How to Pass a Motorcycle Road Test in Any State

Hey! “Passing the road test is easy; just follow instructions.” But let’s find out how to pass a motorcycle road test like a boss! Of course, after the written test, you must convince your supervisor/examiner that you are a worthy rider. Mate, I can’t wait to have you ride the winds with me.

how to pass a motorcycle road test

During a friend’s riding skill test in Seattle, she was riding to the extreme right of the road.

Below is how the event unfolded:

Examiner:

Move to the driving lane to your left, please.

Friend:

No. Following the rules, I must not switch lanes over a solid white line. I know the rules, and I understand your trick to test my knowledge (Giggles).

Examiner:

(Controlling laughter) You are riding on the shoulder of the road. Following the rules, you must not ride on the road shoulder. Kindly move over.

Friend:

(Moves to the left looking embarrassed) Sir, how about I treat you with a launch after this test?

When the result was out, she passed. So, whenever I’m riding on her motorcycle, I remind her not to ride on the shoulder of the road.

How Does a Motorcycle Road Test Work?

First, you will take the written test. Sometimes there is a course behind the DMV for the riding aspect of your test.

Typically, in Massachusetts, you ride the motorcycle alone while the examiner is on theirs. They ride along and pull you up at stops to give instructions regarding where to go and how you should get there. They observe how you use the brakes, hand signals, directional, and how you start and come to a stop without stalling. Moreover, when you obtain the motorcycle learner’s permit, you are restricted from passengers and riding from dusk till dawn.

In Ontario, you get a walkie-talkie with earphones. The examiner(s) ride or drive behind your motorcycle while instructing and observing how you ride. You can’t also talk to them or argue.

During the road motorcycle road test, nobody shares the motorcycle with you because you are a novice. Moreover, it may be illegal in your state to have a passenger while you are yet to be fully licensed.

Is the motorcycle road test hard to pass?

Not really. However, it is harder than the written test, especially if you have not been practicing how to ride before the test. But if you know a couple of riding skills and can follow instructions, it is not hard to pass a motorcycle road test. You can also buy the handbook from your local motor vehicle department to study. Moreover, since you would have the learner’s permit, you should be riding before the road test to increase your chances. Do not ride dusk till dawn or carry a passenger.

Requirements

  • A motorcycle with a valid registration
  • Learner’s permit
  • Driver education certificate form or pre-licensing course certificate form
  • Paper, pen, and pencil

How to Pass a Motorcycle Road Test

What causes you to fail a road test

As I mentioned earlier, it is easy to pass a motorcycle road test. So, in this section of the article, I reveal how to pass a motorcycle road test:

  1. Pick a Smaller Motorcycle

A heavier motorcycle may be hard to ride, especially when you slow down. If you have the experience or practice a lot on a larger bike, you may settle with it. However, a smaller motorcycle is lighter and makes riding more comfortable.

Note that the motorcycle road test involves a challenge that requires tricky maneuvering or weaving through cones. In this regard, the smaller and lighter the motorcycle, the easier for you to ace the test.

  1. Learn Your Handbook

When you pass the written test, it does not make you a master of the road rules. The feeling is different when you are riding, plus the examiners behind put you under the pressure of pleasing their demands.

For instance, making a maneuver without being aware is illegal and is critical for your test. Go through the handbook once more; you might learn a new thing that boosts your chances during the motorcycle road test.

  1. Learn the Road Signs

Learning the road signs may be a no-brainer, but failure to know the basics can cost your test.

Trust me; you do not want to give the examiner a reason to reconsider giving you good riding points. It is a different practice-riding alone because nobody is scoring or intervening.

When you get on that bike, you are not riding, but you hope to please your examiner, which makes it challenging. If possible, take your bike on one last ride before the test date and test yourself with road signs, their meanings, and how/when to react.

  1. Practice-Ride

You may feel you are ready to ace the bike road test, but basic actions can make you nervous, especially during unexpected traffic situations.

Three-point turns, and parallel parking may be part of the road test; train yourself on both skills to boss the test.

  1. Get Your Safety Gear

Do not forget your safety gear when going for a safety test. Meanwhile, the examiner will likely be instructing you wirelessly. So, get a full-face helmet to secure your hearing device better. Half helmets cause hearing difficulty, especially when it is windy.

Of course, you want to hear what the instructor says to do the right thing. Regarding other riding gears, be sure they comply with your provincial motorcycle riding regulations.

  1. Arrive Earlier with Your Permit and Licensed Driver

Do not give the motor vehicle department a reason to call off your test administration. If events beyond your power occur, inform the DMV earlier.

Typically, the DMV’s building includes other novice riders seeking assistance. So, arrive at least 10 minutes earlier with a licensed driver. You will also need your riding permit, as I listed in the requirements.

In Massachusetts, for example, you don’t get a refund if you’re unprepared, do not have a registered vehicle, arrive late or do not appear, or cancel,/reschedule your test with less than 72 hours notice.

  1. Don’t Answer the Phone

You will fail the test if you answer a phone call; plus, it is illegal to answer a phone call while riding.

You may silence your smartphone, leave it at home or switch it off to cut off distractions.

Meanwhile, see some excuses for not answering your phone if you do not want someone to know you went for a motorcycle road test.

  1. Be Confident

You can’t anticipate the feelings when you handle the road test. Nevertheless, you can avoid unnecessary mistakes when you remain calm and composed.

Before you get on the bike, take a deep breath. Remind yourself to feel relaxed whenever you get nervous.

Also, overconfidence can ruin a motorcycle road test. While being confident, do not go overboard.

  1. Make the Test Administrator Like You

Your examiner is a person, after all. While you may get nervous, he is there to enjoy the moment/experience and score what you deserve.

The examiner or instructor will not ride with you, so be respectful and polite when dealing with them. In the case of my friend, as I narrated in the intro of this article, she offered her instructor a treat.

Understand that your examiner sees you as a novice regardless of your level of expertise. Since you possess a leaner’s permit, they are nervous whenever you make a move; at least for your safety, they may intervene when. Unfortunately, an instructor’s intervention isn’t cool for passing your test.

  1. Pay Attention

While riding, your examiner will give instructions on maneuvers to make. Listen, be attentive, and understand the requirement before attempting them.

Since you practiced, it will not be difficult to ace the instructions, and you will not be surprised with whatever maneuvers they instruct you to do. When you misunderstand your instructor, ask politely.

Tips to Ace the Motorcycle Road Test

You ought to avoid any critical error that ruins your bike road test.

Below are important tips when during a motorcycle road test:

  1. Use the Turn Signals

Use the turn signals whenever you are making a turn. Also, act cautiously when you run into precarious situations.

  1. Brake Evenly

When you make jerky motions or brake abruptly, you get a low score. SO, make sure your brakes are even to ace the test.

  1. Turn Your Head When Necessary

When checking blind spots or mirrors while turning or changing lanes, turn your head.

  1. Switching Lanes Improperly

When you turn left at an intersection, get into the right lane fast enough.

  1. Road Hazard

Always look out for potential hazards such as oncoming traffic, pedestrians, crossing kids, etc. If you crash into someone, your examiner will intervene, and it is a critical error for the road test.

  1. Arguing with Your Examiner

Do not argue with your examiner. If you knew better, you would not be handling a learner’s permit. Besides, the examiner is studying you from a distance, and he knows when you are wrong.

  1. Speed Problems

Do not go too fast or too slow; try to maintain proper speed and check the speed limits.

How many mistakes can you make on the road test?

Depending on your state, for example, California, you are allowed up to 15 minor faults during a road test. If you record 16 faults, it is a fail, unfortunately. However, if you make a critical error, you fail the motorcycle road test automatically.

Some critical errors include rolling through a stop, riding the double line, not observing while engaging, causing accidents, improper safety demonstrations, and speeding.

What does the motorcycle road test consist of?

A typical motorcycle road consists of a motorcycle skill set. Your examiner will check the registration and insurance and perform a safety inspection. During the test, there are normal starts and stops, quick turns, and other maneuvering skills. Make sure to arrive at the test center with complete riding gear, including a helmet.

Do you need your motorcycle to take the test?

You only need a written test to obtain a permit. So, it is not mandatory to bring your motorcycle. If you do not already have a driver’s license, you can get a motorcycle at the DMV. You can rent, borrow or buy a road-legal and insured motorcycle for the road test. Meanwhile, can you get a motorcycle license without a motorcycle?

Final Thoughts

Any dedicated person can pass a motorcycle road test to become a licensed rider. The winds can’ wait to blow off your sorrows when you match the pedals and hit the road on your motorcycle.

When you pass the test, do not forget the importance of your riding gear. Also, get any of the best helmets for your motorcycle passenger to brace up for safety.

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