Alaska Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

In Alaska a Class M2 license lets 14- and 15-year-olds ride a motor-driven cycle, motor scooter or motorized bicycle under 50 cc, and a Class M3 license covers three-wheeled motorcycles (trikes) of 50 cc or more, alone or with a trailer made for them.

In Alaska a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course completion certificate, shown to the DMV, can waive the road test for an M1, M2 or M3 license; the MSF scooter test can not be used to waive the road test.

Be completely familiar with a motorcycle before taking it on the street, especially a borrowed one, and ride very cautiously until you are used to how it handles: accelerate gently, take turns more slowly and leave extra room for stopping.

Keep your feet firmly on the foot pegs and near the controls; don't drag a foot (if it catches you could lose control) or let your toes drop, since they can catch between the road and the peg; sit fairly erect so your arms steer the motorcycle rather than hold you up.

Don't ride in another vehicle's blind spot: either pass it or drop back, and when passing, approach with care but, once alongside, speed up and get by quickly.

Each marked lane gives a motorcyclist three paths, or mini-lanes, each about four feet wide.

To cross tracks, ruts or pavement seams that run parallel to your course, move far enough away from them to cross at an angle, then make a quick, sharp turn across; edging across could let them catch your tires and throw you off balance.

To stop quickly apply both brakes; on a straightaway a locked rear wheel isn't a worry, but if the rear wheel locks while the motorcycle is turning it is likely to slide sideways and you will fall.

Don't assume a passenger knows what to do, even one who rides; give complete instructions before starting, including avoiding unnecessary talk or motion, and when you must talk, turn your head slightly to be understood.

A motorcycle isn't really designed for cargo, but small loads can be carried safely if positioned and fastened properly: keep the load low (a load placed high against a bar or frame raises the center of gravity and upsets balance) and fasten it securely with elastic cords.

According to the Alaska manual, 40% of riders killed in crashes had alcohol in their systems, and one in four of the motorcyclists killed after drinking were not legally intoxicated.

One beer, one glass of wine or one shot of liquor each count as one drink; only time removes alcohol's effect, so wait at least an hour for each drink before you ride; coffee, exercise or cold showers may keep you awake but don't restore judgment or skills.