IL Motorcycle Permit Test cheat sheet

Illinois requires a motorcycle helmet for operators and passengers under age 18; a helmet is required for all riders unless the rider is 18 or older and covered by a policy of accident and health insurance that covers head injuries.

Countersteering: at speeds above roughly 12-15 mph, push the handlebar grip on the side you want to turn toward; the bike leans and turns in that direction.

Braking rule: apply both brakes at the same time; the front brake supplies most stopping power (about 70 percent) and the rear brake stabilizes.

Minimum following distance for a motorcycle is 3 seconds in normal conditions, increased to 4 or more seconds on wet, gravel, or poorly lit roads.

Before every ride, perform the T-CLOCS check: Tires and wheels, Controls, Lights, Oil and fluids, Chassis, Stands.

In a curve, slow down before entering, look through the curve toward the exit, and roll on the throttle smoothly; brake before the lean, not during it.

Alcohol impairment affects balance and judgment first; Illinois treats a BAC of 0.08 or higher as per se intoxication, and a motorcycle operator can be arrested below that level if impaired.

Riding in rain: reduce speed, avoid painted road markings and metal surfaces, and increase following distance because stopping distances roughly double on wet pavement.

Illinois requires a Class M license or an M endorsement on a valid driver's license to operate a motorcycle on public roads; a permit restricts riding to no passengers and no nighttime riding.

A motorcycle may not be operated between lanes of traffic or between adjacent rows of vehicles (lane splitting is prohibited in Illinois).

Two motorcycles may ride side by side in a single lane only if both riders consent; a motorcycle may share a lane with another motorcycle, but not with a car.

Right-of-way at an uncontrolled intersection: the vehicle that arrives first goes first; if two arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right of way.

A turn signal must be given continuously for at least the last 100 feet before a turn; Illinois law requires signals when turning, changing lanes, or merging.

Passing is prohibited on a two-lane road when a solid yellow line is on your side, at railroad crossings, and within intersections, unless permitted by markings.

Illinois speed limits: 30 mph in urban districts, 55 mph on most two-lane highways, and 70 mph on rural interstates unless posted otherwise.

Illinois law requires a rider and passenger to have a permanently attached seat and footrests; passengers must sit facing forward astride the seat.

Red octagon means STOP: come to a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection.

Yellow diamond signs warn of hazards ahead (curves, intersections, pedestrian crossings); yellow pennant marks a no-passing zone.

White rectangular signs are regulatory (speed limits, lane use); orange signs mark construction and work zones; fluorescent yellow-green marks school and pedestrian areas.

A solid white line marks the right edge of the roadway or separates lanes where lane changes are discouraged; a dashed white line separates lanes where changing is permitted.

A solid yellow line on your side of the centerline means no passing; a double solid yellow line prohibits passing in both directions.

A flashing red signal means stop, then proceed when clear, the same as a stop sign; a flashing yellow means slow down and proceed with caution.

A steady yellow light means the signal is about to turn red; stop if you can do so safely rather than accelerating to beat it.

A railroad crossbuck sign marks a passive crossing; a round yellow sign with an X and RR letters warns of a crossing ahead, and flashing red lights or gates require a stop.

Motorcycles have the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicles; drivers must not follow a motorcycle more closely than 3 seconds.

Because a motorcycle's profile is narrow, drivers often misjudge its speed and distance; riders should position themselves to be visible in mirrors and avoid lingering in blind spots.

A motorcycle's turn signals often do not self-cancel; riders must cancel them manually or risk a driver pulling out in front of them.

In a group ride, use a staggered formation with 2-second gaps between riders in the same track and 1 second between tracks; single file in curves, turns, and on narrow roads.

Gravel, sand, wet leaves, and painted markings reduce traction; cross them as upright as possible with the bike straight and the throttle steady.

Wind gusts and the turbulence from large trucks can push a motorcycle sideways; riders should expect buffeting when passing or being passed by semi-trailers.

At night, a rider's visibility is limited; use the high beam when alone on the road, and dim it for oncoming traffic within 500 feet and when following within 200 feet.

Never ride in a driver's blind spot; if you can see the driver's face in the mirror, the driver can see you.