Tennessee Motorcycle Permit Practice Test 2026: Practice test 6

Practice test 6 of 6 for the Tennessee Motorcycle Permit Practice Test: 20 more questions with answers and explanations.

Motorcycle
Tennessee
134 questions
Checked October 10, 2026

Question 1 of 20
On a wet road, which part of the lane is usually best?
- The shoulder
- Over the painted lines
- The tire tracks left by cars
- The oily center strip
Show answer
Answer: C. The tire tracks left by cars
Car tire tracks are often the driest and cleanest part of the lane.
Question 2 of 20
A dog starts to chase your motorcycle. What should you do?
- Stop and wait for it to leave
- Slow down as you approach, then speed up and leave it behind
- Swerve toward it
- Kick at the dog
Show answer
Answer: B. Slow down as you approach, then speed up and leave it behind
Downshift and approach slowly. As you reach the dog, accelerate away. Never kick at it.
Question 3 of 20
When should your headlight be on?
- Only at night
- At all times, day and night
- Only in the rain
- Only in tunnels
Show answer
Answer: B. At all times, day and night
A headlight that is on in daylight makes a motorcycle much easier to notice.
Question 4 of 20
Many motorcycles have convex (curved) mirrors. How do they make other vehicles look?
- Upside down
- Exactly as far as they are
- Closer than they really are
- Farther away than they really are
Show answer
Answer: D. Farther away than they really are
Convex mirrors show a wider view, but cars look farther away than they are. Judge distances with care.
Question 5 of 20
Your throttle sticks and twisting it back and forth does not free it. What should you do?
- Operate the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch at the same time
- Shift to a higher gear
- Use only the rear brake
- Jump off the motorcycle
Show answer
Answer: A. Operate the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch at the same time
This removes power from the rear wheel. Then pull off and stop.
Question 6 of 20
A tire goes flat while you are riding. What should you do?
- Hold the grips firmly, ease off the throttle and keep a straight course
- Turn sharply off the road
- Speed up to keep balance
- Brake hard with both brakes
Show answer
Answer: A. Hold the grips firmly, ease off the throttle and keep a straight course
Stay straight and slow down gradually. If you must brake, gently use the brake on the good tire.
Question 7 of 20
Which tire problems should you check for before you ride?
- Low air pressure, worn tread, cuts and bulges
- The age of the rims' paint
- The brand name
- The 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.
Question 8 of 20
When should you shift to a lower gear for a turn?
- Before you enter the turn
- After you leave the turn
- Never; stay in top gear
- In the middle of the turn
Show answer
Answer: A. Before you enter the turn
Shift before the turn when you can. A sudden change in power during a turn can make the rear wheel skid.
Question 9 of 20
Who should carry passengers or large loads?
- Only experienced riders
- Anyone with a permit
- New riders who want practice
- Anyone, after one ride
Show answer
Answer: A. Only experienced riders
Extra weight changes how the motorcycle handles, balances, speeds up and slows down.
Question 10 of 20
About how far ahead should you scan for hazards?
- About 2 seconds ahead
- About 30 seconds ahead
- About 12 seconds ahead
- Only 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.
Question 11 of 20
Why start a curve near the outside of your lane when no traffic is present?
- It hides you from other drivers
- It keeps you on the shoulder
- You can see farther around the curve and make the turn less sharp
- It lets you brake in the curve
Show answer
Answer: C. You can see farther around the curve and make the turn less sharp
Starting at the outside improves your line of sight and makes the curve's path wider and gentler.
Question 12 of 20
Your rear wheel locks during a quick stop on a good road surface. What can you do?
- Shift to neutral and coast
- Release the front brake
- Keep it locked until you have stopped
- Turn sharply off the road
Show answer
Answer: C. Keep it locked until you have stopped
On a good-traction surface you can keep the rear wheel locked until you stop.
Question 13 of 20
Besides a knowledge test, what test do most riders pass to earn a motorcycle license?
- A written essay
- A yearly medical exam
- An on-cycle skills test
- A parking test in a car
Show answer
Answer: C. An on-cycle skills test
Most states require a knowledge test and an on-cycle skills test. An approved rider course can often replace the skills test.
Question 14 of 20
A driver is tailgating you and you can't change lanes. What should you do?
- Slow down a little to open more space in front of you
- Speed up a lot
- Stop in your lane
- Brake hard to warn them
Show answer
Answer: A. Slow down a little to open more space in front of you
Extra space ahead gives you and the tailgater more time to stop. If you can, change lanes and let them pass.
Question 15 of 20
Which is one of the most common motorcycle crashes at intersections?
- A car stopping on a railroad crossing
- A rear-end crash at a toll booth
- A car turning left in front of the motorcycle
- A car backing into a parked motorcycle
Show answer
Answer: C. A car turning left in front of the motorcycle
Drivers turning left often fail to see an oncoming motorcycle or misjudge its speed.
Question 16 of 20
Which hand controls the throttle?
- The right hand
- Neither; it is a foot pedal
- Either hand
- The left hand
Show answer
Answer: A. The right hand
The throttle is the right handgrip. Twist it toward you to speed up.
Question 17 of 20
Which drinks hold about the same amount of alcohol?
- A 12-ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, and a mixed drink with one shot of liquor
- A beer holds much less than a shot of liquor
- A beer holds twice as much as a glass of wine
- A glass of wine holds no alcohol
Show answer
Answer: A. A 12-ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, and a mixed drink with one shot of liquor
A can of beer, a glass of wine and one shot of liquor each hold about the same amount of alcohol.
Question 18 of 20
You are riding past a row of parked cars. Where in your lane should you ride?
- On the shoulder
- Toward the left side of your lane
- On the center line
- Close to the parked cars
Show answer
Answer: B. Toward the left side of your lane
Staying left keeps you away from doors opening and people stepping out between cars.
Question 19 of 20
Where is the front brake lever?
- In front of the left handgrip
- At your left foot
- In front of the right handgrip
- At your right foot
Show answer
Answer: C. In front of the right handgrip
The front brake lever is on the right side of the handlebars.
Question 20 of 20
Why should you avoid stimulants to stay awake on a ride?
- They can cause extreme tiredness when they wear off
- They make you sleepy right away
- They are only legal at night
- They improve your balance
Show answer
Answer: A. They can cause extreme tiredness when they wear off
Artificial stimulants often lead to extreme fatigue or depression when they wear off.

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