rear (MCL 257.710). Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Tires, page 15.
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Question 27Under Michigan law, what may a motorcyclist not carry?
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B: A package that prevents keeping both hands on the handlebars. An operator may not carry any package, bundle or article that prevents keeping both hands on the handlebars (MCL 257.661). Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Carrying packages, page 13.
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Question 28In Michigan, a BAC of what level or higher is classed as 'high BAC'?
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B: 0.17. Michigan law treats 0.08 or more as operating while intoxicated and 0.17 or more as high BAC. Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Drugs and Alcohol: Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, page 12.
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Question 29What license suspension do Michigan drunk-driving laws require for a first conviction?
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D: Six months (restricted license possible after 30 days). The laws require a six-month suspension even for a first conviction; the driver may be eligible for a restricted license after 30 days. Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Drugs and Alcohol: Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, page 12.
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Question 30Under Michigan law, what is a 'moped'?
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C: A vehicle of 100 cc or less that can't exceed 30 mph and doesn't need gear shifting. A moped has a motor of no more than 100 cc, cannot go faster than 30 mph on a level surface, and doesn't require shifting gears (MCL 257.32b). Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116): Types of two- and three-wheeled vehicles, page 11.
Answer every question to see your score.
Full motorcycle practice tests
300 questions on riding skills and safety from the Motorcycle Operator Manual, which most states use.
Manual: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116). Source: Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State), checked 2026-10-27.