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. Who is required by Wisconsin law to wear a helmet while riding?

   Correct answer: Operators and passengers under 18, and anyone riding on an instruction permit

   Anyone under 18 — whether operating or riding as a passenger — must wear a helmet, as must any rider using a motorcycle instruction permit; for everyone else it is strongly advised.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Protective Gear for Motorcycle Operation

2. 2. While riding on a cycle instruction permit, any passenger you carry must be what?

   Correct answer: A licensed person with a Class M license and at least two years of driving experience

   A permit holder may carry a passenger only if that person holds a Class M license and has at least two years of licensed driving experience.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Practice Riding

3. 3. To take the motorcycle skills test, what must you bring and do?

   Correct answer: Provide a safe, legal cycle, wear eye protection and an approved helmet, and be at least 16

   For the skills test you must supply a cycle in safe, legal operating condition, wear eye protection and an approved helmet, and be at least 16.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Take Motorcycle Skills Test

4. 4. How can the motorcycle skills test be waived?

   Correct answer: By completing an approved WisDOT rider education course and passing the knowledge test

   The skills test may be waived if you complete an approved WisDOT rider education course, pass the motorcycle knowledge test, and are at least 16.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Waiver of Skills Test

5. 5. What is the minimum age to obtain a cycle instruction permit?

   Correct answer: 16

   You must be at least 16 years old to get a cycle instruction permit.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Get Cycle Instruction Permit

6. 6. How long is a Wisconsin cycle instruction permit (CYCI) valid?

   Correct answer: 6 months

   A cycle instruction permit is valid for six months after it is issued.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Get Cycle Instruction Permit

7. 7. Under-18 applicants can be exempt from the rider-course requirement if they do what?

   Correct answer: Live more than 50 road miles from a basic rider course site

   An exemption to the rider-course requirement applies to under-18 applicants who live more than 50 road miles from the nearest basic rider course site.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Wisconsin Licensing Information

8. 8. A required motorcycle helmet must at minimum meet which standard?

   Correct answer: The U.S. DOT standard

   A required helmet must meet the U.S. DOT standard at a minimum and be worn with the chin strap properly fastened.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Protective Gear for Motorcycle Operation

9. 9. What must you do if you fail the motorcycle-in-traffic skills test twice?

   Correct answer: Complete a basic rider course to have the skills test waived

   After failing two skills tests, you must complete a basic rider course; then your skills test will be waived when you apply.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Take Motorcycle Skills Test

10. 10. How can completing a Basic or Advanced RiderCourse help your driving record?

    Correct answer: It can reduce up to three demerit points for motorcycle violations from the previous 12 months

    Successfully finishing a Basic or Advanced RiderCourse may remove up to three demerit points for motorcycle violations you were convicted of in the past year.

    Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Point Reduction

11. 11. While practicing on a permit during hours of darkness, who must accompany you?

    Correct answer: A licensed person at least 25 years old with a Class M license and two years of experience

    During darkness a permit holder must be accompanied by a licensed person who is at least 25, holds a Class M license, and has at least two years of licensed driving experience.

    Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Practice Riding

12. 12. If you pass your road test on a three-wheel motorcycle, what happens to your Class M license?

    Correct answer: It is restricted to three-wheel cycles only

    Testing on, or completing a course with, a three-wheel motorcycle restricts your Class M license to three-wheel cycles only.

    Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Class M License in Four Steps