Missouri Motorcycle Permit Practice Test 2026: Practice test 3

1. Question 1 of 25

   In the staggered formation shown, where does the leader (rider 1) ride?

   • AIn the right part of the lane
   • BExactly in the center
   • COn the shoulder
   • DIn the left part of the lane
   Show answer

   Answer: D. In the left part of the lane

   The leader rides in the left part of the lane. The second rider stays in the right part.

2. Question 2 of 25

   Just before your front wheel hits an object, what should you do?

   • ABrake hard
   • BPull in the clutch
   • CRoll on the throttle slightly to lighten the front end
   • DLean back and stiffen your arms
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Roll on the throttle slightly to lighten the front end

   A little throttle just before impact lightens the front wheel so it rides over the object more easily.

3. Question 3 of 25

   Which surfaces can be very slippery for a motorcycle?

   • ADry concrete in the sun
   • BPainted lines, steel plates and manhole covers, especially when wet
   • CDry, rough asphalt
   • DClean, dry pavement
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Painted lines, steel plates and manhole covers, especially when wet

   Paint and metal give much less traction than pavement, especially when wet.

4. Question 4 of 25

   When should you NOT wear a tinted face shield or tinted glasses?

   • AAt night or in low light
   • BOn the highway
   • COn sunny days
   • DOn hot days
   Show answer

   Answer: A. At night or in low light

   Tinted eye protection blocks light you need to see at night and in dim conditions.

5. Question 5 of 25

   Where should a beginner ride in a group?

   • ANext to another rider
   • BRight behind the leader
   • CAt the very back
   • DIn the lead
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Right behind the leader

   Placing less experienced riders just behind the leader lets more experienced riders watch them from behind.

6. Question 6 of 25

   How should you cross a pavement seam or tracks that run parallel to your path?

   • AEdge across slowly at a slight angle
   • BMove away from them, then cross at an angle of at least 45 degrees
   • CCross them at full speed at any angle
   • DRide along on top of them
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Move away from them, then cross at an angle of at least 45 degrees

   Edging across a parallel seam can catch your tires. Cross at 45 degrees or more with a quick, sharp turn.

7. Question 7 of 25

   What does it mean to cover the clutch and brakes?

   • AKeep your fingers and foot on the controls, ready to use them
   • BHold the brakes fully on
   • CPut the controls in neutral
   • DTake your hands off the controls
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Keep your fingers and foot on the controls, ready to use them

   Covering the controls cuts the time you need to react in risky places such as intersections.

8. Question 8 of 25

   Why might you tap your brake to flash the brake light before slowing?

   • ATo test the bulb
   • BTo warn drivers behind you who may not expect you to slow
   • CTo signal a lane change
   • DBecause it is required at every stop
   Show answer

   Answer: B. To warn drivers behind you who may not expect you to slow

   Flashing your brake light helps before a sharp turn off a fast road or before pulling off the road.

9. Question 9 of 25

   Where is the greatest risk of conflict between motorcycles and other vehicles?

   • AOn bridges
   • BAt intersections
   • CIn parking garages
   • DOn straight rural roads
   Show answer

   Answer: B. At intersections

   Intersections are where other vehicles are most likely to cross your path.

10. Question 10 of 25

    Which tire problems should you check for before you ride?

    • ALow air pressure, worn tread, cuts and bulges
    • BThe age of the rims' paint
    • CThe brand name
    • DThe color of the valve caps
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Low air pressure, worn tread, cuts and bulges

    Tires are your only contact with the road. Check pressure and look for wear and damage.

11. Question 11 of 25

    During a swerve, what should your body do?

    • ALean the opposite way and brake
    • BStand up on the footrests
    • CLean farther than the motorcycle
    • DStay upright while the motorcycle leans under you
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Stay upright while the motorcycle leans under you

    Keep your body upright and let the motorcycle lean quickly beneath you.

12. Question 12 of 25

    In T-CLOCS, what does the L stand for?

    • ALights and electrics
    • BLane position
    • CLoad
    • DLevers
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Lights and electrics

    L is Lights and electrics: headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals, battery and wiring.

13. Question 13 of 25

    What should you do with the throttle as you go through a turn?

    • AClose it completely
    • BBrake hard instead
    • CRoll it on to keep or slightly increase your speed
    • DPull in the clutch
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Roll it on to keep or slightly increase your speed

    Rolling on the throttle steadily keeps the motorcycle stable through the turn.

14. Question 14 of 25

    On most motorcycles, how do you shift gears?

    • AWith a lever on the right handlebar
    • BWith the pedal at your right foot
    • CWith the lever at your left foot
    • DWith a lever on the left handlebar
    Show answer

    Answer: C. With the lever at your left foot

    The gear shift lever is in front of the left footrest.

15. Question 15 of 25

    In T-CLOCS, what does the second C stand for?

    • ACarburetor
    • BClutch
    • CChassis
    • DCargo
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Chassis

    The second C is Chassis: the frame, suspension, chain or belt, and fasteners.

16. Question 16 of 25

    In heavy traffic, drivers sometimes try to squeeze into your lane. How can you discourage this?

    • ARide on the shoulder
    • BRide in the center portion of the lane
    • CRide very close to the car ahead
    • DRide on the lane line
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Ride in the center portion of the lane

    Keeping a center position makes it harder for drivers to share your lane.

17. Question 17 of 25

    How should you brake on a slippery surface?

    • AUse both brakes gently
    • BUse only the front brake, hard
    • CUse only the rear brake, hard
    • DDo not brake at all
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Use both brakes gently

    On slippery roads, reduce speed, avoid sudden moves and use both brakes gently.

18. Question 18 of 25

    How do you measure your following distance, as shown in the diagram?

    • AWatch the driver's brake lights
    • BWhen the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point, count seconds until you reach it
    • CLook at your speedometer
    • DCount car lengths
    Show answer

    Answer: B. When the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point, count seconds until you reach it

    Pick a fixed point. When the vehicle ahead passes it, count. If you reach it before two seconds, you are too close.

19. Question 19 of 25

    Where should your knees be while you ride?

    • AResting on the handlebars
    • BPointing out to the sides
    • CSpread wide apart
    • DAgainst the gas tank
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Against the gas tank

    Keeping your knees against the tank helps you keep your balance as the motorcycle turns.

20. Question 20 of 25

    If you need to brake and swerve, when should you brake?

    • ABefore or after the swerve, never during it
    • BOnly with the front brake during the swerve
    • CYou should never brake at all
    • DDuring the swerve
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Before or after the swerve, never during it

    Braking while swerving can cause a skid. Separate the two actions.

21. Question 21 of 25

    How should a motorcycle helmet fit?

    • ATight only at the forehead
    • BSnugly, all the way around your head
    • CLoosely, so it is easy to take off
    • DLoosely, so air can flow under it
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Snugly, all the way around your head

    A helmet should fit snugly all around and have no cracks, loose padding or frayed straps.

22. Question 22 of 25

    On a long ride, how often should you stop and get off the motorcycle?

    • AEvery six hours
    • BNever, if you feel fine
    • CAt least every two hours
    • DOnly when you need fuel
    Show answer

    Answer: C. At least every two hours

    Fatigue affects control and judgment. Take frequent breaks.

23. Question 23 of 25

    In a slow, tight turn, such as a U-turn, how should you lean?

    • APut both feet down and walk it around
    • BLean your body farther than the motorcycle
    • CKeep the motorcycle and your body straight up
    • DKeep your body upright while the motorcycle leans
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Keep your body upright while the motorcycle leans

    For slow, tight turns, lean the motorcycle only and keep your body straight to counterbalance.

24. Question 24 of 25

    About how far ahead should you scan for hazards?

    • AAbout 2 seconds ahead
    • BAbout 30 seconds ahead
    • CAbout 12 seconds ahead
    • DOnly to the vehicle in front
    Show answer

    Answer: C. About 12 seconds ahead

    Look about 12 seconds ahead so you have time to spot and avoid hazards.

25. Question 25 of 25

    What equipment does a motorcycle need to carry a passenger?

    • AA seat big enough for two and footrests for the passenger
    • BOnly a backrest
    • CNothing extra
    • DA second set of handlebars
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A seat big enough for two and footrests for the passenger

    The passenger needs a proper seat and their own footrests, plus the same protective gear as the rider.

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