Motorcycle Practice Test

Motorcycle Basic Vehicle Control Practice Questions

Basic Vehicle Control makes up 10 of every 50 questions on a Tigertest Motorcycle practice test. Here are 10 of the 40 questions on it, each with the answer and the reason.

Updated 2026-11-10 by the Tigertest team. Based on the MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual used by nearly every state. Check your state's handbook for local rules.

1. 1. How should a rider's arms be positioned when holding the handgrips?

   • A.Resting the forearms on the gas tank
   • B.Slightly bent at the elbows
   • C.Locked straight to brace the body
   • D.Bent sharply with elbows held high

   Answer: B. Sit far enough forward that your arms are slightly bent, so you steer with your arms instead of using them to hold yourself up. Locked or awkward arms make it harder to press the handgrips.

2. 2. When first gripping the throttle, how should the rider's right wrist be positioned?

   • A.Turned outward, to rest the thumb
   • B.Bent upward, to reach the front brake
   • C.Bent downward, for a stronger grip
   • D.Flat, to avoid too much throttle

   Answer: D. Starting with the right wrist flat helps keep you from accidentally applying too much throttle. The other wrist positions make unintended throttle input more likely.

3. 3. A new rider feels unsteady in turns and notices the knees are spread wide. What should the rider change?

   • A.Keep the knees against the gas tank
   • B.Hold the knees away for airflow
   • C.Move both feet to the passenger pegs
   • D.Point the inside knee down at the road

   Answer: A. Keeping your knees against the gas tank helps you keep your balance as the motorcycle turns. Spreading the knees or moving the feet reduces control.

4. 4. Where should a rider keep the feet while the motorcycle is moving?

   • A.On the passenger footrests
   • B.Resting on the engine guards
   • C.Firmly on the footrests
   • D.Hovering just above the pavement

   Answer: C. Feet belong firmly on the footrests to help you balance and stay near the controls. Dragging feet along the pavement can injure you and upset the motorcycle.

5. 5. As a rider slows to stop at an intersection, what should the rider do with the gears?

   • A.Shift to neutral as braking begins
   • B.Upshift so the engine runs slower
   • C.Downshift through the gears using the clutch
   • D.Stay in top gear until the bike is fully stopped

   Answer: C. Shift down through the gears with the clutch as you slow, and stay in first gear while stopped so you can move quickly if needed.

6. 6. A rider shifts into a lower gear while still moving too fast for that gear. What is likely to happen?

   • A.The bike may lurch and the rear wheel skid
   • B.The engine will shut itself off to protect the gearbox
   • C.The motorcycle will speed up suddenly
   • D.The front brake will lock automatically

   Answer: A. Make sure you are riding slowly enough before shifting into a lower gear. Downshifting at too high a speed can make the motorcycle lurch and the rear wheel skid.

7. 7. Partway through a curve, a rider realizes the motorcycle is in too high a gear. Why should the rider avoid shifting there?

   • A.The engine always stalls at any lean angle
   • B.The clutch cannot fully engage while the motorcycle is leaning
   • C.The gear lever is out of reach when leaning
   • D.A sudden power change can skid the rear wheel

   Answer: D. Shifting in a turn can cause a sudden change of power to the rear wheel and a skid. Change gears before starting the turn instead.

8. 8. When is the best time to shift to a lower gear for an upcoming curve?

   • A.Right after exiting the curve
   • B.Before entering the curve
   • C.At the midpoint of the curve
   • D.While leaning into the curve

   Answer: B. Downshift before the curve while the motorcycle is upright and traveling straight. Shifting during the curve risks a rear-wheel skid.

9. 9. A rider is traveling slowly in a high gear and the engine is laboring and shaking. What should the rider do?

   • A.Open the throttle all the way
   • B.Shift to a lower gear
   • C.Slip the clutch to smooth it out
   • D.Apply the rear brake lightly

   Answer: B. An engine that labors in too high a gear (lugging) has little power and responds poorly. Downshifting brings engine speed into a range that gives smooth control.

10. 10. When the rider closes the throttle and downshifts, what besides the brakes helps slow the motorcycle?

    • A.Countersteering
    • B.Pulling in the clutch
    • C.Rolling on the throttle
    • D.Engine braking

    Answer: D. With the throttle closed and the clutch engaged, the engine itself slows the rear wheel. Pulling in the clutch removes engine braking, and rolling on the throttle adds speed.