Penalties & Licensing

Study questions with answers

12 sample Penalties & Licensing questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. The very first mandatory requirement for Louisiana motorcyclists is that all riders must:

   Correct answer: Wear an approved safety helmet

   All riders must wear an approved safety helmet, listed as the first mandatory requirement for Louisiana motorcyclists.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Mandatory Requirements for Louisiana Motorcyclists

2. 2. A street-legal motorcycle should, at minimum, be equipped with which of the following per the manual?

   Correct answer: A headlight, taillight, brakelight, and two mirrors

   At a minimum a street-legal motorcycle should have a headlight, taillight, brakelight, front and rear brakes, turn signals, a horn, and two mirrors.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Know Your Motorcycle (The Right Motorcycle For You)

3. 3. What is the single most important thing the manual says you can do to survive a crash?

   Correct answer: Wear a securely fastened, quality helmet

   Wearing a securely fastened, quality helmet is the single most important thing you can do to improve your chances of surviving a crash.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Preparing to Ride (Helmet Use)

4. 4. The manual notes that licensing requirements for three-wheel motorcycles are:

   Correct answer: Different from state to state

   Requirements for licensing three-wheel motorcycles vary by state, so riders should confirm their own state's rules.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Three-Wheel Supplement (Know Your Vehicle)

5. 5. The manual defines a Louisiana 'power cycle' partly by its speed, saying it is designed to travel under:

   Correct answer: 35 miles per hour

   A power cycle is defined as a motor vehicle with an engine of not more than five brake horsepower designed to travel under thirty-five miles per hour.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Definitions

6. 6. Under Louisiana's implied consent law, what happens when a driver refuses an approved chemical test for intoxication?

   Correct answer: The statute's penalty procedures still apply

   A refusal to submit to the approved chemical test triggers the statute's procedures, the same way a test showing 0.08% (or 0.02% for those under 21) does.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Tests for Suspected Drunken Drivers

7. 7. The manual notes that helmeted riders are how many times more likely to survive head injuries than unhelmeted riders?

   Correct answer: Three times

   No matter the speed, helmeted riders are three times more likely to survive head injuries than those not wearing helmets.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Preparing to Ride (Helmet Use)

8. 8. According to the manual, what share of motorcycle crashes result in head or neck injuries?

   Correct answer: One out of five

   One out of every five motorcycle crashes results in head or neck injuries, which are among the most severe and common.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Preparing to Ride (Helmet Use)

9. 9. The manual states that more than half of all motorcycle crashes involve riders with:

   Correct answer: Less than five months of experience on the motorcycle

   More than half of all crashes involve riders with less than five months of experience on their motorcycle.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Know Your Motorcycle (Borrowing and Lending)

10. 10. A quality helmet should meet the standards of which agency, according to the manual?

    Correct answer: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

    A helmet should be designed to meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards; a Snell label adds further assurance of quality.

    Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Preparing to Ride (Helmet Selection)

11. 11. The manual encourages even riders whose state does not require it to consider:

    Correct answer: Taking a formal hands-on rider training course

    It recommends taking a formal hands-on training course, such as an MSF RiderCourse, to improve riding skills and mental strategies even where not mandatory.

    Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - The Rider and the Motorcycle

12. 12. The manual advises that when you lend your motorcycle to a friend, you should first make sure they:

    Correct answer: Are licensed and know how to ride

    Make sure anyone you lend your motorcycle to is licensed and knows how to ride before letting them into traffic.

    Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Know Your Motorcycle (Borrowing and Lending)