How high may motorcycle handlebars or grips be for public-highway operation?
Correct answer: No higher than the operator's shoulders
The statutory limit is shoulder height.
Source: VTL 381(5) ↗
Three friends plan to ride side by side within one lane. What does New York law allow?
Correct answer: No more than two motorcycles abreast
The legal maximum is two abreast; permission is not advice to use that formation.
Source: VTL 1252(a), (d) ↗
When should tinted eye protection be avoided?
Correct answer: At night or in low light
Tinted lenses reduce visibility and should not be used at night or when available light is limited.
Source: NY DMV Motorcycle Manual (online), Preparing to Ride > Wear the Right Gear > Eye and Face Protection ↗
Why should a rider keep both feet firmly on the footrests while moving?
Correct answer: To preserve balance and avoid catching a foot on the road
Dragging the feet can upset balance or trap a foot between the road and the motorcycle.
Source: NY DMV Motorcycle Manual (online), Ride Within Your Abilities > Controlling the Motorcycle > Body Position > Feet ↗
To initiate a normal left turn at speed, what should the rider do?
Correct answer: Press the left handlegrip and lean left
Pressing the handlegrip in the direction of the turn causes the motorcycle to lean and turn that way.
Source: NY DMV Motorcycle Manual (online), Ride Within Your Abilities > Controlling the Motorcycle > Turns > LEAN ↗
Where should a rider generally position the motorcycle while another vehicle passes?
Correct answer: Near the center portion of the lane
A central lane position provides separation from a passing vehicle's mirrors, body and other hazards. Avoid crowding the passing vehicle.
Source: NY DMV Motorcycle Manual (online), Ride Within Your Abilities > Interacting with Other Vehicles > The Art of Passing and Being Passed > Being Passed ↗
With no oncoming traffic, which lane area usually gives a motorcyclist more room from opening doors beside parked cars?
Correct answer: The left portion of the lane
Moving left creates space from doors, people, and vehicles pulling away from the curb; conditions may require another position.
Source: NY DMV Motorcycle Manual (online), Ride Within Your Abilities > Intersections and Parking > When You Pass Parked Cars ↗
How should you adjust your space cushion when riding a motorcycle at night?
Correct answer: Allow more following and passing space because distances are harder to judge
Darkness makes distance and movement harder to judge. Increase your space cushion and allow more room to pass or be passed.
Source: NY DMV Motorcycle Manual (online), Ride Within Your Abilities > See and Be Seen > Riding at Night > Increase Distance ↗
When is ordinary wet pavement often most slippery?
Correct answer: Soon after rain begins, before surface oil washes away
The first rain mixes with accumulated oil and debris, temporarily reducing traction.
Source: NY DMV Motorcycle Manual (online), Ride Within Your Abilities > Dangerous Surfaces > Slippery Surfaces ↗
The handlebars begin shaking from side to side. Should you accelerate to try to ride out of the wobble?
Correct answer: No, gradually reduce throttle without applying the brakes
Acceleration increases instability; reduce power smoothly and leave the road when you can.
Source: NY DMV Motorcycle Manual (online), Ride Within Your Abilities > Mechanical Problems > Wobble ↗
How should a passenger move during an ordinary motorcycle turn?
Correct answer: Lean with the rider while staying directly behind
Unexpected passenger movement changes the motorcycle’s balance.
Source: New York Motorcycle Manual (online), Riding with Passengers, Loads and Groups > How to Instruct Passengers: stay behind the rider and lean together. ↗
Your luggage was secure at departure. What should you do during the ride?
Correct answer: Stop periodically to check for loosening or movement
Vibration and movement can change a load that was initially secure.
Source: New York Motorcycle Manual (online), Riding with Passengers, Loads and Groups > When You Carry Loads > Check the Load. ↗
The group rides straight through an intersection. Your signal turns red before you reach the stop line. What should you do?
Correct answer: Stop and obey your signal
Every rider must independently obey traffic controls.
Source: New York Driver's Manual (online), Chapter 4 > Traffic Signals > Steady Red; Pavement Markings > Stop and Crosswalk Lines. ↗
You have been drinking and feel able to balance the motorcycle. What is the safest travel plan?
Correct answer: Do not ride; arrange another way home
Feeling balanced is not a reliable test of judgment or impairment.
Source: New York Motorcycle Manual (online), Alcohol and Other Drugs > Alcohol and Other Drugs in Motorcycle Operation; Minimize the Risks > Do Not Drink. ↗
You borrow a motorcycle with different controls. What should happen before entering traffic?
Correct answer: Locate and practice the controls while stationary
Knowing the switches and control response beforehand avoids searching while riding.
Source: New York Motorcycle Manual (online), Become Familiar with the Motorcycle > Know your Motorcycle Controls. ↗
An entering car may not have seen you, and no safe lane change is available. What should you do?
Correct answer: Adjust speed to create a safe gap for the merging car
Open a usable gap instead of contesting the merge.
Source: New York Motorcycle Manual (online), Interacting with Other Vehicles > When Cars Merge. ↗
An insect strikes and smears your face shield. What should you do while finding a safe place to stop?
Correct answer: Keep control with both hands and continue watching the road
Deal with impaired visibility at a safe stopping place rather than surrendering control in traffic.
Source: New York Motorcycle Manual (online), Mechanical Problems > Flying Objects. ↗
A face shield is clear straight ahead but blocks your view to either side. Is it suitable eye protection for riding?
Correct answer: No, protection must also leave a clear side view
Protective equipment must not prevent you from seeing hazards at the sides.
Source: New York Motorcycle Manual (online), Wear the Right Gear > Eye and Face Protection: clear view to either side. ↗
Which jacket and pants fit is most suitable for a motorcycle ride?
Correct answer: Full arm and leg coverage, without flapping or restricting movement
Protective clothing should cover your limbs and allow movement without flapping in the wind.
Source: NY DMV Motorcycle Manual (online), Preparing to Ride > Wear the Right Gear > Clothing: jacket and pants ↗
Your drive chain breaks, power to the rear wheel is lost, and the motorcycle remains controllable. What should you do?
Correct answer: Close the throttle and brake to a stop
For chain breakage, the manual directs the rider to close the throttle and stop with the brakes.
Source: NY DMV Motorcycle Manual (online), Ride Within Your Abilities > Mechanical Problems > Chain Problems > Breakage ↗
