Pennsylvania motorcycle permit practice test
It's based on Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147). Practise Pennsylvania's own motorcycle rules below, then the full motorcycle manual tests.
Pennsylvania motorcycle rules
| Permit | Class M learner's permit (Form DL-5), valid one year, cannot be renewed; may reapply no more than three times in five years (4 permits total), passing the knowledge test each time. Minimum learner's permit age 16 (PennDOT learner's permit page). Restrictions: sunrise to sunset only; helmet and eye protection; no passengers except a properly licensed instructor; without another license class, ride only under the immediate supervision of a licensed motorcyclist. Under 18: hold the permit 6 months, 65 hours of skill-building (Basic Rider Course hours count), and complete the PA Motorcycle Safety Program Basic Rider Course. |
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| Skills test or course | On-cycle skills test at a Driver License Center, or license issued on passing a free PA Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) licensing course (Basic Rider Course, Basic Rider Course 2 / Intermediate clinic, 3-Wheel course). Testing on a motorcycle of 5 bhp or less adds an '8' restriction; on more than two wheels, a '9' restriction. |
| Helmet law | Required unless 21+ and licensed for motorcycles at least two full calendar years, or 21+ and completed a PennDOT- or MSF-approved safety course; passenger 21+ of an exempt rider is also exempt; enclosed-cab three-wheelers exempt; permit holders must wear a helmet (75 Pa.C.S. 3525). |
| Eye protection | Required for all operators and passengers (except enclosed-cab three-wheelers), regardless of age or windshield (75 Pa.C.S. 3525(b)). |
| Passengers | Motorcycle carrying a passenger (other than in a sidecar or enclosed cab) must have passenger footrests and handholds (manual p.31). Permit holders may carry only a properly licensed instructor. No minimum passenger age stated in the manual. |
| Lane splitting or filtering | Illegal: no riding between lanes or rows of vehicles and no passing in the same lane (police excepted); no more than two abreast (75 Pa.C.S. 3523). |
Pennsylvania motorcycle law questions
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Question 1During which hours may a Pennsylvania Class M learner's permit holder ride?
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A: Between sunrise and sunset only. A Class M permit allows you to ride only between sunrise and sunset. Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147): Earning Your License, page 39.
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Question 2Whom may a Pennsylvania motorcycle learner's permit holder carry as a passenger?
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C: Only a properly licensed instructor. Class M learners may not carry any passengers other than a properly licensed instructor. Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147): Earning Your License, page 39.
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Question 3What protective gear must every Pennsylvania motorcycle permit holder wear?
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B: A helmet and eye protection. All applicants riding with a permit must wear a helmet and eye protection. Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147): Earning Your License, page 39.
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Question 4A Pennsylvania rider under 18 has a motorcycle permit. How long must they wait before the road test?
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A: 6 months from the permit issue date. Riders under 18 must wait the mandatory 6 months from the permit issue date and have the 65-hour certificate before the road test. Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147): Earning Your License, page 39.
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Question 5How many hours of skill-building must a Pennsylvania motorcycle applicant under 18 certify?
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D: 65. Under-18 applicants need a signed Certificate of Completion for 65 hours of skill-building before the road test. Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147): Earning Your License, page 39.
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Question 6What course must a Pennsylvania rider under 18 complete before getting a Class M license?
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C: The Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program Basic Rider Course. Under-18 applicants must complete the PA Motorcycle Safety Program Basic Rider Course before receiving the Class M license. Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147): Earning Your License, page 39.
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Question 7Can hours from the Pennsylvania Basic Rider Course count toward an under-18 rider's 65 skill-building hours?
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C: Yes, the course training hours count toward the 65. The training hours from the Basic Rider Course can be counted toward the 65-hour skill-building requirement. Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147): Earning Your License, page 39.
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Question 8How many times may you reapply for a Pennsylvania motorcycle learner's permit in a five-year period?
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A: No more than three times (four permits in total). You may reapply no more than three times in five years (4 permits total) and must pass the knowledge test each time. Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147): Earning Your License, page 39.
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Question 9When you reapply for a Pennsylvania motorcycle learner's permit, what must you do again?
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D: Pass the motorcycle knowledge test. With each reapplication you must successfully pass the motorcycle knowledge test. Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147): Earning Your License, page 39.
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Question 10You take the Pennsylvania motorcycle skills test on a motorcycle of 5 brake horsepower or less. What appears on your license?
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C: An '8' restriction: no motorcycles over 5 brake horsepower. Testing on a motorcycle of 5 bhp or less adds an '8' restriction, prohibiting motorcycles over 5 brake horsepower. Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147): Earning Your License, page 39.
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Question 11What does a '9' restriction on a Pennsylvania motorcycle license mean?
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C: You may not operate a two-wheeled motorcycle. Testing on a motorcycle with more than 2 wheels adds a '9' restriction, which prohibits operating a two-wheeled motorcycle. Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147): Earning Your License, page 39.
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Question 12Who can take the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program's rider courses for free?
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A: Pennsylvania residents with a Class M license or permit. PAMSP offers free rider training courses for Pennsylvania residents with a Class M license or permit. Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147): Back cover: Free Rider Training Courses, page back cover.
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Question 13A Pennsylvania permit holder passes the PAMSP Basic Rider Course. What happens?
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A: They are issued a motorcycle license. Students on a learner's permit who successfully complete the Basic Rider Course are issued a motorcycle license. Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147): Back cover: Free Rider Training Courses, page back cover.
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Question 14What equipment does Pennsylvania law require on a motorcycle carrying a passenger (not in a sidecar or enclosed cab)?
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D: Footrests and handholds for the passenger. PA law requires footrests and handholds for the passenger on any motorcycle carrying one, other than in a sidecar or enclosed cab. Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147): Carrying Passengers and Cargo: Equipment, page 31.
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Question 15At what blood alcohol level is a Pennsylvania rider considered to be driving under the influence?
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C: 0.08% or higher. In Pennsylvania you are considered to be driving under the influence if your BAC is .08% or higher. Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147): Penalties for Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs, page 37.
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Question 16Under Pennsylvania's Implied Consent Law, what happens if you refuse a chemical test after a DUI arrest?
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B: Automatic 1-year suspension, in addition to any DUI suspension. Refusing a breath, blood or urine test brings an automatic one-year suspension, on top of any suspension for a DUI conviction or ARD. Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147): Pennsylvania's Implied Consent Law, page 37.
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Question 17In Pennsylvania, a DUI conviction plus a chemical test refusal could result in a total suspension of how long?
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D: 2 years. Altogether, a conviction plus a refusal could lead to a two-year driving privilege suspension. Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147): Pennsylvania's Implied Consent Law, page 37.
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Question 18If you refuse a chemical test in Pennsylvania but are later found not guilty of DUI, what happens?
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C: Your license is still suspended for one year for the refusal. Even if you are not found guilty, your driving privilege is suspended for one year if you refuse the test. Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147): Pennsylvania's Implied Consent Law, page 37.
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Question 19Which Pennsylvania rider may legally ride without a helmet?
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B: A 21-year-old who has held a motorcycle license for two full calendar years. The helmet law exempts riders 21+ licensed for at least two full calendar years, or 21+ who have completed an approved safety course. Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147): 75 Pa.C.S. § 3525(d).
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Question 20A helmet-exempt Pennsylvania rider carries a 19-year-old passenger. Must the passenger wear a helmet?
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B: Yes; only passengers 21 or older of an exempt rider are exempt. The passenger of an exempt rider is exempt only if the passenger is 21 or older. Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147): 75 Pa.C.S. § 3525(d).
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Question 21Who must wear approved eye protection on a Pennsylvania motorcycle (other than an enclosed-cab three-wheeler)?
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A: Every operator and passenger. No person may operate or ride upon a motorcycle without an approved eye-protective device; the only exceptions are motorized pedalcycles and enclosed-cab three-wheelers. Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147): 75 Pa.C.S. § 3525(b).
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Question 22Is it legal in Pennsylvania to ride a motorcycle between rows of stopped cars?
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C: No. No person may operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles (police excepted). Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147): 75 Pa.C.S. § 3523(c).
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Question 23What is the maximum number of motorcycles that may ride abreast in one Pennsylvania lane?
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B: Two. Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane. Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147): 75 Pa.C.S. § 3523(d).
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Question 24Under Pennsylvania law, may a car driver crowd a motorcycle within its lane?
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A: No; motorcycles are entitled to the full use of a lane. All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane, and no motor vehicle may be driven to deprive a motorcycle of it. Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147): 75 Pa.C.S. § 3523(a).
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: Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147). Source: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Driver and Vehicle Services, checked 2026-10-27.