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Operating a motorcycle safely requires special skills and knowledge. To earn your motorcycle license in Michigan, you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skill test.
Knowledge test questions are based on information, practices and ideas from the Michigan Motorcycle Manual. They require that you know and understand road rules, traffic laws and safe riding practices. The test consists of 20 questions, and you'll need at least 16 correct answers to pass (80%).
1.
You cannot ride a motorcycle on highways:
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unless you can travel safely at the minimum posted speed.
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at night, because your lights aren't bright enough.
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during rush hour.
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without proper sunglasses.
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2.
If a car on an entrance ramp is going to merge into your lane, you should:
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ride next to the car.
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flash your brake light.
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increase your speed and pass the car.
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change to
another lane if one is open.
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3.
To discourage other vehicles from trying to share your lane, you should:
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wear your helmet.
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use your horn.
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ride in the center lane position.
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slow down and come to a stop.
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4.
When it starts to rain:
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always ride in the left lane position.
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increase your speed to lessen your chances of skidding.
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ride in the tire tracks left by cars.
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ride in the center lane position.
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5.
Before riding a motorcycle, it's important to check:
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tires and wheels.
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chassis.
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oil and fluids.
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All of the above.
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6.
To increase your chances of avoiding obstacles at night, you should:
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ride in a staggered formation.
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always ride in the center lane position.
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reduce your speed.
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grab at the front brake.
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7.
When should motorcycles share lanes with cars?
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When riding in a staggered formation.
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In heavy traffic.
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In school zones.
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Never.
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8.
The right foot pedal controls:
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the front brake.
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the throttle.
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the rear brake.
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the clutch.
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9.
Eye protection:
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should give a clear view to either side.
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is only needed if your motorcycle is not equipped with a windshield.
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is only needed when riding in bad weather.
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None of the other answers is correct.
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10.
When riding at night you should:
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use your low beam.
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increase the following distance.
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decrease your following distance.
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increase your speed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The age requirements for obtaining a class O driver's license in Michigan are established by the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program:
- For a Level 1 Learner's License, you must be at least 14 years and 9 months old.
- For a Level 2 Intermediate License, you must be at least 16 and have held a learner’s license for at least six months.
- For a Level 3 Full License, you must be at least 17 and have held an intermediate license for at least six months.
If you are age 18 or older, you have to apply for a temporary instruction permit and pass a driving skill test to obtain a standard operator's license.
If you are under 18, after completing the required hours of both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, you must pass a DMV written test at your state-certified driver’s education provider. Once you pass and receive a Certificate of Completion for Segment 1 of the GDL program, you can apply for your learner’s license at a Secretary of State office with your parent/legal guardian. If you are 18 or older, you can schedule an appointment and take the permit test directly at a Secretary of State office.
Before your appointment, make sure you have the required documents:
- One proof of your Social Security Number.
- One proof of your legal presence.
- One proof of identity (if applicable, provide evidence of any name changes).
- Two proofs of Michigan residency.
- Driver Education Certificate of Completion for Segment 1 (for individuals under 18).
You can use this checklist to ensure you have all the correct documents.
The DMV written test at all Secretary of State offices is offered in Albanian, Arabic, Chinese, Dari, English, French, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. If you have difficulty speaking or reading English, you can request an interpreter by contacting the Department of State Information Center at 888-767-6424 in advance. Additionally, if you are hearing-impaired, a sign language interpreter can assist you.
The DMV written test is based on the official Michigan Driver's Handbook, 'What Every Driver Must Know'. The manual is also available here in other foreign languages. Focus on road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. After studying it, test your preparation with our free practice tests!
The DMV written test includes 80 questions. The questions cover various topics to ensure that applicants have a solid understanding of the rules of the road. Carefully study the manual to enhance your chances of passing the exam.
You need a score of 70% or higher. You should get at least 56 questions right, and you're allowed to miss up to 24 questions out of the total 80. Stay focused and take the time to read the questions carefully.
For individuals with a learner's license:
- Driving is allowed only under the supervision of a licensed parent/legal guardian or a licensed individual aged 21 or older who has been authorized by your parent/legal guardian.
- Using a cell phone while driving is prohibited.
For individuals with an intermediate license:
- Driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. and transporting more than one passenger under 21 (except siblings) is forbidden unless accompanied by a parent/legal guardian, a designated licensed driver aged 21 or older, or for work/authorized activities.
- Using a cell phone while driving is prohibited.
Once you have held your intermediate license for 6 months without a traffic violation and have reached at least 17 years of age, these restrictions no longer apply.
If you are under 18 and enrolled in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, your learner's license expires on your 18th birthday. For individuals over 18 years old, the permit is valid for 180 days. You can renew your temporary permit either online or by contacting the Michigan Department of State.
You have three chances to pass the DMV written test. If you don't pass the exam after three attempts, you'll be required to retake the course and pay the enrollment charge again. If you find the permit test difficult, sign up for DMV Premium, which offers numerous resources and practice tests to improve your preparation.