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Minnesota motorcycle permit practice test

It's based on Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21). Practise Minnesota's own motorcycle rules below, then the full motorcycle manual tests.

Minnesota motorcycle rules

PermitMotorcycle instruction permit requires a valid Minnesota driver's license and passing the knowledge test ($29); under 18 must also present a state-approved rider training course certificate. Valid one year; if it expires, retake the knowledge test. Restrictions: DOT helmet and eye protection, no passengers, no night riding (1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise); since Aug. 1, 2018 permit holders may ride on interstates. Statute (169.974 subd. 2(c), as amended 2024) says permits go to persons over 16 with a license who are enrolled in an approved course and pass the written exam.
Skills test or courseSkills test of four riding exercises at an exam station (not given on wet, icy or snowy surfaces); bring license, permit, registered and insured motorcycle, DOT helmet and eye protection, and the course certificate if under 18. Testing on a three-wheeler restricts to three-wheelers. Failing assigns practice time before a retest; $20 fee from the third skills test; $20 no-show fee. The commissioner may waive the road test for approved course graduates (169.974 subd. 2(b)).
Helmet lawRequired for operators and passengers under 18 and for anyone riding on an instruction permit (DOT-approved); recommended for all (manual p.IV; Minn. Stat. 169.974 subd. 4).
Eye protectionAll operators must wear protective eyewear (glasses, goggles or face shield) even with a windscreen; contact lenses don't count (manual p.IV). Moped riders also must wear protective eyewear.
PassengersOnly on a permanent passenger seat or in a sidecar; passenger must reach footrests with both feet; motorcycles with a passenger seat must have passenger footrests/floorboards; sit astride facing forward. Permit holders may not carry passengers. Moped instruction permit holders under 16 may carry only a parent or guardian.
Lane splitting or filteringLane filtering allowed since the 2025 amendment to Minn. Stat. 169.974 subd. 5(g): a motorcyclist may pass within the same lane / between vehicles going the same direction only at 25 mph or less and no more than 15 mph faster than traffic; not in roundabouts, school zones, single-lane work zones or queued freeway on-ramps. Otherwise riding between lanes or abreast of vehicles in the same lane is prohibited. Two motorcycles may ride abreast with both riders' consent. (The 2021 manual, p.IV, predates this and says riding between lanes is not allowed.)

Minnesota motorcycle law questions

31 questions
  1. Question 1What do you need before you can get a Minnesota motorcycle instruction permit?

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    A: A valid Minnesota driver's license and a passing score on the knowledge test. A valid Minnesota driver's license is required, and you must pass the knowledge test at an exam station. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Motorcycle Permit Process, page II.

  2. Question 2What extra document must a Minnesota rider under 18 present to get a motorcycle instruction permit?

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    C: A certificate of completion from a state-approved motorcycle rider training course. Riders under 18 must present a certificate of completion of a state-approved motorcycle rider training course. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Motorcycle Permit Process, page II.

  3. Question 3How long is a Minnesota motorcycle instruction permit valid?

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    B: One year. After passing the knowledge test and paying the fee you receive an instruction permit valid for one year. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Motorcycle Permit Process, page II.

  4. Question 4Your Minnesota motorcycle instruction permit expires before you take the skills test. What must you do?

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    B: Retake the knowledge test and pay for a new permit. If the instruction permit expires, you must retake the knowledge test and pay the fee for a new permit. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Motorcycle Permit Process, page II.

  5. Question 5How often may you take the Minnesota motorcycle knowledge test?

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    D: Only once per day. The knowledge test may be taken only once per day. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Motorcycle Permit Process, page II.

  6. Question 6Under Minnesota's motorcycle permit rules, when does 'night' begin?

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    D: One-half hour after sunset. Permit holders may not ride at night, defined as one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Motorcycle Permit Process, page II.

  7. Question 7Which of these may a Minnesota motorcycle permit holder do?

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    C: Ride on an interstate highway. Since August 1, 2018, permit holders may ride on the interstate; they still may not carry passengers or ride at night, and must wear a helmet and eye protection. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): New Riding Information and Laws, page front.

  8. Question 8When will the Minnesota motorcycle skills test not be given?

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    A: When the surface is wet or there is ice or snow. Skills tests are not given if the surface is wet or if ice or snow is present. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Motorcycle Endorsement Skills Test, page II.

  9. Question 9You take the Minnesota motorcycle skills test on a three-wheeled motorcycle. What happens?

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    A: You are restricted to three-wheelers until you test on a two-wheeler. Testing on a three-wheeled motorcycle restricts you to three-wheelers; you can remove the restriction by testing on the other type. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Motorcycle Endorsement Skills Test, page II.

  10. Question 10What happens after you fail the Minnesota motorcycle skills test?

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    D: You are assigned practice time to complete before the next test. If you fail, you will be assigned practice time that must be completed before your next skills test. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Motorcycle Endorsement Skills Test, page II.

  11. Question 11A new Minnesota resident has a valid motorcycle endorsement from another state. What must they do for the Minnesota endorsement?

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    B: Pass the knowledge test; the skills test is waived. New residents with a valid out-of-state endorsement take the knowledge test and the motorcycle skills test is waived. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): New Residents, page III.

  12. Question 12When does Minnesota motorcycle registration expire each year?

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    A: At the end of February. The registration period runs from March 1 through the last day of February and must be renewed annually. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Motorcycle Registration, page III.

  13. Question 13How long do new Minnesota residents have to register their motorcycles?

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    A: 60 days. New residents have 60 days after becoming Minnesota residents to register their motorcycles. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Motorcycle Registration, page III.

  14. Question 14Which motorcycle insurance coverage is required in Minnesota?

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    D: Liability coverage for property damage or injury to others. All motorcycles registered in Minnesota must have liability coverage; no-fault, uninsured motorist, damage and theft coverage are optional. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Motorcycle Insurance, page III.

  15. Question 15Must a Minnesota motorcyclist wear protective eyewear if the motorcycle has a windscreen?

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    C: Yes; glasses, goggles or a face shield are required even with a windscreen. Motorcyclists must wear protective eyewear even if the motorcycle has a windscreen. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Protective Eyewear, page IV.

  16. Question 16Do contact lenses count as protective eyewear for Minnesota motorcyclists?

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    A: No. Contact lenses do not qualify as protective eyewear. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Protective Eyewear, page IV.

  17. Question 17Who must wear a DOT-approved helmet on a motorcycle in Minnesota?

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    A: Operators and passengers under 18, and anyone riding on a permit. Motorcyclists and passengers under 18 and those riding on a motorcycle permit must wear DOT-approved helmets; helmets are recommended for everyone. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Helmets, page IV.

  18. Question 18When may a passenger ride on a Minnesota motorcycle?

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    D: Only if they can reach the footrests with both feet while seated. Passengers may not ride unless they can reach the footrests on each side with both feet while seated. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Motorcycle Operating Rules, page IV.

  19. Question 19What must a Minnesota motorcycle with a passenger seat be equipped with?

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    C: Footrests or floorboards for the passenger. Footrests or floorboards for a passenger must be provided if the motorcycle has a seat designed or suited for a passenger. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Motorcycle Equipment Requirements, page IV.

  20. Question 20How many headlights may a Minnesota motorcycle have?

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    A: At least one and no more than two, with high and low beams. Motorcycles must have at least one and not more than two headlights with high- and low-beam settings; headlight modulators are legal. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Motorcycle Equipment Requirements, page IV.

  21. Question 21Which taillight feature is legal on a Minnesota motorcycle?

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    D: A blue dot up to one inch in diameter. A blue dot of up to one inch in diameter on the taillight is legal. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Motorcycle Equipment Requirements, page IV.

  22. Question 22When must a Minnesota motorcyclist have the headlight on?

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    C: At all times. The operator must have the headlight on at all times when riding in Minnesota. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Motorcycle Operating Rules, page IV.

  23. Question 23Under current Minnesota law, when may a motorcyclist pass other vehicles within the same lane (lane filtering)?

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    B: At 25 mph or less, and no more than 15 mph faster than traffic. Minn. Stat. 169.974 subd. 5(g) allows passing within the same lane at no more than 25 mph and no more than 15 mph over the speed of traffic. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Minn. Stat. § 169.974, subd. 5(g).

  24. Question 24Where is lane filtering NOT allowed in Minnesota even at low speed?

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    B: In a school zone. Filtering is not allowed in roundabouts, school zones, work zones with only one travel lane, or queued freeway on-ramps. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Minn. Stat. § 169.974, subd. 5(h).

  25. Question 25When may two motorcycles ride side by side in one Minnesota lane?

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    A: With the consent of both riders, if they fit safely in the lane. Motorcycles may, with the consent of both drivers, ride not more than two abreast in a single lane if they fit safely. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Minn. Stat. § 169.974, subd. 5(e).

  26. Question 26A Minnesota traffic signal stays red because it doesn't detect your motorcycle. What does state law allow?

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    D: Proceed after a complete stop and a reasonable wait, if no traffic is approaching. The law gives an affirmative defense to proceed after a complete stop when the red lasts an unreasonable time because the signal failed to detect you, and no vehicle or person is approaching (or they are far enough away). Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Red Light, Green Light: Minnesota Law, page V.

  27. Question 27Who must have a moped operator's permit in Minnesota?

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    C: Anyone without a driver's license, regardless of age. Anyone with a valid driver's license may ride a moped without a test; anyone without one must get a moped operator's permit. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Moped Operator’s Permit, page VI.

  28. Question 28What is the minimum age for a Minnesota moped instruction permit?

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    B: 15. To get a moped operator's instruction permit you must be at least 15 and complete a state-approved moped safety course. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Moped Instruction Permit Process, page VI.

  29. Question 29Where may a Minnesota rider with a 30-day moped instruction permit practice?

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    A: Only within a one-mile radius of their residence. The 30-day moped instruction permit allows practice only within a one-mile radius of your residence. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Moped Instruction Permit Process, page VI.

  30. Question 30Which roads are mopeds not allowed on in Minnesota?

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    C: Interstate freeways. Mopeds are not allowed on interstate freeways, nor on lanes or trails set aside for bicycles and non-motorized traffic. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Moped Operating Rules, page VII.

  31. Question 31Which Minnesota moped riders must wear a DOT-approved helmet?

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    C: Riders under 18. Moped riders under 18 must wear a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet; all moped riders must wear protective eyewear. Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21): Moped Equipment Requirements, page VII.

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Full motorcycle practice tests

300 questions on riding skills and safety from the Motorcycle Operator Manual, which most states use.

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Manual: Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual (PS30001-21). Source: Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), checked 2026-10-27.