How long is a Texas motorcycle safety-course completion certificate valid for licensing?
Correct answer: 24 months
DPS accepts the motorcycle safety-course completion certificate for 24 months; keep the dated certificate for your application.
Source: Requirements for All Applicants ↗
A 15-year-old has the Texas Class M I restriction. What is the maximum permitted engine size?
Correct answer: 250cc
The I restriction limits 15-year-old riders to 250cc or less. DPS explains the skills-test procedure for removing it at age 16.
Source: Class M License Restrictions ↗
On a routine Texas trip with no sidecar, may a four-year-old ride behind you on the motorcycle?
Correct answer: No, the ordinary passenger minimum is five years
Section 545.416 sets a minimum age of five, with a sidecar provision and emergency or law-enforcement defense. Footrests and proper passenger equipment are also required.
Source: Section 545.416(b)–(e) ↗
How can a convex motorcycle mirror mislead you about a following car?
Correct answer: It makes the car look farther away
Convex mirrors widen the view but make vehicles appear more distant. Learn their appearance while stopped and leave extra room when changing lanes.
Source: TDLR Motorcycle Operator Training Manual (2025), printed p. 29: Mirrors ↗
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: TDLR Motorcycle Operator Training Manual (2025), printed p. 9: Eye 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: TDLR Motorcycle Operator Training Manual (2025), printed p. 14: Body position ↗
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: TDLR Motorcycle Operator Training Manual (2025), printed p. 17: Curves ↗
Where should a rider generally position the motorcycle while another vehicle passes?
Correct answer: Near the center portion of the lane
The center offers more room from mirrors, wind blast, and sideswipe risk and discourages an early merge.
Source: TDLR Motorcycle Operator Training Manual (2025), printed p. 21: 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: TDLR Motorcycle Operator Training Manual (2025), printed p. 26: Parked vehicles ↗
What following-distance adjustment is appropriate when riding at night?
Correct answer: Leave at least a three-second gap, and more when needed
Nighttime distance estimates are less reliable, so allow at least three seconds behind the vehicle ahead.
Source: TDLR Motorcycle Operator Training Manual (2025), printed p. 30: Night riding ↗
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: TDLR Motorcycle Operator Training Manual (2025), printed p. 33: 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: TDLR Motorcycle Operator Training Manual (2025), printed p. 37: 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: TDLR Motorcycle Operator Training Manual (2025), printed p. 39: Passengers ↗
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: TDLR Motorcycle Operator Training Manual (2025), printed p. 41: Cargo ↗
The group leader clears a green light, but it turns red before you reach it. What should you do?
Correct answer: Stop and obey your signal
Every rider must independently obey traffic controls.
Source: TDLR Motorcycle Operator Training Manual (2025), printed p. 43: Group riding ↗
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: TDLR Motorcycle Operator Training Manual (2025), printed p. 48: Alcohol and riding ↗
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: TDLR Motorcycle Operator Training Manual (2025), printed p. 11: Unfamiliar motorcycle ↗
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: TDLR Motorcycle Operator Training Manual (2025), printed p. 22: Merging traffic ↗
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: TDLR Motorcycle Operator Training Manual (2025), printed p. 37: Flying debris ↗
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: TDLR Motorcycle Operator Training Manual (2025), printed p. 9: Eye-protection field of view ↗
