Maine BMV Motorcycle Test cheat sheet

Right hand controls the front brake lever and throttle; right foot controls the rear brake pedal.

Left hand controls the clutch lever and turn-signal/horn switches; left foot controls the shift lever (1 down, rest up).

The right grip twist is the throttle: roll toward you to accelerate, roll away to decelerate.

Pre-ride T-CLOCS check: Tires and wheels, Controls, Lights and electrics, Oil and fluids, Chassis, Stands.

Cold tire pressure is checked with a gauge before riding; check both tires and look for cuts, bulges, and embedded objects.

Chain slack is measured at the midpoint of the lower run and set to the owner's manual spec; too tight damages bearings.

Brake and clutch levers should have a small free play before engagement; a spongy front lever signals air in the line.

Turn signals are not self-canceling on most motorcycles; cancel manually after every lane change or turn.

Ride in the left third of your lane to be seen in a driver's rearview mirror and to keep an escape path.

A full lane belongs to a motorcycle in Maine; no other vehicle may share the lane with you.

Following distance in normal conditions: at least 2 seconds; increase to 3-4 seconds at night or in rain.

Keep a 2-second gap to the vehicle ahead and a following vehicle that tailgates should be allowed to pass.

Avoid riding in a driver's blind spot; if you can see the driver's face in the mirror, the driver can likely see you.

At intersections, position so you are visible and cover the clutch and brake; left-turning vehicles are a top crash cause.

Ride staggered when in a group: the leader in the left third, the second rider in the right third, one-second behind.

When passing parked cars, watch for doors opening and for vehicles pulling out; slow and cover the brakes.

Swerve, do not brake, when a hazard appears too close to stop: push the grip on the side you want to go.

To stop in the shortest distance, apply both brakes together; the front brake supplies most of the stopping power.

Squeeze the front brake progressively and avoid locking it; a locked front wheel causes a fall.

If the front wheel locks, release the brake lever immediately and reapply once the wheel is rolling.

If the rear wheel locks, keep it locked and stay straight until stopped; releasing a locked rear can cause a high-side.

Countersteering: at speeds above walking pace, push the left grip to turn left and the right grip to turn right.

Look through the turn to the exit, not at the edge or oncoming traffic; the bike follows your eyes.

When a tire blows out, hold the bars firmly, ease off the throttle, and brake gently once you have control.

A DOT-certified helmet is required by Maine law for riders and passengers; a novelty helmet does not comply.

Helmet fit: the chin strap is snug under the chin, the shell does not move when you shake your head.

Replace a helmet after a crash or a hard drop, and when the manufacturer's age limit is reached.

Eye protection is required unless the motorcycle has a windshield; glasses or goggles must be shatter-resistant.

Leather or abrasion-resistant jackets and pants protect skin; shorts and bare arms offer no crash protection.

Gloves protect hands and improve grip; boots protect ankles and feet and should cover the ankle.

Bright or reflective clothing and a light-colored helmet increase how early drivers notice you.

Hearing protection and earplugs reduce wind noise fatigue; they do not block sirens if rated properly.

Maine's per se limit for riders 21 and older is a BAC of 0.08; for riders under 21 the limit is 0.00.

A BAC of 0.05 to 0.08 is admissible as evidence of impairment in Maine even below the per se limit.

Alcohol slows reaction time, reduces balance, and narrows attention, all critical on a motorcycle.

Refusing a chemical test triggers an administrative license suspension separate from any criminal case.

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including antihistamines, can impair riding; check labels and ask a pharmacist.

Fatigue impairs riding like alcohol; plan breaks and do not ride when drowsy.

Marijuana and other drugs impair judgment and coordination; driving under the influence of any intoxicant is illegal.

Riders have no protective shell, so the same BAC that leaves a driver impaired is more dangerous on a motorcycle.

Maine requires a motorcycle endorsement on a valid driver's license or a separate motorcycle license to ride on public roads.

A learner's permit for motorcycles requires passing a knowledge test and eye exam; riding is restricted until the endorsement is issued.

Helmets are required for all riders and passengers in Maine, regardless of age.

Headlights must be on at all times while riding; daytime headlight use is required for motorcycles.

Turn signals and a brake light are required equipment; hand signals are used when signals are not working.

Mufflers and exhaust systems must meet Maine noise limits; modified loud pipes can violate equipment rules.

A motorcycle may not be operated between lanes of traffic or on sidewalks; lane splitting is not permitted.

Carrying a passenger requires a seat and footrests designed for a passenger; the passenger must be able to reach them.