The motorcycle permit test in PA is a knowledge test plus a vision screening, taken at a PennDOT Driver License Center with form DL-5 and the $12 permit fee. Pass both and you get a Class M learner's permit, valid for one year. PennDOT says the questions come from the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual, but it does not publish how many questions the test has or the pass mark, so study the whole manual rather than aiming for a number.
Motorcycle permit test PA basics
| Detail | What PennDOT says |
|---|---|
| Where | A PennDOT Driver License Center |
| Tests | Vision screening and the motorcycle knowledge test |
| Form | DL-5, Application for a Motorcycle Learner's Permit |
| Fee | $12 for the learner's permit |
| Permit length | One year. It cannot be renewed |
| Reapplying | Up to three times in five years, with a limit of four permits. You pass the knowledge test each time |
| Study source | Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) |
How many questions are on the PA motorcycle permit test?
PennDOT's motorcycle pages, the motorcycle permit FAQ and the operator manual we checked do not state the number of questions or the passing score. The manual says only that knowledge test questions are based on its information, practices and ideas. You will see sites quote a number, but we could not confirm one on a PennDOT page, so we will not guess. Ask at the Driver License Center if you want to know before you sit down.
The practical answer: if you can explain every section of the manual in your own words and score well on a full set of practice questions, the count will not matter.
What the test covers
Expect questions on the riding skills and rules in PUB 147. These numbers and ideas come straight from the manual:
- Following distance: at least four seconds behind the vehicle ahead, and five or more on slippery pavement, in heavy traffic or when you cannot see past the vehicle ahead.
- Lane position: each lane gives a motorcycle three paths of travel, and the center path is usually best with vehicles on both sides.
- Braking: use both brakes every time you slow or stop. The front brake gives most of the stopping power.
- Gear: permit holders must wear a helmet and eye protection.
- Alcohol: Pennsylvania treats a driver as under the influence at 0.08% or higher, and impairment starts well below that.
- Hazards: intersections, curves, road surfaces, group riding, carrying loads and riding at night.
What you can do on a Pennsylvania motorcycle permit
- Ride only between sunrise and sunset.
- Carry no passengers, except a properly licensed instructor.
- If you hold no other license class, ride only under the instruction and immediate supervision of a licensed motorcycle operator.
- Wear a helmet every time you ride.
Write the date your permit expires on your calendar the day you get it. A PA motorcycle permit cannot be renewed, and you cannot reapply until it runs out.
Riders under 18
A parent or guardian must be present at the Driver License Center. Under-18 riders must hold the permit at least six months and log 65 hours of supervised riding before the skills test, and must complete a Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) course before getting a license. PennDOT says that course counts for 15 of the 65 hours. PennDOT's pages do not state a minimum age for the motorcycle permit, so confirm it before you go.
After the permit: two ways to the license
- Skills test at a Driver License Center. Schedule it online. It covers a pre-trip inspection and left circles, right circles and figure eights. Bring your permit, your driver's license if you have one, and the motorcycle's inspection, registration and proof of insurance.
- A PAMSP course. Courses are free to Pennsylvania residents with a Class M permit or license, and the beginner course runs 17 hours of classroom and riding instruction. A certified Rider Coach evaluates you, and passing means no separate skills test at the Driver License Center.
Motorcycle permit test PA practice plan
- Read PUB 147 one chapter a day. It is shorter than the car manual.
- Mark every number: seconds of following distance, alcohol limits, permit rules.
- Take a motorcycle permit test PA practice set after each chapter, and reread anything you miss.
- Do two full practice tests the day before, then stop studying and sleep.
Mistakes that cost riders the test
- Studying the car manual instead of PUB 147. The motorcycle test is about riding, not general driving rules.
- Skipping the chapters on carrying passengers and group riding because you plan to ride alone. They are still on the test.
- Guessing at numbers. The manual asks riders for at least four seconds of following distance, and more in bad conditions.
- Forgetting glasses or contacts for the vision screening.
How many questions are on the PA motorcycle permit test?
PennDOT does not publish the number of questions or the pass mark on its motorcycle pages. All questions come from the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator Manual.
How much is the motorcycle permit test in Pennsylvania?
PennDOT lists the motorcycle learner's permit at $12. It is valid for one year.
Where can I find motorcycle permit test PA practice?
Read PUB 147 on pa.gov, then practice with free motorcycle questions on DMVZone that explain every answer.
Can I carry a passenger on a Pennsylvania motorcycle permit?
No. The only passenger allowed is a properly licensed instructor.
Is the motorcycle permit test Pennsylvania offers the same as the car test?
No. It is a separate motorcycle knowledge test based on the motorcycle manual, though you also take a vision screening.
