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. ↗
On a conventional motorcycle with separate brake controls, which habit should you build for routine slowing and stopping?
Correct answer: Apply both brakes smoothly together.
Practice coordinated front and rear braking so the habit is available in an emergency. Squeeze rather than grab the front lever, and understand how your own motorcycle's braking system operates.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle License Manual, Revised October 2020 / MSF 18th Edition (June 2020), currently linked September 29, 2026; Braking; printed page 13, physical PDF page 15. Claim text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
Why must braking while leaned into a curve be especially controlled?
Correct answer: Some available tire grip is already being used to corner.
Turning and braking share available traction. Abrupt braking while leaned can exceed that grip; learn the appropriate technique through rider training.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle License Manual, Revised October 2020 / MSF 18th Edition (June 2020), currently linked September 29, 2026; Braking in a Corner; printed page 13, physical PDF page 15. Claim text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
A curve ahead is sharper than the road you have just been riding. When should you make the main reduction to an appropriate entry speed?
Correct answer: Before entering the curve.
Assess the curve and slow before leaning into it. Entering too fast reduces your margin and can cause a wide path or an abrupt, destabilizing correction.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle License Manual, Revised October 2020 / MSF 18th Edition (June 2020), currently linked September 29, 2026; Turning: SLOW; printed page 13, physical PDF page 15. Claim text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
In a normal turn, where should you direct your eyes?
Correct answer: Through the turn toward the path you intend to follow.
Turn the head to look along the intended path and keep the eyes level. Fixating on the front wheel or a hazard does not provide the forward view needed for a controlled turn.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle License Manual, Revised October 2020 / MSF 18th Edition (June 2020), currently linked September 29, 2026; Turning: LOOK; printed page 13, physical PDF page 15. Claim text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
At ordinary road speed on a two-wheel motorcycle, you need to initiate a left turn. Which handgrip input does the South Dakota motorcycle manual describe?
Correct answer: Press the left handgrip to initiate a left lean.
For the two-wheel road-speed technique described, pressure on the left grip initiates the left lean. This is not steering instruction for a non-leaning trike; learn and practice with a qualified rider coach.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle License Manual, Revised October 2020 / MSF 18th Edition (June 2020), currently linked September 29, 2026; Turning: PRESS; printed page 13, physical PDF page 15. Claim text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
During a slow, tight maneuver on a two-wheel motorcycle, how does the South Dakota motorcycle manual describe counterbalancing?
Correct answer: Let the motorcycle lean while keeping your body more upright.
Slow, tight turns use counterbalancing rather than simply copying the body position of a normal road-speed turn. Practice these skills off-street with appropriate instruction.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle License Manual, Revised October 2020 / MSF 18th Edition (June 2020), currently linked September 29, 2026; Turning: counterbalancing; printed page 13, physical PDF page 15. Claim text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
You have stopped at a traffic signal on a manual motorcycle. Which gear leaves you better prepared to move if a safe escape becomes necessary?
Correct answer: First gear, ready for a controlled start.
Remaining in first gear avoids a gear-selection delay if you need to move. Continue watching traffic and use only a clear, safe escape path.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle License Manual, Revised October 2020 / MSF 18th Edition (June 2020), currently linked September 29, 2026; Shifting Gears: stopped in first gear; printed page 12, physical PDF page 14. Claim text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
A full tank bag restricts movement of the handlebars. The total load is below the motorcycle's weight rating. Is that enough to make the load acceptable?
Correct answer: No; repack or reposition it so the handlebars and controls remain unobstructed.
A load can be within the weight limit and still interfere with safe operation. A tank bag must not obstruct the handlebars or controls.
Source: South Dakota Motorcycle License Manual, Revised October 2020 / MSF 18th Edition (June 2020), currently linked September 29, 2026; Pre-Ride Test: tank bag clearance; printed page 26, physical PDF page 28. Claim text reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
