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. How many times may an applicant attempt the motorcycle rider skills test?

   Correct answer: Twice

   The skills test may be attempted only twice; failing both times requires completing an approved Basic Rider Course.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section One — Rider skills test

2. 2. To legally ride a motorcycle on Michigan public roads, what must your license carry?

   Correct answer: A motorcycle endorsement (CY) on your operator's or chauffeur's license

   Michigan requires a CY motorcycle endorsement added to your operator's or chauffeur's license before you ride on public streets.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section One — Applying for a motorcycle endorsement (MCL 257.312a)

3. 3. How many temporary instruction permits may a person receive within any 10-year span?

   Correct answer: Two

   State law limits a rider to two temporary instruction permits during any 10-year period.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Two — Operating with a TIP (MCL 257.306(5))

4. 4. How does Michigan define an "autocycle"?

   Correct answer: A motorcycle with safety belts, a rollbar or roll hoops, handlebars or a steering wheel, no straddle seat, and no more than three wheels

   An autocycle is essentially an enclosed-type motorcycle with safety belts, a rollbar or roll hoops, a steering interface, no straddle seat, and up to three wheels.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Two — Types of vehicles (MCL 257.25a)

5. 5. Completing an approved motorcycle rider education course lets an applicant skip which requirements?

   Correct answer: Both the written knowledge test and the rider skills test

   Passing an approved rider education course waives both the knowledge test and the rider skills test.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section One — Knowledge test (MCL 257.309(10))

6. 6. An adult who wants to take the rider skills test through a driver testing business must be at least what age?

   Correct answer: 18

   The skills-test path requires the applicant to be at least 18 and to hold a valid driver's license.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section One — Motorcycle temporary instruction permit

7. 7. Regarding motorcycle laws, what is a parent or guardian of a minor legally forbidden from doing?

   Correct answer: Authorizing or knowingly letting the child break motorcycle laws

   State law bars a parent or guardian from authorizing or knowingly allowing a child to violate the laws that apply to motorcycles.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Two — Parents or guardians (MCL 257.656)

8. 8. To register a motorcycle in Michigan, what minimum insurance must you show?

   Correct answer: $20,000/$40,000 in public-liability coverage plus $10,000 for property damage

   Registration requires proof of at least $20,000/$40,000 in public-liability coverage plus $10,000 for property damage.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section One — Registration requirements

9. 9. A rider practicing on a temporary instruction permit is prohibited from doing which of the following?

   Correct answer: Riding at night or carrying a passenger

   Permit holders may not ride after dark and may not carry passengers; they must also stay under supervision.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Two — Operating with a TIP (MCL 257.306(5))

10. 10. A three-wheel motorcycle endorsement allows a rider to operate what?

    Correct answer: Only a three-wheel motorcycle, not a two-wheeler

    The three-wheel endorsement (restriction code 20) is limited to three-wheel operation and does not permit two-wheel motorcycles.

    Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Two — Three-wheeled motorcycle (MCL 257.312b(3))

11. 11. The person supervising a permit holder must be a licensed motorcycle operator of at least what age?

    Correct answer: 18

    A permit rider must ride under the constant visual supervision of a licensed motorcyclist who is at least 18.

    Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Two — Operating with a TIP

12. 12. How long is a Michigan motorcycle temporary instruction permit valid?

    Correct answer: 180 days

    A temporary instruction permit authorizes supervised practice riding for 180 days.

    Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section One — Motorcycle temporary instruction permit