CT Motorcycle Permit Test cheat sheet

A Connecticut motorcycle endorsement (class M) is added to a valid driver's license; a motorcycle-only license is available for riders who do not hold a car license.

To get a learner's permit, an applicant must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid Connecticut driver's license or be eligible for one; applicants under 18 need parental consent.

The motorcycle learner's permit requires passing a knowledge test on motorcycle operation and Connecticut law; the permit is valid for a limited period and can be renewed.

A permit holder may not carry passengers and may not ride on limited-access highways; riding is restricted to daylight hours unless accompanied by a licensed motorcycle operator.

A rider under 18 must hold the motorcycle learner's permit for at least 90 days before scheduling the road test.

The DMV road test for the endorsement includes a skills evaluation; completion of a DMV-approved motorcycle safety course can waive the skills test portion.

All operators and passengers must wear a helmet meeting federal safety standards (DOT) at all times while riding in Connecticut.

A motorcycle registration and insurance are required; the motorcycle must pass a safety inspection when registering a newly acquired or out-of-state bike.

Perform the pre-ride check: tires and pressure, controls, lights and signals, oil and fuel levels, chain or belt tension, and mirrors.

Use the friction zone and smooth clutch release to start from a stop; keep the right wrist low to avoid unintended throttle roll-on.

Countersteering: at speeds above roughly 12 mph, press the grip in the direction of the turn to lean and turn the motorcycle.

Braking rule: apply both brakes simultaneously, with more pressure on the front brake; the front provides the majority of stopping power.

In a curve, slow before the turn, look through the turn toward the exit, and roll on the throttle smoothly once the lean is set.

Ride in the left portion of your lane to be more visible to oncoming traffic and to discourage same-lane passing by cars.

Maintain a following distance of at least two seconds in good conditions and increase to three or more seconds at night or in rain.

Keep the headlight on at all times; Connecticut requires motorcycles to have the headlight lit while operating.

A motorcycle is entitled to the full use of a lane; no other vehicle may share the lane with a motorcycle.

Two motorcycles may ride side by side in a single lane, but no more than two abreast, and only if both riders agree.

Lane splitting and sharing a lane with a car are not permitted in Connecticut.

Motorcycles may not ride on sidewalks, pedestrian paths, or between lanes of traffic.

A red traffic signal requires a full stop; a steady yellow means stop if it is safe to do so, and a green means proceed when clear.

A flashing red signal is treated as a stop sign; a flashing yellow means slow down and proceed with caution.

Turn signals must be used for lane changes and turns; cancel the signal after completing the maneuver.

Passengers must be seated on a permanent passenger seat with footrests; carrying a passenger on a seat not designed for two is prohibited.

Scan 12 seconds ahead and check mirrors frequently; identify escape paths before hazards develop.

Watch for gravel, sand, wet leaves, painted road markings, and metal bridge gratings, which reduce traction; cross them upright and avoid braking hard on them.

In an emergency stop, keep the motorcycle upright, apply both brakes firmly without locking the front wheel, and keep the handlebars straight.

If the front wheel locks, release the front brake immediately and reapply with less pressure; a locked front wheel causes a fall.

To swerve, push the grip in the direction you want to go and keep the bike leaned; separate braking from swerving when possible.

Ride with a lane position that keeps you out of a vehicle's blind spot; if you cannot see a driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you.

Alcohol and drugs impair balance, reaction time, and judgment; Connecticut's legal limit is .08% BAC for operators 21 and older, with a lower limit for under-21 riders.

Refuse to ride with an impaired operator; impairment is a leading cause of single-vehicle motorcycle crashes.

Minimum age for a Connecticut motorcycle learner's permit is 16.

A motorcycle learner's permit holder may not carry passengers.

A permit holder may not ride on limited-access highways.

Under-18 permit holders must hold the permit at least 90 days before the road test.

A DOT-approved helmet is required for all riders and passengers.

A DMV-approved safety course can waive the skills test.

Countersteering applies at speeds above about 12 mph.

The front brake provides most of the stopping power.

Use both brakes together for maximum stopping.

Two-second following distance in good conditions.

Look through the curve toward the exit.

Keep the headlight on at all times.

A motorcycle is entitled to a full lane.

Two motorcycles may ride abreast in one lane.

Lane splitting is not permitted in Connecticut.

A flashing red is treated as a stop sign.

A flashing yellow means slow and proceed cautiously.

Passengers must use a permanent passenger seat and footrests.

Scan about 12 seconds ahead.

Cross gravel and metal gratings upright without hard braking.

Release a locked front brake immediately.

If you cannot see a driver's mirrors, you are in the blind spot.

Legal BAC limit is .08% for operators 21 and older.

Impairment is a leading cause of single-vehicle motorcycle crashes.