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. Is completing a training course mandatory before you can sit for the permit or endorsement exams?

   Correct answer: No, training is not required in order to test

   You do not have to take training to take the permit or endorsement tests, though the tests are given by contracted training schools.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Washington Motorcycle Safety Program: Endorsement Testing

2. 2. What must riders under 18 do before applying for a motorcycle endorsement in Washington?

   Correct answer: Satisfactorily complete an approved safety course

   State law requires riders younger than 18 to finish an approved safety course to the required standard before they apply for the endorsement.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Washington Motorcycle Safety Program: Rider Training and Education

3. 3. After completing the required exams, how long is the waiting period before you can visit a licensing office to add your endorsement?

   Correct answer: Three business days

   Once the required exams are done, you must wait three business days before an endorsement can be added at a licensing office.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Washington Motorcycle Safety Program: Endorsement Testing

4. 4. Besides improving skills, what added benefit may completing a motorcycle training course provide?

   Correct answer: A possible discount on motorcycle insurance

   Finishing an approved rider training course can make you eligible for a reduced rate on your motorcycle insurance.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Washington Motorcycle Safety Program: Rider Training and Education

5. 5. When you move to Washington and want to keep your motorcycle endorsement, what must you do at the licensing office?

   Correct answer: Tell DOL staff you want to transfer the endorsement too

   You must tell DOL staff that you also want to transfer your motorcycle endorsement when transferring your out-of-state license.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Washington Motorcycle Safety Program: Transferring from Out-of-State

6. 6. What restrictions apply to a rider holding a motorcycle instruction permit?

   Correct answer: They may not carry passengers or ride at night

   Permit holders may not carry passengers and may not ride at night.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Washington Motorcycle Safety Program: Instruction Permits

7. 7. How long is a Washington motorcycle instruction permit valid before it expires?

   Correct answer: 180 days

   An instruction permit expires after 180 days.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Washington Motorcycle Safety Program: Instruction Permits

8. 8. How many times may an instruction permit be renewed before the first one expires?

   Correct answer: It may be renewed one time

   You may renew a permit a single time prior to the original one lapsing; if you miss that window, retesting is required.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Washington Motorcycle Safety Program: Instruction Permits

9. 9. How many instruction permits are you allowed within a five-year period?

   Correct answer: Two

   Within any five-year span, a rider may hold no more than two permits.

   Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Washington Motorcycle Safety Program: Instruction Permits

10. 10. For students younger than 18, what else is needed before enrolling in a safety course and seeking an endorsement?

    Correct answer: Parental permission

    Riders under 18 need a parent's permission before they can enroll in the safety course and pursue the endorsement.

    Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Washington Motorcycle Safety Program: Rider Training and Education

11. 11. What are the basic requirements to get a motorcycle instruction permit in Washington?

    Correct answer: Be at least 16 and hold a current Washington driver license

    You must be at least 16 years old and hold a current Washington driver license to get an instruction permit.

    Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Washington Motorcycle Safety Program: Instruction Permits

12. 12. When transferring an out-of-state three-wheel endorsement to Washington, what must the documentation show?

    Correct answer: Proof that you took and passed a distinct, standalone three-wheel exam

    Your paperwork has to prove you took and passed a distinct, standalone three-wheel exam; lacking that, you will be given only a two-wheel endorsement.

    Source: Washington Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Washington Motorcycle Safety Program: Transferring from Out-of-State