20 Controls & Basics Practice Questions & Answers

1. 1. On a motorcycle, which hand operates the throttle, and how is engine speed increased?

   • A.Left hand; roll the grip toward you (rearward)
   • B.Right hand; roll the grip away from you (forward)
   • C.Left hand; roll the grip away from you (forward)
   • D.Right hand; roll the grip toward you (rearward)✓ Answer

   The throttle is the right handgrip itself. Rolling it toward you opens the throttle and raises engine speed; rolling it away closes it. It is spring-loaded so it snaps back to idle the instant it is released, which is why the right hand must stay on the grip while riding.

   Source: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, 18th ed. (2020) / AAMVA MOM — "Motorcycle Controls: the six primary controls — throttle"Report a problem with this question

2. 2. Squeezing the clutch lever fully does what?

   • A.Applies the brake to the front wheel
   • B.Disconnects engine power from the rear wheel✓ Answer
   • C.Shuts off the engine's ignition
   • D.Locks the transmission into neutral

   The clutch lever sits in front of the left handgrip and separates the engine from the drivetrain. Squeezing it in interrupts power to the rear wheel so gears can be changed or the engine can keep idling while the motorcycle is stopped; easing it back out reconnects that power gradually.

   Source: MSF MOM 18th ed. / AAMVA MOM — "Motorcycle Controls: clutch lever" and "Basic Vehicle Control"Report a problem with this question

3. 3. Which statement about a typical motorcycle's gearshift lever is correct?

   • A.It is worked by the left foot: lift to shift up, press down to shift down✓ Answer
   • B.It is worked by the left hand and must be held in while the clutch is released
   • C.It is worked by the right foot: lift to shift up, press down to shift down
   • D.It is worked by the left foot: press down to shift up, lift to shift down

   The shift lever is mounted in front of the left footrest and operated by the left foot, because the right foot is reserved for the rear brake pedal. Each full lift or press changes exactly one gear, and spring loading returns the lever to center so the mechanism resets for the next shift. In the typical 1-N-2-3-4-5 pattern, neutral is found with a half lift from first or a half press from second.

   Source: MSF MOM 18th ed. — "Basic Vehicle Control: Shifting Gears"Report a problem with this question

4. 4. On a conventional motorcycle, the lever in front of the right handgrip controls:

   • A.The clutch
   • B.The front wheel brake✓ Answer
   • C.The rear wheel brake
   • D.Both wheel brakes on every motorcycle

   The standard layout gives each wheel its own brake control: the right hand lever operates the front brake and the right foot pedal operates the rear brake, while the left hand lever is the clutch. Keeping them separate lets the rider meter front and rear braking independently, which is why both must be used every time you slow or stop.

   Source: AAMVA MOM — "The six primary controls: front brake lever / rear brake pedal"Report a problem with this question

5. 5. What is the main advantage of the engine cut-off switch located on the right handgrip?

   • A.It lets the rider stop the engine without taking either hand off the handgrips✓ Answer
   • B.It disengages the clutch automatically
   • C.It keeps the taillight lit while the motorcycle is parked
   • D.It locks the steering so the key can be removed

   The cut-off switch is placed where the right thumb reaches it so the engine can be killed instantly — for example if the throttle sticks — while both hands stay on the bars and the rider keeps full steering and braking control. Locking the steering for key removal is the ignition switch's LOCK position, and keeping the taillight on is the PARK position.

   Source: AAMVA MOM — "Other Controls and Equipment: Engine Cut-Off Switch; Ignition Switch (ON/OFF/LOCK/PARK)"Report a problem with this question

6. 6. The choke (enrichener) on a motorcycle is used to:

   • A.Cut fuel to the engine in an emergency
   • B.Provide an enriched fuel mixture for cold engine starts, then be turned off once the engine warms up✓ Answer
   • C.Limit maximum engine speed while the engine is being broken in
   • D.Switch the fuel supply over to the reserve tank

   A cold engine will not fire reliably on a normal mixture, so the choke temporarily raises the proportion of fuel to air. Once the engine is warm the extra fuel is no longer needed and leaving the choke on wastes fuel and can foul the engine, so it is switched off. Switching to reserve is the job of the fuel supply valve, not the choke.

   Source: AAMVA MOM — "Other Controls and Equipment: Choke (if equipped) — provides an enriched fuel mixture to assist in cold engine starts; turn to OFF when engine is warmed"Report a problem with this question

7. 7. In motorcycle operation, the "friction zone" refers to:

   • A.The area of a lane where oil and grease build up
   • B.The part of the brake lever's travel just before the front wheel locks
   • C.The range of clutch-lever travel where engine power just begins to reach the rear wheel✓ Answer
   • D.The portion of the tire that is in contact with the road

   Between the clutch fully squeezed (no power transmitted) and fully released (full power transmitted) there is a narrow band of lever travel in which the clutch plates only partially engage and power is fed gradually to the rear wheel. Controlling the lever within that band is what makes smooth starts from a stop, slow-speed maneuvering, and hill starts possible.

   Source: MSF Basic RiderCourse Rider Handbook; MSF MOM 18th ed. — "Become familiar with the motorcycle: be very familiar with the friction zone for manual transmissions"Report a problem with this question

8. 8. What is the correct 3-step process for upshifting to a higher gear?

   • A.Roll on the throttle, press the shift lever down, then release the clutch
   • B.Roll off the throttle as you squeeze the clutch; lift the shift lever firmly and release; then ease out the clutch and adjust the throttle✓ Answer
   • C.Lift the shift lever, then squeeze the clutch, then roll off the throttle
   • D.Squeeze the clutch, apply both brakes, lift the shift lever, then release the clutch

   Power must be interrupted before the gears can change, so the throttle is closed and the clutch squeezed at the same time. The lever is then lifted through its full travel so the next gear fully engages, and easing the clutch back out while adding throttle reconnects power smoothly instead of jerking the rear wheel.

   Source: MSF MOM 18th ed. — "Shifting Gears: 3-step upshift process"Report a problem with this question

9. 9. Before downshifting, why must you make sure you are already riding slowly enough for the lower gear?

   • A.Because the clutch cable will stretch and need adjustment
   • B.Because the motorcycle will lurch and the rear wheel may skid when the clutch is released✓ Answer
   • C.Because the engine will stall and the headlight will go out
   • D.Because the transmission physically cannot select a lower gear above a set speed

   Releasing the clutch in too low a gear at too high a road speed forces the rear wheel to spin the engine up abruptly. That sudden change in drivetrain load makes the motorcycle lurch and can lock or skid the rear tire. When riding downhill or shifting into first, use the brakes to slow enough before completing the downshift.

   Source: MSF MOM 18th ed. — "Shifting Gears: make certain you are riding slowly enough when you shift into a lower gear"Report a problem with this question

10. 10. Which of the following describes correct riding posture on a motorcycle?

    • A.Arms straight and locked, knees spread wide, toes pointed downward
    • B.Sit as far back as possible with arms fully extended and feet dangling near the ground
    • C.Arms slightly bent, knees against the gas tank, right wrist flat, feet firmly on the footrests✓ Answer
    • D.Grip the bars loosely, keep the right wrist high over the throttle, and rest the left hand on your thigh

    Slightly bent arms let you press on the handgrips to steer without having to reach; knees against the tank anchor your lower body so the motorcycle can move beneath you and helps you keep your balance in turns; a flat right wrist keeps you from accidentally rolling on too much throttle; and feet firmly on the footrests with the toes up prevents them from catching between the road and the footrest.

    Source: MSF MOM 18th ed. — "Basic Vehicle Control: Body Position (Seat, Hands, Knees, Feet)"Report a problem with this question

11. 11. In the MSF T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection, the letters stand for:

    • A.Throttle, Cables, Lights, Oil, Chain, Steering
    • B.Tank, Clutch, Levers, Odometer, Cooling, Suspension
    • C.Tires, Carburetor, Lubrication, Odometer, Chain, Seat
    • D.Tires and wheels, Controls, Lights and electrics, Oil and other fluids, Chassis, Stands✓ Answer

    T-CLOCS is MSF's memory aid for a complete inspection that should be made before every ride, because a minor failure that would merely inconvenience a car driver can cause a motorcycle crash. T = tires and wheels, C = controls (levers, cables, hoses, throttle), L = lights and electrics, O = oil and other fluids, C = chassis (frame, suspension, chain or belt, fasteners), S = stands.

    Source: MSF MOM 18th ed. — "Check Your Motorcycle: T-CLOCS Pre-Ride Inspection Checklist"Report a problem with this question

12. 12. When checking lights and electrics before a ride, the brake light should be tested by:

    • A.Applying the front brake lever and the rear brake pedal separately, since each one must turn the brake light on✓ Answer
    • B.Turning the ignition switch to PARK and watching the taillight
    • C.Squeezing the clutch lever while the engine idles
    • D.Applying only the rear brake pedal, since only it activates the brake light

    A motorcycle has two independent brake controls and each has its own brake-light switch. If only one is tested, a failed switch on the other control goes unnoticed and drivers behind get no warning whenever the rider uses that control. Operating them one at a time confirms both switches work.

    Source: MSF MOM 18th ed. — "T-CLOCS, L — Lights and Electrics: try both brakes and make sure each one turns on the brake light"Report a problem with this question

13. 13. The MSF pre-start routine known as FINE-C reminds a rider to, in order:

    • A.Confirm Fuel level, Insurance, Number plate, Emergency contact and Cargo
    • B.Check Fenders, Instruments, Nuts, Exhaust and Chain
    • C.Check the Front brake, Idle speed, Neutral, Engine oil and Coolant
    • D.Turn the Fuel valve on, Ignition on, shift to Neutral, set the Engine cut-off switch to RUN, and squeeze the Clutch (with the choke set if cold) before pressing the starter✓ Answer

    FINE-C is the sequence that ensures the engine can actually start and that the motorcycle will not move when it does. Fuel and ignition supply what the engine needs to run, neutral plus a squeezed clutch guarantees the bike cannot lurch forward in gear, the cut-off switch must be in RUN or the starter will not fire the engine, and the choke enriches the mixture only when the engine is cold.

    Source: MSF Basic RiderCourse Rider Handbook — FINE-C pre-start sequence; AAMVA MOM "Starting the Engine" steps 1-5Report a problem with this question

14. 14. A motorcycle helmet that meets the U.S. federal safety standard carries a certification label reading:

    • A."OSHA 1910.135 Head Protection, Type A"
    • B."NHTSA Novelty Helmet, Highway Rated"
    • C."EPA Approved Motorcycle Headwear, Class II"
    • D."DOT, FMVSS No. 218, CERTIFIED," along with the manufacturer's name and the model✓ Answer

    FMVSS No. 218 is the federal motor vehicle safety standard for motorcycle helmets, setting minimum requirements for impact attenuation, penetration resistance, retention-system strength, and field of vision. A compliant helmet must carry a permanent label showing the manufacturer or brand, the model, and the words "DOT, FMVSS No. 218, CERTIFIED." So-called novelty helmets bear no such certification and do not meet the standard.

    Source: 49 CFR 571.218 (FMVSS No. 218), labeling requirement; MSF MOM 18th ed. "Helmet Selection — designed to meet U.S. DOT standards"Report a problem with this question

15. 15. How does a properly constructed motorcycle helmet reduce head injury in an impact?

    • A.An air gap lets the head move freely inside the shell so no force is transmitted
    • B.The chin strap absorbs the crash energy before it can reach the skull
    • C.The soft comfort padding cushions the head while the outer shell flexes and springs back to its original shape
    • D.The hard outer shell spreads the force over a wide area while a crushable inner liner compresses, slowing the head's deceleration✓ Answer

    The rigid outer shell resists penetration and distributes a concentrated blow over a wide area, and the stiff expanded-foam liner underneath crushes progressively and stays crushed. That crushing stretches the head's stopping time over extra milliseconds, which is what lowers the peak force reaching the brain. Because the liner is permanently deformed, a helmet that has taken a significant impact should be replaced even if it looks intact.

    Source: 49 CFR 571.218 (FMVSS No. 218) impact-attenuation requirement; MSF MOM 18th ed. "Helmet Use / Helmet Selection"Report a problem with this question

16. 16. A motorcycle helmet fits properly when it:

    • A.Sits loosely enough to be turned easily and lifted off without unfastening the strap
    • B.Rests high on the forehead so that the rider's view is not blocked
    • C.Fits snugly all the way around, with the cheek pads touching the cheeks and no gaps at the temples or brow✓ Answer
    • D.Is one size larger than measured, to leave room for a cap in cold weather

    A helmet can only protect the head it stays in contact with, so it must be snug all the way around with no gaps and must not roll off when the fastened strap is pulled forward and up from the back. A loose helmet shifts on impact — or comes off entirely before it gets a chance to protect you — which is why it must also be kept securely fastened every time you ride.

    Source: MSF MOM 18th ed. — "Helmet Selection: fits snugly all the way around; keep it securely fastened on your head when you ride"Report a problem with this question

17. 17. Which statement comparing motorcycle helmet coverage is correct?

    • A.A three-quarter helmet already covers the chin and face, so no separate eye protection is needed
    • B.A full-face helmet gives the most protection because it covers head, face and chin; a three-quarter helmet must be paired with a faceshield or goggles✓ Answer
    • C.A half helmet gives the most protection because its light weight reduces neck strain
    • D.A DOT-compliant full-face helmet blocks a rider's side vision and muffles horns and sirens

    Full-face coverage adds a chin bar and integral faceshield over the parts of the head most often struck in a crash. A three-quarter helmet protects the skull well but leaves the face exposed, so it must be worn with a snap-on faceshield or goggles, and a half helmet covers the least of all. Research cited in the manual also shows a DOT-compliant helmet lets a rider see as far to the sides as necessary and does not mask important sounds.

    Source: MSF MOM 18th ed. — "Helmet Selection" and "Helmet Use: a DOT-compliant helmet lets you see as far to the sides as necessary"Report a problem with this question

18. 18. Which of the following satisfies the need for eye and face protection while riding?

    • A.Ordinary eyeglasses or sunglasses
    • B.A windshield mounted on the motorcycle
    • C.A scratch-free, impact-resistant faceshield or goggles that fasten securely and let air pass through✓ Answer
    • D.Squinting and reducing speed in windy conditions

    Effective eye or face protection must be free of scratches, resist penetration, give a clear view to either side, fasten so it cannot blow off, vent enough air to limit fogging, and leave room for eyeglasses. A windshield does not keep wind out of your eyes, and ordinary glasses will not stop your eyes from watering and can blow off when you turn your head. Tinted protection should not be used in low light.

    Source: MSF MOM 18th ed. — "Eye and Face Protection: a windshield is not a substitute for a faceshield or goggles"Report a problem with this question

19. 19. Which combination best describes proper protective riding clothing?

    • A.Short sleeves in warm weather, fingerless gloves for grip, and running shoes
    • B.A jacket and pants covering the arms and legs completely, full-fingered leather or equivalent gloves, and sturdy footwear that covers and supports the ankles✓ Answer
    • C.Loose, flapping garments so air can circulate, plus tall heels to hook over the footrests
    • D.Any clothing is adequate as long as a DOT-compliant helmet is worn

    Abrasion-resistant material covering the full arm and leg is what stands between skin and pavement in a slide; full-fingered leather or similar gloves protect the hands a falling rider instinctively puts out and improve grip on the controls; and over-the-ankle boots with hard, slip-resistant soles and short heels support the ankle and will not catch on rough surfaces. Clothing should be snug enough not to flap yet loose enough to move freely, and a jacket should be worn even in warm weather to prevent dehydration.

    Source: MSF MOM 18th ed. — "Clothing: jacket and pants; boots or shoes; gloves"Report a problem with this question

20. 20. Because a motorcycle presents a narrow profile that other drivers easily overlook, reflective material on a rider's gear should be worn:

    • A.Only when riding in a group
    • B.Both during the day and at night✓ Answer
    • C.Only after dark
    • D.Only in rain or fog

    Reflective strips return headlight beams at night, but bright and reflective materials also raise a rider's contrast against traffic and background in daylight, when the majority of riding is done and when most crashes with other vehicles occur. Since a motorcycle is a far smaller visual target than a car, and over half of car-motorcycle crashes come from drivers who failed to see the rider, increasing contrast around the clock is a core conspicuity measure.

    Source: MSF MOM 18th ed. — "Be Visible: Clothing" / Test Yourself: reflective material should be worn day and nightReport a problem with this question

Practice questions based on the MSF Basic RiderCourse and state motorcycle operator manuals. Requirements vary by state — study your state's official motorcycle manual before your test. About the MSF course →