Free Pennsylvania Motorcycle Practice Test (2026)

Pennsylvania · Checked October 2026

Study for the Pennsylvania Class M license (motorcycle) knowledge test: a Pennsylvania module on the state's helmet, permit and rider-course rules, core lessons on safe riding, instant explanations and a timed simulation.

Start learning Pennsylvania motorcycle rules

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Pennsylvania motorcycle license at a glance

LicenseClass M

Min. age16

Helmet requiredAll but qualified 21+

AgencyPennDOT

Vision screening and a motorcycle knowledge test based on PUB 147 for the permit, then an on-cycle skills test (pre-trip inspection, left and right circles, figure eights) unless you complete a PAMSP licensing course. PennDOT does not publish the number of knowledge test questions.

Pennsylvania motorcycle rules

Rule	In Pennsylvania
Minimum age	16
Helmet and eye protection	Riders and passengers must wear a helmet unless they are 21 or older and have either two years of riding experience or have completed a PennDOT or Motorcycle Safety Foundation approved safety course. All permit holders must wear a helmet and eye protection. pa.gov
Rider training course	Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) Basic Rider Course, also called the Beginner Riding Clinic: free for Pennsylvania residents with a Class M permit, motorcycles and helmets provided. It is required for riders under 18, and permit holders who pass it have their permit stamped as a motorcycle license, so the Driver License Center skills test is waived. pa.gov
Skills test waiver	Yes (required under 18)

Pennsylvania motorcycle permit restrictions

The Class M learner's permit is valid for one year, and you may ride only between sunrise and sunset.
You may not carry any passenger except a properly licensed instructor, and you must wear a helmet and eye protection.
If you do not hold a license for another class of vehicle, you must ride under the instruction and supervision of a licensed motorcycle operator.
You may reapply for a motorcycle permit no more than three times in five years, passing the knowledge test each time.

How to get a Pennsylvania Class M license (motorcycle)

Download the Motorcycle Learner's Permit Application (DL-5) and study the Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147); if under 18, you also need parent or guardian consent.
At a Driver License Center, pass the vision screening and the motorcycle knowledge test to receive a one-year Class M learner's permit.
Practice within the permit rules (sunrise to sunset, no passengers, helmet and eye protection).
If you are under 18, hold the permit at least 6 months, log 65 hours of supervised riding and complete the PAMSP Basic Rider Course (its 15 hours count toward the 65).
Get licensed either by passing a PAMSP licensing course (your permit is stamped as a valid motorcycle license) or by passing the Driver License Center skills test (pre-trip inspection, left and right circles, and figure eights).

Tip: Many motorcycle crashes involve a car turning left in front of the rider. Expect questions about being seen, lane position and intersections, in addition to the state rules above.

Sample Pennsylvania motorcycle questions

1. When may you ride with a Pennsylvania Class M learner's permit?

Any time with a helmet
Only between sunrise and sunset
Only before 9 p.m.
Only on weekends

Show answer

Correct answer: Only between sunrise and sunset. A Class M permit allows riding only between sunrise and sunset. Source: pa.gov

2. Who may ride as a passenger with a Pennsylvania motorcycle permit holder?

Any adult over 21
A family member wearing a helmet
Only a properly licensed instructor
Anyone, during daylight

Show answer

Correct answer: Only a properly licensed instructor. Class M learners may not carry any passenger other than a properly licensed instructor. Source: pa.gov

3. Which rider may legally ride without a helmet in Pennsylvania?

A 19-year-old with a Class M license
A 30-year-old on a learner's permit
A 20-year-old who completed the PAMSP course
A 25-year-old licensed rider with two years of riding experience

Show answer

Correct answer: A 25-year-old licensed rider with two years of riding experience. Only riders 21 or older with two years of experience or an approved safety course may skip the helmet; permit holders must always wear one. Source: pa.gov

Topics covered on the knowledge test

Protective gear: helmets, eye protection and clothing
Controls, pre-ride inspection (T-CLOCS) and starting out
Lane position, following distance and being seen
Braking, swerving and cornering
Intersections, blind spots and road hazards
Carrying passengers and cargo
Group riding, alcohol and fatigue

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to wear a helmet in Pennsylvania?

Yes if you are under 21. Riders 21 and older may ride without one only if they have two years of riding experience or have completed a PennDOT or MSF approved safety course. Permit holders must always wear a helmet and eye protection.

Is the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program course free?

Yes. PAMSP courses are free for Pennsylvania residents with a Class M permit or license, and motorcycles and helmets are provided for the beginner course.

Can I ride at night with a motorcycle learner's permit?

No. A Class M learner's permit allows riding only between sunrise and sunset.

Is this motorcycle practice test free?

Yes. Every lesson, practice round and simulation is free, with no sign-up.

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Official sources

The Pennsylvania rules and questions on this page were checked in October 2026 against the official motorcycle manual, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Driver and Vehicle Services website or Pennsylvania law. When a detail is not published by an official source, we leave it out instead of guessing. Confirm current rules with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Driver and Vehicle Services. PracticePermit.us is not affiliated with any government agency. How we write and check our questions.

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