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100+ Free MN Motorcycle Permit Test Practice Questions

Pass your Minnesota DVS Motorcycle Knowledge Test (Class M) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Where may a Minnesota motorcycle instruction permit holder NOT ride?

A
B
C
D
to track
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: MN Motorcycle Permit Test Exam

40

Multiple-Choice Questions

Minnesota DVS

80% (32/40)

Passing Score

Minnesota DVS

$29

Motorcycle Permit Fee

Minnesota DVS 2026

1 year

Instruction Permit Validity

Minnesota DVS

MS 169.974

Helmet (under 18 + permit holders) and Eye Protection (all riders)

Minnesota Statutes

BRC Waiver

MMSC Basic Rider Course Waives DVS Skills Test

Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center

The Minnesota DVS motorcycle knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions, and applicants must answer at least 32 correctly (80%) to pass. The motorcycle instruction permit fee is $29 and the test may be taken once per day. The permit is valid for one year and bans passengers, night riding (one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise), and interstate highways. Minnesota Statute 169.974 requires a DOT-approved helmet for riders under 18 and for all permit holders, plus eye protection for every motorcycle operator. The legal BAC limit is 0.08% for adult riders, 0.04% commercial, and 0.00% (zero tolerance) for riders under 21. Completing the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center (MMSC) Basic Rider Course waives the DVS on-cycle skills test.

Sample MN Motorcycle Permit Test Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your MN Motorcycle Permit Test exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1How many questions are on the Minnesota DVS motorcycle knowledge test?
A.20 questions
B.25 questions
C.40 questions
D.50 questions
Explanation: The Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) motorcycle knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions drawn from the official Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual. The same test is used for both the motorcycle instruction permit and the Class M endorsement.
2What is the passing score for the Minnesota motorcycle knowledge test?
A.70% (28 of 40)
B.80% (32 of 40)
C.85% (34 of 40)
D.90% (36 of 40)
Explanation: Minnesota DVS requires applicants to answer at least 32 of 40 questions correctly to pass, an 80% passing score. The knowledge test can be taken once per day, so if you fail you must wait until the next business day to test again.
3How long is a Minnesota motorcycle instruction permit valid?
A.Six months
B.One year
C.Two years
D.Five years
Explanation: A Minnesota motorcycle instruction permit is valid for one year from the date issued. If your permit expires before you obtain a Class M endorsement, you must retake the knowledge test and pay the fee again.
4What is the fee for a Minnesota motorcycle instruction permit?
A.$15
B.$21
C.$29
D.$45
Explanation: Minnesota DVS charges $29 for the motorcycle instruction permit knowledge test. If you fail and the permit expires, you must pay the fee again to retest. Class certificates from the MMSC Basic Rider Course are paid separately.
5Under Minnesota Statute 169.974, who is required to wear a DOT-approved helmet while riding a motorcycle?
A.Every rider and passenger of any age
B.Riders under 18 and any motorcycle instruction permit holder
C.Only riders under 21
D.Only riders on the freeway
Explanation: Minnesota's helmet law applies to riders and passengers under 18 and to any motorcycle instruction permit holder, regardless of age. Adult Class M endorsement holders are not legally required to wear a helmet, but DVS strongly recommends one for every ride.
6Under Minnesota Statute 169.974, who must wear eye protection while operating a motorcycle?
A.Only riders under 18
B.Only motorcycle permit holders
C.Every motorcycle operator, regardless of age or license
D.Only riders without a windshield
Explanation: Minnesota Statute 169.974 states that no person shall operate a motorcycle without wearing an eye-protective device. Goggles, a face shield, or shatter-resistant glasses satisfy the rule. A handlebar windshield alone does not meet the requirement.
7Which of the following is a Minnesota restriction on motorcycle instruction permit holders?
A.May ride only on weekends
B.May not carry passengers
C.Must ride only in groups of three or more
D.May not ride above 35 mph
Explanation: A Minnesota motorcycle instruction permit holder may not carry passengers. The permit also bans riding at night (from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise) and riding on interstate highways.
8When is a Minnesota motorcycle instruction permit holder prohibited from riding?
A.During morning rush hour
B.From one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise
C.On any state highway
D.When the temperature is below 50 degrees
Explanation: Minnesota permit holders may not ride between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise. The night-riding ban exists because permit holders have not yet demonstrated full skill in low-light conditions where conspicuity and hazard recognition are critical.
9Where may a Minnesota motorcycle instruction permit holder NOT ride?
A.City streets
B.County roads
C.Interstate highways
D.Parking lots
Explanation: Minnesota motorcycle instruction permit holders are not allowed to ride on interstate highways. Building freeway skills requires the higher speeds, merging, and traffic complexity that DVS reserves for fully endorsed Class M riders.
10Which Minnesota agency administers the motorcycle knowledge test and issues the Class M endorsement?
A.Minnesota State Patrol
B.Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)
C.Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS)
D.Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center (MMSC) only
Explanation: The Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services division (DVS), part of the Department of Public Safety, administers knowledge and skills tests and issues the Class M endorsement. The Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center (MMSC) runs the Basic Rider Course used to satisfy the skills-test requirement.

About the MN Motorcycle Permit Test Exam

The Minnesota DVS motorcycle knowledge test is the written exam required to earn a motorcycle instruction permit and ultimately the Class M endorsement on a Minnesota driver license. It contains 40 multiple-choice questions drawn from the official Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual, covering motorcycle controls, the T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection, body position, throttle and clutch use, braking with both wheels, counter-steering, the SLPR cornering technique, swerving, the three lane positions, the SIPDE and SEE mental strategies, hand signals, sharing the road, road hazards, and night riding. The test also covers Minnesota-specific laws including the helmet rule under Minnesota Statute 169.974 (required for riders under 18 and for all motorcycle permit holders), the eye-protection rule for every operator, the prohibition on lane sharing for passing, passenger laws, and BAC limits (0.08% adult, 0.04% commercial, 0.00% zero tolerance for riders under 21). Applicants must answer at least 32 of 40 questions correctly to pass (80%). The motorcycle permit fee is $29 and the test can be taken once per day. Completing the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center (MMSC) Basic Rider Course satisfies the DVS skills test, and applicants under 18 must complete the BRC in full to receive the endorsement.

Questions

40 scored questions

Time Limit

No strict time limit at DVS exam stations

Passing Score

80% (32 of 40 questions correct)

Exam Fee

$29 (motorcycle instruction permit and knowledge test) (Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS))

MN Motorcycle Permit Test Exam Content Outline

Section 1

Controls, T-CLOCS and Pre-Ride

Motorcycle controls (right-hand throttle and front brake, left-hand clutch, right-foot rear brake, left-foot shifter), the T-CLOCS pre-ride checklist, and proper starting and stopping technique

Section 2

Riding Techniques

Body position, counter-steering above 10-12 mph, the SLPR cornering technique (Slow-Look-Press-Roll), swerving, braking with about 70% from the front, the two-second following distance, and the SIPDE and SEE strategies

Section 3

Lane Positions and Sharing the Road

The three lane positions (left, center, right portion of the lane), staggered group formation, blind spots, hand signals, and sharing roads with cars, large trucks, and bicyclists

Section 4

Minnesota Laws

Helmet rule under MS 169.974 (riders under 18 and all permit holders), eye protection for every operator, headlight required at all times, the side-by-side-with-consent lane-sharing rule, passenger laws (footrests required), and BAC limits (0.08% adult, 0.04% commercial, 0.00% under 21)

Section 5

Road Hazards and Emergencies

Deer and other large animals, gravel from winter sand and salt, sudden Minnesota summer thunderstorms, ice and lingering snow patches in spring, railroad crossings, mechanical emergencies (stuck throttle, wobble, flat tire), and night-riding strategies

How to Pass the MN Motorcycle Permit Test Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 80% (32 of 40 questions correct)
  • Exam length: 40 questions
  • Time limit: No strict time limit at DVS exam stations
  • Exam fee: $29 (motorcycle instruction permit and knowledge test)

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

MN Motorcycle Permit Test Study Tips from Top Performers

1Read the current Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual from the DVS website — every test question is based on it
2Memorize the Minnesota-specific numbers: 40 test questions, 80% pass (32/40), $29 permit fee, permit valid 1 year, BAC 0.08% adult / 0.04% commercial / 0.00% under 21
3Learn the key acronyms cold: T-CLOCS (pre-ride inspection), SLPR (Slow-Look-Press-Roll for turns), SIPDE (Scan-Identify-Predict-Decide-Execute), and SEE (Search-Evaluate-Execute)
4Master Minnesota's distinctive laws under MS 169.974: helmet required for under-18 riders and all permit holders, eye protection required for every operator, headlight on at all times, lane sharing for passing is prohibited
5Take timed practice tests until you consistently score 90% or higher, giving yourself a comfortable buffer above the 80% pass mark

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Minnesota motorcycle knowledge test?

The Minnesota DVS motorcycle knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions drawn from the official Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual. The same test is used for both the motorcycle instruction permit and the Class M endorsement.

What score do I need to pass the Minnesota motorcycle permit test?

Applicants must answer at least 32 of 40 questions correctly, an 80% passing score. The knowledge test may be taken once per day at a Minnesota DVS exam station, so a failed attempt requires waiting until the next business day to retest.

How much does the Minnesota motorcycle permit cost?

The Minnesota motorcycle instruction permit fee is $29. The permit is valid for one year; if it expires before you earn the Class M endorsement, you must retake the knowledge test and pay the fee again.

Does Minnesota's Basic Rider Course waive the DVS skills test?

Yes. Completing the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center (MMSC) Basic Rider Course gives an adult applicant a certificate that waives the DVS on-cycle skills test. Applicants under 18 must complete the BRC in full — 100 percent attendance and passing the riding evaluation — to be eligible for the endorsement.

What does Minnesota's helmet law require?

Under Minnesota Statute 169.974, a DOT-approved helmet is required for any rider or passenger under 18 and for anyone operating a motorcycle on an instruction permit, regardless of age. Adult Class M endorsement holders are not legally required to wear a helmet, but DVS strongly recommends one for every ride.

Is eye protection required for Minnesota motorcyclists?

Yes. Minnesota Statute 169.974 requires every motorcycle operator to wear an eye-protective device, regardless of age or license type. Goggles, a face shield, or shatter-resistant glasses satisfy the rule; a handlebar windshield by itself does not.

Is lane splitting legal in Minnesota?

No. Minnesota prohibits lane splitting — a motorcycle may not pass a car within the same lane the car is using. Two motorcycles may ride side-by-side in a single lane only when both operators consent. California is the only U.S. state where lane splitting is explicitly legal.