Idaho Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

In Idaho a motor-driven cycle has a motor of 5 brake horsepower or less as manufactured (or an electric motor under 3,729 watts), meets federal safety standards and isn't a moped; it must be titled, and its rider needs a motorcycle endorsement.

In Idaho, a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or motor scooter with regular highway registration and plates may use all highways, including state, U.S. and interstate highways (except roads requiring an OHV sticker); each needs a title, a driver's license, a motorcycle endorsement and insurance.

Compared with a car, a motorcycle reacts faster to the rider's input and is more sensitive to road surfaces and wind; it is harder to see because of its narrow profile, fewer and smaller lights and lower contrast, and its rider is less protected.

Crashes happen most among untrained or beginner riders; head injuries are as severe as neck injuries and more common, and they make up a majority of serious and fatal injuries to motorcyclists.

Rider training gives the best success in mastering control, because you learn and practice the skills in a safe environment; it covers basic control as well as mental strategies and hazard avoidance, and is worth taking even if you have ridden before.

Sit far enough forward that your arms are slightly bent on the handgrips, so you can press the bars without stretching.

Idaho's handbook teaches SIPDE, a mental strategy taught in many rider courses: Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide and Execute; in the Scan step you search aggressively ahead, behind and to the sides to spot problems before they become critical.

Other road users, such as vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians and animals, may violate your right-of-way, block your view, crash into you or simply distract you; be especially alert where visibility is limited, since visually busy surroundings can hide your motorcycle.

However careful you are, you may end up in a dangerous situation, and getting out safely depends on reacting quickly and properly; crashes often happen because the rider wasn't scanning far enough ahead, wasn't prepared, or lacked obstacle-avoidance skills.

A front-wheel skid comes from applying too much front brake and immediately costs steering control and balance; release the front brake at once and completely, then reapply it smoothly, because not releasing it right away can cause a crash. ABS is designed to prevent such skids.

Before riding with a passenger or heavy load, practice away from traffic, adjust the suspension if you can, consider adding a few pounds of tire pressure, and adjust the mirrors with both of you seated, since the motorcycle's angle changes.

When leaving the highway, give clear signals that you'll slow and change direction, tapping your brakes to flash the brake light before slowing, and check your mirror and make a head check first, since drivers behind may not expect you to slow.