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. During what hours may a rider operate a motorcycle under a Tennessee learner permit?

   Correct answer: Daylight hours only

   The learner permit restricts operation to daylight hours only, along with a 20-mile radius of the rider's home and no interstate use.

   Source: Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual - Motorcycle Learner Permit

2. 2. Which class of Tennessee license is required to operate a motor-driven cycle or scooter in the 51-125 cc range?

   Correct answer: Class M-Limited

   A scooter or motor-driven cycle between 51 and 125 cc is operated under a Class M-Limited license rather than a full motorcycle license.

   Source: Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual - Motorcycle License Requirements (Motor-Driven Cycle)

3. 3. What discount on motorcycle liability insurance does Tennessee law grant a rider who completes a state-certified rider education course?

   Correct answer: 10 percent for three years

   A qualified rider who finishes a state-certified motorcycle rider education course earns a 10 percent discount on liability insurance, and it lasts for three years.

   Source: Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual - Special Benefits

4. 4. In Tennessee, what is the minimum age at which a person may hold a full motorcycle-only license (Class M)?

   Correct answer: 16 years old

   A Class M motorcycle license may be issued to a qualified applicant who is at least 16 years old, allowing them to operate a motorcycle on Tennessee roads.

   Source: Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual - Motorcycle License Requirements

5. 5. A rider who finished a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course in another state may present the certificate to waive which Tennessee requirement?

   Correct answer: The on-cycle skills test

   An MSF course completed within the past three years lets an applicant skip the on-cycle skills test, but it does not excuse them from the knowledge test.

   Source: Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual - Special Benefits

6. 6. For a first Tennessee DUI conviction, how much longer is the minimum jail term when the driver's BAC is 0.20 percent or higher?

   Correct answer: The minimum jumps to seven days

   A first offense normally requires a minimum of 48 hours in jail, but that minimum rises to seven days when the driver's BAC reaches 0.20 percent or more.

   Source: Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual - DUI Penalties

7. 7. A Tennessee motorcycle-only license (Class M) covers two- or three-wheel vehicles above what engine size?

   Correct answer: More than 125 cc

   The Class M motorcycle license applies to any two- or three-wheel vehicle larger than 125 cubic centimeters (that is, 126 cc or more).

   Source: Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual - Motorcycle License Requirements

8. 8. For a Tennessee rider over age 21, how often must a motorcycle license be renewed?

   Correct answer: Every eight years

   Since January 1, 2016, Tennessee licenses for people over 21 expire eight years after the date they were issued.

   Source: Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual - Identification and Application Requirements

9. 9. How long is a Tennessee motorcycle learner permit valid from its date of issuance?

   Correct answer: One year

   The learner permit remains valid for one year from the day it is issued.

   Source: Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual - Motorcycle Learner Permit

10. 10. In Tennessee, carrying a child as a motorcycle passenger whose feet cannot reach the footpegs is classified as what offense?

    Correct answer: A Class C misdemeanor

    It is a Class C misdemeanor to carry a child passenger whose feet do not reach the footpegs; this rule does not apply to a child riding in a sidecar.

    Source: Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual - Violating the Law

11. 11. A rider holding a Tennessee motorcycle learner permit (Class PDPM) faces which restriction?

    Correct answer: May not carry any passengers

    A motorcycle learner permit prohibits carrying passengers, and also limits the rider to daylight operation, a 650 cc maximum machine, and no interstate travel.

    Source: Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual - Motorcycle Learner Permit

12. 12. The Tennessee motorcycle learner permit limits the rider to a machine no larger than what engine displacement?

    Correct answer: 650 cc

    A learner permit holder must ride a motorcycle whose cylinder capacity does not exceed 650 cubic centimeters.

    Source: Tennessee Motorcycle Operator Manual - Motorcycle Learner Permit