How to Pass a Motorcycle Road Test

by Treena Herington

You have mastered the skills of motorcycle riding and passed the written exam. Only one thing stands between you and riding the open road--the road test. Knowing what to expect can lessen any anxiety you feel about taking this test and help you pass on the first attempt. Before you schedule your test through your local Department of Motor Vehicles office, make sure that you have the proper equipment and documents. Here are some helpful pointers.

Step 1

Arrive on time. The examiner will ask for all documentation. Make sure that your documents are easily accessible. Before you begin your road test the examiner will ask you to identify certain parts of your motorcycle, including the front and rear brakes, right and left turn signals, clutch lever and gear shifter peg.

Step 2

Once the examiner is satisfied that you know your motorcycle parts your test will begin. Some DMV locations have a large area set aside for a basic skills test before you ride in traffic. Road cones are placed in the area and the examiner will instruct you to maneuver your motorcycle around the cones. This tests your ability to start, make right and left turns and stop.

Step 3

After passing the basic skills test the examiner will give you and the passenger vehicle driver instructions for the road test. Pay close attention to his instructions. He will tell you the streets that you will travel and instruct you on making turns. The passenger vehicle will follow you while you ride your motorcycle. The driver will guide you by horn signals. When the examiner instructs her to signal a right turn, the driver will honk the horn once or twice, depending on the examiner's instructions. When you hear the horn, proceed to make the right turn. For a left turn, the driver will honk a designated number of times.

More Articles

article divider
×