Texas Motorcycle Practice Test
20 questions · pass with 16 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
Texas Motorcycle questions with answers
20 sample questions from the Texas Motorcycle question bank — each with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the section of the official handbook it comes from.
1. Where do most collisions between motorcycles and cars happen, and what is a common cause?
Correct answer: At intersections, often when an oncoming car turns left across the motorcycle's path
Intersections are the most likely place for a car and motorcycle to collide. Drivers turning left often fail to see an approaching motorcycle, so slow down and be ready to brake.
2. If you accidentally lock the rear brake and the rear wheel begins to skid in a straight line, you should:
Correct answer: Keep the rear brake locked until you have stopped, as long as you are moving straight
If the rear wheel is already skidding in a straight line, keep the rear brake applied until you stop. Suddenly releasing a locked rear wheel while it is out of line can throw you off.
Source: Texas Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Rear-Wheel Skids
3. What is the purpose of a pre-ride inspection (often remembered as T-CLOCS)?
Correct answer: To check the motorcycle's key systems before riding so you can fix problems early
T-CLOCS (Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil and fluids, Chassis, Stands) reminds you to check the bike's key systems before each ride, catching trouble before it becomes dangerous.
Source: Texas Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Pre-Ride Inspection
4. Where should you direct your eyes as you ride through a curve?
Correct answer: Through the turn toward where you want to go
Look through the turn toward where you want to go. A motorcycle tends to go where you look, so keeping your eyes up and ahead helps you hold your line.
5. When is pavement often most slippery, and where can a rider find better traction in the rain?
Correct answer: Most slippery when rain first starts; ride in the tire tracks left by other vehicles
Roads are usually most slippery right after rain begins, when water lifts built-up oil. Riding in the drier tracks left by the vehicles ahead can give you a little more grip.
Source: Texas Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Riding in the Rain
6. How can you warn a driver following closely behind that you are about to slow or stop?
Correct answer: Flash your brake light by tapping the brake a few times
Tap the brake lightly a few times so the brake light flashes. A flashing brake light draws more attention than a steady one, which helps in heavy or fast-moving traffic.
7. When should you increase your following distance beyond the 2-second minimum?
Correct answer: In rain, on slippery roads, at night, or when someone is following you too closely
Poor traction and reduced visibility increase the distance you need to stop. Open up to three or four seconds or more in rain, at night, on slippery roads, or when a tailgater is behind you.
Source: Texas Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Adjusting Your Space Cushion
8. In Texas, an adult 21 or older is considered legally intoxicated to operate a motorcycle at a blood alcohol concentration of:
Correct answer: 0.08 percent
For operators 21 and older, the legal limit in Texas is a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent. You can still be arrested below that level if alcohol has impaired your riding.
Source: Texas Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Alcohol and the Law
9. What is required to legally operate a motorcycle on Texas roads?
Correct answer: A Class M license, which commonly requires completing an approved motorcycle safety course
To ride a motorcycle in Texas you need a Class M license. Applicants are generally required to complete an approved motorcycle safety course as part of getting the license.
10. Which footwear is recommended for riding a motorcycle?
Correct answer: Sturdy over-the-ankle boots with nonslip soles
Over-the-ankle boots protect your ankles and feet and help keep your feet firmly on the pegs. Nonslip soles help you hold the bike steady at stops.
Source: Texas Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Boots and Gloves
11. If you brake hard and the front wheel locks up, you should:
Correct answer: Release the front brake at once, then reapply it smoothly
A locked front wheel can cause a fall almost instantly. Release the front brake at once so the wheel can roll again, then squeeze it back on smoothly.
Source: Texas Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Braking and Skids
12. What should you tell a passenger before they get on your motorcycle?
Correct answer: To hold on, keep both feet on the pegs, and lean with you in turns
Have the passenger hold your waist or the hand-holds, keep both feet on the footrests even at stops, and lean with you in turns rather than fighting the motorcycle's motion.
Source: Texas Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Carrying Passengers
13. When you must swerve to avoid an obstacle in your path, you should:
Correct answer: Separate braking from swerving, and do not brake while you swerve
Braking and swerving at the same time can cause a loss of traction. If you need to do both, brake before or after the swerve, not during it. Swerve by pressing on the handgrip in the direction you want to go.
14. When a large truck passes you, or you pass one, you should be ready for:
Correct answer: A gust of wind or turbulence that can push your motorcycle
Large vehicles create wind blasts and turbulence. Keep a firm grip and be ready to adjust your lane position to stay steady as you pass or are passed.
Source: Texas Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Wind and Turbulence
15. What is the best way for a rider to be more visible to other drivers?
Correct answer: Wear bright or reflective clothing and keep the headlight on
Motorcycles are small and easily overlooked. Bright or reflective gear, a headlight that is on, and a smart lane position all make you far easier to see.
16. How should you choose your position within a traffic lane?
Correct answer: Pick the position that helps you see, be seen, and keep a space cushion, and change it as conditions change
There is no single best position. Choose the part of the lane that gives you the best view, makes you most visible, and keeps a space cushion around you, and change it as traffic and the road change.
17. After drinking, what is the only thing that will lower your blood alcohol level so you can ride safely?
Correct answer: Time, because nothing else speeds how fast alcohol leaves your body
Only time allows your body to remove alcohol. Coffee, food, or a shower may make you feel more alert but do not lower your blood alcohol level or restore your riding skills.
Source: Texas Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Alcohol and Riding
18. What should you do with your turn signal when changing lanes on a motorcycle?
Correct answer: Signal early, and turn the signal off after you finish the lane change
Signal well before you change lanes or turn so others know your plan. Because many motorcycle signals do not cancel by themselves, remember to switch the signal off afterward.
19. Why are full-fingered gloves recommended when riding a motorcycle?
Correct answer: They give a better grip on the controls and protect your hands in a fall
Sturdy full-fingered gloves improve your grip on the controls and protect your hands from wind, weather, and abrasion if you fall.
20. To stop as quickly and safely as possible in an emergency, you should:
Correct answer: Apply both brakes firmly while keeping the motorcycle upright and the handlebars straight
Maximum braking uses both brakes together. Keep the motorcycle straight up and the wheels in line; braking hard while leaned over can cause a skid.
Source: Texas Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Stopping Quickly