2-Wheel (2W) motorcycle testing

You must complete a total of 4 tests to get your 2W endorsement: 2 knowledge tests, and 2 riding skills tests.

Permit Knowledge test

This test measures how well you understand:

• The rules of the road.
• How to safely operate your motorcycle.

Make sure you study the Motorcycle Operator Manual.

Permit riding skills test

The permit riding skills test measures your ability to operate a motorcycle legally and safely.

During the permit riding test, you'll be expected to complete the following tasks:

• Motorcycle Skills Test: Part 1, Cone Weave and Normal Stop (5 min, 49 sec)
• Motorcycle Skills Test: Part 2, Turn from a Stop and U-Turn (5 min, 18 sec)
• Motorcycle Skills Test: Part 3, Obstacle Swerve (4 min, 12 sec)
• Motorcycle Skills Test: Part 4, Quick Stop (4 min, 34 sec)
• Motorcycle Skills Test: Part 5, Curves (4 min, 31 sec)

After you pass both permit tests you're eligible for a 2W motorcycle instruction permit to practice riding on public highways.

Endorsement knowledge test

The endorsement knowledge test consists of 50 questions. It measures your understanding of:

• Cornering
• Decision-making skills
• Hazard management

Make sure you study the Motorcycle Operator Manual.

Endorsement riding skills test

Take time to practice for the endorsement riding skills test before attempting it. It is assessed on a pass/fail basis. During the endorsement riding skills test, you must complete the following tasks:

• A quick stop performed at approximately 20-25 mph.
• A timed figure 8 element that will assess left and right cornering skills.

Please ask your training school for details about the endorsement riding test (demonstration videos coming soon).

After you pass both the permit and endorsement knowledge and riding skills tests you’re eligible for a 2W motorcycle endorsement to ride on public highways.

Sample knowledge test questions

1. To legally operate a motorcycle in the State of Washington you must wear the following:

1. DOT approved helmet
2. Eye protection
3. Sturdy footwear
4. Both A and B

Reference in Motorcycle Operator Manual: 2-2 Create Your Own Safety with Functional Gear

2. When riding in a group, a motorcyclist should:

1. Try to stay close to the leaders
2. Keep up with the group
3. Pick their own speed and path
4. Speed up to not lose sight of other riders

Reference in Motorcycle Operator Manual: 6-5, 6-6 Peer Pressure-Riding in Groups

3. The best way to stop safely on a motorcycle is to:

1. Apply the rear brake and gear down
2. Smoothly apply both brakes
3. Apply front brake and gear down
4. Engine braking

Reference in Motorcycle Operator Manual: 3-9 Quick Stops

4. As a rider swerves to avoid a collision, they should also:

1. Apply brakes
2. Look in direction they want to go
3. Accelerate
4. Look at the object they are avoiding

Reference in Motorcycle Operator Manual: 3-10 Swerves

5. Which of the following are examples of rider impairment?

1. Fatigue and stress
2. Roadway and weather conditions
3. Heavy traffic
4. Riding fast and weaving

Reference in Motorcycle Operator Manual: 6-1 Types of Impairments

How to take the tests

• Take a 2W motorcycle safety course. Local schools, partnered with DOL, offer the knowledge and riding skills tests as part of a safety course.
• You may also take the knowledge and riding skills tests at any motorcycle training school.

Questions? Need help?

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