North Carolina Motorcycle Permit 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; left foot controls the gearshift lever (1 down, then up through the gears).

The T-CLOCS inspection covers Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis, and Stands.

Turn signal switch is usually a push-to-cancel type on the left handlebar; check that both signals and the indicator light work before riding.

Check tire pressure cold with a gauge; also inspect tread depth, sidewall cracks, and spoke or rim damage.

Verify throttle returns freely to idle when released and that the clutch and brake levers have correct free play.

Chain slack should match the owner's manual spec (commonly about 1/2 to 1 inch of vertical play at the midpoint); too tight or too loose is unsafe.

Check brake fluid level, brake light operation on both levers/pedal, and that the headlight works on low and high beam.

Countersteering: at speeds above roughly 12-15 mph, press the grip in the direction of the desired turn to lean the bike that way.

Friction zone: the point in the clutch lever travel where the clutch begins to engage; hold it there for slow-speed control.

At slow speeds, use the rear brake lightly while keeping throttle steady to stabilize the bike.

Look through the turn toward the exit; the motorcycle follows where the rider's head and eyes are pointed.

Squeeze both brakes progressively; the front brake provides most of the stopping power on dry pavement.

When stopping, downshift to first gear before coming to a complete stop so you can move immediately if needed.

Keep the clutch in and right foot on the rear brake when stopped on a hill to prevent rolling.

Turning radius is tighter when the bike is upright; leaning reduces the available steering angle at very low speed.

Follow at least a 2-second gap in normal conditions; increase to 3 or more seconds in rain, darkness, or heavy traffic.

Scan 12 seconds ahead of your path to identify intersections, driveways, and changing traffic patterns.

Check mirrors and blind spots before every lane change; signal first, then move only after confirming space.

Ride with a cushion of space on all sides; avoid lingering directly beside vehicles where you are in their blind spot.

Intersections are the highest-risk location: cover the brakes and watch for left-turning vehicles crossing your path.

Use the SIPDE process: Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute.

Position yourself so drivers ahead can see you in their mirrors; avoid following large vehicles where you disappear from view.

Expect drivers to misjudge your speed and distance; a motorcycle's narrow profile makes it appear farther away and slower than it is.

Ride in the left, center, or right portion of the lane depending on traffic; the center often holds oil drips from cars.

The left portion of the lane generally gives the best view of oncoming traffic and the best visibility to drivers ahead.

Avoid riding in the center of the lane at intersections and toll booths where oil and coolant accumulate.

Never share a lane with another vehicle; a motorcycle is entitled to a full lane.

Two motorcycles may share a lane only if both riders agree; staggered formation is standard for groups.

Increase following distance behind large trucks; their spray, debris, and blind spots are worse than a car's.

Wear bright or reflective clothing and use low beam in daytime to increase contrast; high beam can dazzle oncoming drivers.

Use your high beam at night when no oncoming traffic is present, and dim it for oncoming vehicles and when following.

Swerve: separate braking from swerving; brake in a straight line, then release and swerve, or swerve first then brake.

In a swerve, push the grip on the side you want to go and keep your body upright while the bike leans.

Emergency stop: squeeze the front brake firmly and progressively while applying the rear brake, keeping the front wheel straight.

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

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

Look where you want to go, not at the hazard; target fixation pulls you toward the obstacle.

When crossing wet paint, metal grates, or railroad tracks, ride straight across and avoid braking or turning on them.

In a curve, brake before the turn, slow to a safe entry speed, and accelerate gently through the exit.

North Carolina's legal blood alcohol concentration limit for riders 21 and older is 0.08 percent.

For riders under 21, North Carolina has a zero-tolerance standard: any alcohol concentration of 0.00 or greater is a violation.

Alcohol reduces balance, slows reaction time, and impairs judgment and vision; it is a factor in a large share of fatal motorcycle crashes.

Refusing a chemical test in North Carolina triggers an automatic license revocation under implied consent law.

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can impair riding; check labels and ask a pharmacist about drowsiness and driving warnings.

Fatigue impairs riding like alcohol; take breaks at least every two hours and stop when drowsy.

Marijuana and other drugs impair coordination and reaction time even when the rider feels fine.

A DWI conviction in North Carolina carries fines, license suspension, and possible jail time; penalties increase with repeat offenses.

A North Carolina motorcycle learner's permit allows riding only during daylight hours and without passengers.

A motorcycle endorsement (M) is added to a Class C license after passing the knowledge and skills tests; a separate motorcycle-only license is also available.

Riders and passengers under 21 must wear a DOT-compliant helmet in North Carolina; riders 21 and older may ride without one.

Eye protection (goggles or a face shield) is required unless the motorcycle has a windshield.

Motorcycles must be registered, insured, and inspected like other vehicles in North Carolina.

Lane splitting is not legal in North Carolina; a motorcycle may not pass between lanes of traffic.

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

Handlebars may not be higher than the rider's shoulders, and the motorcycle must have a working muffler and brake light.

A DOT-certified helmet should fit snugly and sit level on the head; a loose helmet can come off in a crash.

Helmets should be replaced after a crash or any significant impact, even if no visible damage appears.

Wear a face shield or goggles, gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and over-the-ankle boots to reduce road rash and injury.

Bright or reflective gear increases visibility; leather or abrasion-resistant textile protects better than thin clothing.

A passenger must have a proper seat and footrests; the motorcycle must be designed to carry a passenger.

Adjust tire pressure and suspension preload for the added weight of a passenger or heavy cargo.

Secure cargo so it cannot shift; keep the load low and centered, and stay within the manufacturer's weight limits.

A passenger should hold the rider's waist or the grab rail, keep feet on the pegs, and lean with the rider through turns.