Many riders applying for their motorcycle license or endorsement may be a little jittery knowing they have to pass a road test to measure their riding skills. Even if you’re already a great rider with a motorcycle instruction permit, pressure from an observer scoring your skills can be stressful. Check out these tips for passing motorcycle skills tests before you take your road test.
Use a Smaller Bike to Take Your Test
For beginner riders, handling a smaller bike is often easier than a larger bike. You’ll need more maneuverability to navigate cones or demonstrate other skills. Smaller bikes are also often more affordable to buy for your first bike. You can run your first bike into the ground to develop your skills as a new rider, then invest in a more stylish or larger model when it’s time to replace it.
Review Your State’s Motorcycle Rider Handbook
Even if you’ve already passed your written test, a refresher on road signs, hand signals, and key road rules can help you ensure that you don’t accidentally make an illegal turn or forget to signal before a merge during your test. You should also study municipal laws, such as if the city doesn’t allow right turns on red lights.
Inspect Your Motorcycle Before the Test
Part of your test likely includes turning on your headlights, signaling a turn, and braking to a full stop. Your lights and signals must work correctly, or your proctor will deduct points. Inspect and test your rear brake light, turn signals, and other bike systems at least a week before your test so you have time to replace bulbs or request repairs.
Practice with a Permit
Many states require motorcycle endorsement applicants to hold a permit for six months to a year before applying for their motorcycle license. Passing motorcycle skills tests generally requires riders to have a few hundred hours of experience on a bike to successfully navigate the course. Using your time as a permitted rider to increase road experience can help you pass your test the first time.
Take the Basic Riders Safety Course
Many states require riders under 18 (21 in some states) to take a riders safety course to learn basic riding skills. Some states require riders of any age to take a course. Take the course, no matter your age, to improve your riding skills. You’ll learn more about safely maneuvering your bike, how to react to traffic around you, and how to protect yourself in case of an accident.
Be Punctual with a Licensed Driver
Just like your regular driving test for a car, you need to arrive a little bit early for your test appointment to fill out paperwork. You also need to arrive with a licensed driver because you still only have your permit. Also, don’t leave your permit at home or forget your wallet. You’ll need your ID, permit, and payment for your test and fees.
Ignore Your Phone During Your Test
Your friends will be texting and calling to wish you luck on your test. It’s illegal in most states to answer a call or text while riding a motorcycle. Even if you have a hands-free system, you need to be able to receive the examiner’s instructions. Ignore your phone during the test; you can text or call back after you pass the test!
Need a Motorcycle Attorney for an Accident or Bike Theft? Call Law Tigers
Passing motorcycle skills tests isn’t too difficult for most riders. Consider these tips before your test, and you should do just fine. For help with a motorcycle injury accident, call Law Tigers at 888-863-7216 for a free case evaluation anywhere in the U.S.