You find a helmet with loose padding and a frayed strap. What is the sound choice before riding?
Correct answer: Choose an undamaged, snug-fitting DOT-compliant helmet that fastens securely.
A helmet should fit snugly and have no obvious defects. A damaged or unfastened retention system can prevent it from staying on during a crash.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle License Manual, Revised October 2020 / MSF 18th Edition (June 2020), currently linked September 29, 2026; Helmet Selection; printed page 8, physical PDF page 10. Claim text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
Your face shield is deeply scratched and fogs enough to hide traffic. What should you address before setting off?
Correct answer: Restore clear, securely attached eye or face protection with suitable ventilation.
Effective protection must preserve a clear view, resist penetration, stay attached and allow airflow to reduce fogging. Do not trade visibility for the appearance of having protective gear.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle License Manual, Revised October 2020 / MSF 18th Edition (June 2020), currently linked September 29, 2026; Eye and Face Protection; printed page 8–9, physical PDF page 10–11. Claim text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
Which footwear is most suitable for a motorcycle trip?
Correct answer: Sturdy ankle-covering boots with slip-resistant soles and secured laces.
Protect the ankles and keep footwear clear of controls and moving parts. Secure laces and suitable soles help prevent avoidable slips or snags.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle License Manual, Revised October 2020 / MSF 18th Edition (June 2020), currently linked September 29, 2026; Clothing; printed page 9, physical PDF page 11. Claim text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
A friend lends you a motorcycle with controls that feel different from yours. What should happen before you join traffic?
Correct answer: Read its instructions and practice with the controls in a controlled area.
Experience does not make every motorcycle familiar. Locate the controls and learn their response away from traffic, then ride cautiously while getting used to the machine.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle License Manual, Revised October 2020 / MSF 18th Edition (June 2020), currently linked September 29, 2026; Borrowing and Lending; Get Familiar with the Motorcycle Controls; printed page 9–10, physical PDF page 11–12. Claim text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
While checking the motorcycle before a trip, you notice low tire pressure and a fresh fluid puddle beneath it. What is appropriate?
Correct answer: Investigate and correct the problems before riding.
Check tire pressure, wear and tread, fluid levels and signs of leaks before riding. Small faults can have serious consequences for a motorcycle’s balance and control.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle License Manual, Revised October 2020 / MSF 18th Edition (June 2020), currently linked September 29, 2026; Check Your Motorcycle: Tires and Wheels; Oil and Other Fluids; printed page 10–11, physical PDF page 12–13. Claim text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
The brake light comes on with the rear pedal. What else should you check before the ride?
Correct answer: That operating the front brake control also activates the brake light.
Test the brake light with each brake control. A working light on one control does not establish that the other switch works.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle License Manual, Revised October 2020 / MSF 18th Edition (June 2020), currently linked September 29, 2026; Check Your Motorcycle: Lights and Electrics; printed page 10, physical PDF page 12. Claim text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
During a stationary pre-ride check, the throttle does not return when released. What should you do?
Correct answer: Have the fault corrected before riding.
The throttle should move smoothly and return when released. A sticking control is a defect to resolve before entering traffic, not a riding technique to work around.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle License Manual, Revised October 2020 / MSF 18th Edition (June 2020), currently linked September 29, 2026; Check Your Motorcycle: Controls; printed page 10, physical PDF page 12. Claim text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
Another person has just used your motorcycle and changed both mirror positions. When should you readjust them?
Correct answer: While stationary before starting the trip.
Clean and adjust mirrors before riding so you can see behind and beside you. Adjusting them while moving diverts attention and may require riding one-handed.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle License Manual, Revised October 2020 / MSF 18th Edition (June 2020), currently linked September 29, 2026; Check Your Motorcycle: Lights and Electrics; printed page 11, physical PDF page 13. Claim text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
Your elbows are locked straight because you are sitting too far from the handlebars. Which adjustment improves access to the controls?
Correct answer: Sit comfortably close enough to keep your arms slightly bent.
A comfortable position with slightly bent arms permits steering inputs without reaching too far. Adjust your position so you can operate the controls effectively.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle License Manual, Revised October 2020 / MSF 18th Edition (June 2020), currently linked September 29, 2026; Basic Vehicle Control: Body Position; printed page 12, physical PDF page 14. Claim text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
What starting position of your right wrist helps avoid accidentally opening the throttle too far?
Correct answer: Keep the wrist flat while holding the grip.
A flat right wrist helps moderate throttle input. Maintain a firm, comfortable grip rather than setting up a position that can roll on excessive power unintentionally.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle License Manual, Revised October 2020 / MSF 18th Edition (June 2020), currently linked September 29, 2026; Body Position: Hands; printed page 12, physical PDF page 14. Claim text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
During ordinary riding, where should your feet remain?
Correct answer: Firmly on the footrests near the controls, without dragging them.
Footpegs support balance and keep the feet available for the controls. Dangling or dragging a foot can catch it on the road and upset control.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle License Manual, Revised October 2020 / MSF 18th Edition (June 2020), currently linked September 29, 2026; Body Position: Feet; printed page 12, physical PDF page 14. Claim text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
You are still moving too quickly for first gear on a manual motorcycle. What is the risk of selecting it and releasing the clutch abruptly?
Correct answer: It can make the motorcycle lurch and the rear wheel skid.
Choose a gear suited to your road speed and release the clutch smoothly. A sudden mismatch between engine and wheel speed can upset rear-wheel traction.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle License Manual, Revised October 2020 / MSF 18th Edition (June 2020), currently linked September 29, 2026; Shifting Gears; printed page 12, physical PDF page 14. Claim text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
