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Washington Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

Washington gives two motorcycle knowledge tests and two riding tests, all at DOL-approved training schools. Practice with 550+ questions for the Washington motorcycle knowledge test, written from the Washington Motorcycle Operator Manual.

  • 25questions
  • 20to pass (80%)
  • $0full test here
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  • 7 topics from the Washington Motorcycle Operator Manual
  • Answers explained, with the page to read
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Sample question

Washington motorcycle test

Control, cornering and braking

You're inching through slow traffic. How does a wet clutch help?

Practice Control, cornering and braking

Posture, controls, shifting, steering and cornering · Braking, quick stops, swerves, passengers and cargo

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  • Your results list each miss with its reason and its page in the manual.
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Washington motorcycle test topics

How practice rounds are picked

Washington Motorcycle Operator Manual520-407 (R/12/21)checked Page numbers are the ones printed on the handbook pages: section, then page (6-1 is page 1 of section 6); tap one to open the official PDF at that page.

Open the PDFWashington State Department of Licensing (DOL)

How the Washington motorcycle test works

  1. Four tests for two wheels

    Washington gives two motorcycle knowledge tests and two riding tests, all at DOL-approved training schools. The 50-question permit test and a riding test lead to the instruction permit; the 25-question endorsement test (cornering, decisions, hazards) and a second riding test lead to the endorsement.

  2. Riding on the permit

    You need to be 16 with a valid Washington driver license (a parent signs if you're under 18). The permit lasts 180 days and can be renewed once, with one first permit and one renewal allowed in five years. Permit riders carry no passengers and don't ride after dark.

  3. Two wheels or three

    Two-wheelers and three-wheelers (trikes and sidecar rigs) need separate endorsements, because they handle so differently. For three wheels, a knowledge test gives the permit and a riding test the endorsement. Our practice exam follows the two-wheel endorsement test; three-wheelers have their own practice topic. Washington Motorcycle Operator Manual p. 1-1

Sources: Washington DOL: 2-wheel motorcycle testing · Washington DOL: Get a 2-wheel motorcycle permit or endorsement

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Riding in Washington

  • Does Washington require a motorcycle helmet?

    Yes. Every rider and passenger needs a DOT-compliant helmet, labeled on the back and inside; novelty helmets aren't allowed. Riders also need eye protection unless the motorcycle has a windshield. p. 2-2

  • Can motorcycles split lanes in Washington?

    No. Riding between lanes and riding on the shoulder are both illegal. Motorcycles may use HOV (diamond) lanes at any time, and two motorcycles may ride side by side within one lane, though that leaves little room to react. p. 5-1

  • How old must a motorcycle passenger be in Washington?

    At least five. The passenger needs a passenger seat, footboards or pegs and a DOT-compliant helmet, on two wheels or three. p. 3-11

  • Do I need an endorsement to ride a scooter in Washington?

    Yes, if its speedometer goes above 30 mph, even if you never ride that fast. A two-wheel permit or endorsement covers two wheels; three-wheelers need the three-wheel one.

  • What are Washington's alcohol and THC limits for riders?

    Adults are considered intoxicated at 0.08% BAC, riders under 21 at 0.02%, and anyone over 21 at 5 nanograms of THC in the blood. Arrest, conviction or refusing a breath test brings a mandatory suspension, plus fines and other costs. p. 6-3

Sources: Washington DOL: Get a 2-wheel motorcycle permit or endorsement

Rules from the Washington Motorcycle Operator Manual

From the 520-407 (R/12/21) edition.

Washington permit and endorsement

Practice Washington permit and endorsement
  • p. 1-1
    Two- and Three-Wheel Motorcycle Endorsements

    In Washington a motorcycle ridden on public roads without the required permit or endorsement may be impounded, and liability insurance is mandatory for every motorcycle.

  • p. 1-2
    Obtaining Your Permit/Endorsement

    Washington riders under 18 must complete an approved motorcycle safety course, with a parent's permission, before applying for an endorsement.

Gear and motorcycle checks

Practice Gear and motorcycle checks
  • p. 2-1
    Create Your Own Safety

    Riders face extra risk from five factors: less built-in protection (no seat belts, air bags or roll cage), less stability, traction more affected by surface hazards, more exposure to the elements, and being much harder to see than cars.

  • p. 2-2
    Helmet Types and Construction

    Helmets come as full-face, modular (flip-up), three-quarter shell and half shell.

Control, cornering and braking

Practice Control, cornering and braking
  • p. 3-1
    The Right Bike for You

    To be ridden legally on Washington public roads, a motorcycle must have mirrors, a muffler, a horn, a license plate, a headlight, a taillight and turn signals.

  • p. 3-1
    Riding Posture

    Good riding posture: head and eyes up, scanning well ahead, which also helps balance; sit far enough forward that your arms are slightly bent and use them to steer, not to hold yourself up; keep your knees against the tank and your feet firmly on the footrests, never dragging them.

Lane position and space

Practice Lane position and space
  • p. 5-1
    Lane Choice

    In Washington, riding between lanes (lane splitting) and riding on the shoulder are against the law, but motorcycles may use the HOV (diamond) lanes at any time.

  • p. 5-1
    Street Strategies

    Mental riding skills (awareness, focus and strategic thinking) may matter even more to your safety than physical skills: spotting a hazard early with a proactive strategy lets you plan around it calmly instead of handling it as an emergency.

Road hazards, night and groups

Practice Road hazards, night and groups
  • p. 5-8–5-9
    Surface Hazards

    Painted lines and arrows, leaves, oil spots, steel construction plates, drainage grates, manhole covers and gravel are slippery, especially for two-wheelers; look ahead for changes in the road's color or texture, and remember roads can be even more oily and slippery after the season's first rain.

  • p. 5-10
    Crossing an Obstacle

    Cross obstacles such as railroad tracks, speed bumps or debris as close to 90 degrees as possible with head and eyes up.

Impairment and riding attitude

Practice Impairment and riding attitude
  • p. 6-1
    Types of Impairments

    Impairments include alcohol, drugs and some medications; music and devices such as phones, GPS and intercoms.

  • p. 6-2
    Alcohol and Drugs

    Alcohol, legal and illegal drugs and some medications all impair riding, and combined their effects compound: one drink with an over-the-counter medicine can have a big impact, and cold remedies or allergy medicines alone can affect riding as much as alcohol.

Washington motorcycle license questions and answers

12 questions

The knowledge tests

How many questions are on the Washington motorcycle knowledge tests?

There are two tests. The permit knowledge test has 50 questions on traffic rules and safe operation; the endorsement knowledge test has 25 on cornering, decision-making and hazard management. DOL doesn't publish passing scores. Our practice exam has 25 questions with 20 to pass (80%).

What does this Washington motorcycle practice test cover?

The Washington Motorcycle Operator Manual (520-407): the state's permits, endorsements and courses, protective gear, motorcycle checks, control and cornering, braking and swerving, passengers and cargo, three-wheelers, lane choice and space, road hazards, night and group riding, and alcohol, drugs and other impairments. Washington Motorcycle Operator Manual p. 1-1

Where do I take the Washington motorcycle tests?

At a DOL-approved motorcycle training school, either as part of a course or on their own; the schools set the test fees. Wait three business days after testing so the school can enter your results, then apply for the permit or endorsement within 365 days.

Are the Washington motorcycle tests offered in other languages?

Yes. The manual, knowledge tests and skills test instructions are available in Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian and Tagalog as well as English.

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

You need 20 of the 25 questions right (80%). Always confirm the current test with the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). Compare every state

How many questions can I miss on the Washington motorcycle permit test?

You can miss up to 5 of the 25 questions: you need 20 right (80%) to pass.

Getting your endorsement

What are the rules for a Washington motorcycle instruction permit?

It lasts 180 days and may be renewed once; you're allowed one first permit and one renewal in five years. While riding on it you may not carry passengers or ride during the hours of darkness.

Can I get a Washington motorcycle endorsement before I turn 18?

Yes, from age 16 with a valid Washington driver license, but riders under 18 must first pass an approved two-wheel safety course, and a parent or guardian signs a consent form at a licensing office.

What is on the Washington endorsement riding skills test?

A quick stop at roughly 20 to 25 mph and a timed figure 8 that checks your left and right cornering. It is scored pass or fail, so practice both before you go.

Can I transfer a motorcycle endorsement from another state?

Yes, a valid endorsement from another U.S. state or territory, the District of Columbia, British Columbia, Japan or the U.S. State Department transfers when you apply for your Washington license. A three-wheel endorsement needs proof of a separate three-wheel test; otherwise you get the two-wheel one.

Which out-of-state rider courses does Washington accept?

For a two-wheel permit waiver: Idaho STAR and TEAM Oregon Basic Rider Training (not the eRider versions) and the MSF Basic Rider Course. For a three-wheel endorsement waiver: the Sidecar/Trike Education Program basic course.

How much does a Washington motorcycle permit and license cost?

Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) lists the current fees for the motorcycle permit, tests and license on its official fee page. The knowledge and driving tests are paid to the testing location, and the cost varies by location.

Sources: Washington DOL: 2-wheel motorcycle testing · Washington DOL: Get a 2-wheel motorcycle permit or endorsement · Washington DOL: Types of motorcycle training courses · Washington DOL: Driver licensing fees