All new motorcyclists need to pass the motorcycle skill test to receive their motorcycle license because beginner cyclists have a lot to learn if they want to avoid a motorcycle accident.  That’s one of the main reasons that we created this motorcycle accident lawyer website — to spread the word on motorcycle safety from various resources on the world wide web.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is one of those resources, and it has a comprehensive motorcycle skill test practice guide.  In part one of our motorcycle license test practice guide blog series, we’re going to help you prepare for the test using the MSF as our guide.

Part One: Preparing for Motorcycle Practice Sessions

(To see the original copy from the MSF, click the link from the paragraph above and scroll down to page 60.)

This practice guide is designed to help you develop the necessary skills to pass a motorcycle license test.  The MSF’s booklet outlines several exercises that you can practice by yourself or with another person that will not only help you pass the test but also potentially help you avoid a motorcycle crash.  Keep practicing the skills outlined until you can do each exercise without difficulty.  Of course, never practice for longer than one or two hours, as fatigue may set in and render your practice ineffective.

Important disclaimer: The MSF doesn’t want you to attempt any of these practice exercises unless you can already perform basic skills (using the clutch and throttle correctly, shifting, or riding in a straight line).  If you cannot do those three things, it’s recommended that you seek instructional assistance and training before practicing these skills.  Also, while doing the exercises we’re about to outline in the coming days should help you, it is by no ways a guarantee that you will pass the license test.  Nothing can take the place of an instructor that can correct all of your errors.

Choose a good practice area to hone your skills.

The MSF thinks that a well-marked parking lot is good place to practice riding a motorcycle so you can learn in a safe area.  In fact, the best place to practice is a parking lot that isn’t being used when you practice.  Steering clear of traffic should be a high priority.  Look for empty lots at shopping centers, schools, churches or community centers during off hours.  Once you’ve chosen your parking lot, be sure to ask the owner for permission to use it.

The diagram to the right will help you set up your exercises.  If the lot you choose does not have parking spaces or lines like this, use tape measure and chalk to make lines on your own.  When you begin practicing, make sure to check for cars, pedestrians and animals in all directions.

Things to remember for your motorcycle exercises.

  • Wear proper safety equipment (motorcycle helmet, eye protection, gloves, boots, long pants and long-sleeved shirt or jacket — body armor works too)
  • Inspect your motorcycle for any potential safety defects.  Consult your owner’s manual for the proper inspection procedures.
  • Check the pavement in the parking lot for loose gravel, glass, oil slicks and any other potential roadway hazards.
  • Bring six small objects for use as markets.  The MSF recommends milk cartons or plastic bottles (with water or sand in them).

Now you’re ready to practice riding a motorcycle in a safe environment.  Check back tomorrow for the first exercise in the Motorcycle License Test Practice Guide.

If you were injured in a motorcycle crash that wasn’t your fault, you should think about meeting with a lawyer to see if you’re eligible to recover a settlement.  Our motorcycle accident lawyers offer a FREE Consultation anytime, day or night, at 1-858-551-2090.  You may also click here to submit your case for a FREE Online Review.