North Dakota DOT Motorcycle Test cheat sheet

North Dakota uses a graduated motorcycle endorsement: a motorcycle permit (instruction permit) first, then a motorcycle license/endorsement after the required holding period and testing.

A motorcycle instruction permit allows riding only during daylight hours and prohibits carrying passengers; a supervising licensed motorcycle rider must accompany the permit holder in or on another vehicle.

Applicants under 18 must meet North Dakota's graduated driver licensing conditions and hold the motorcycle permit for the state-mandated minimum period before skills testing.

The knowledge test covers motorcycle-specific rules and safe riding; a passing score is required before a permit is issued, and the test is based on the ND DOT motorcycle manual.

The motorcycle skills test evaluates low-speed control, weaving, turning, braking, and hazard avoidance in a controlled course; it must be passed on a street-legal motorcycle.

Completion of an approved Basic RiderCourse (MSF) may waive the state skills test for applicants who present a valid course completion card; the knowledge test still applies.

A DOT-compliant helmet is required by North Dakota law for all motorcycle operators and passengers, regardless of age.

Riders must carry a valid license with the motorcycle endorsement and show proof of insurance and current registration when requested by law enforcement.

Use the T-CLOCS checklist: Tires and wheels, Controls, Lights and electrics, Oil and fluids, Chassis, and Stands.

Check tire pressure with a gauge when tires are cold; low pressure causes poor handling, reduced fuel economy, and increased risk of blowout.

Inspect tire tread for wear bars, cuts, embedded objects, and sidewall cracks; replace tires showing cords or deep cracks.

Verify throttle returns smoothly and snaps back when released; a sticking throttle is a critical safety defect.

Test both brakes at low speed before riding; the front brake provides most stopping power on a motorcycle.

Check chain or belt tension and lubrication per the owner's manual; loose chains can derail and locked belts can fail.

Confirm all lights work: headlight (low and high beam), taillight, brake light, turn signals, and license plate light.

Check mirrors, horn, and fluid levels (engine oil, brake fluid, coolant) before every ride; adjust mirrors while seated in the riding position.

Ensure the kickstand is fully retracted before riding; many motorcycles have a side-stand safety switch that kills the engine if the stand is down in gear.

Countersteering: at speeds above roughly 12-15 mph, push the handlebar in the direction of the desired turn to lean the motorcycle.

At low speeds, turn the handlebars in the direction of the turn and use the friction zone of the clutch and rear brake to control speed.

Use both brakes together; apply the front brake progressively and the rear brake lightly to avoid skidding.

Look through the turn to where you want to go; target fixation on a hazard causes the motorcycle to go toward it.

Maintain the friction zone and steady throttle through slow-speed maneuvers; sudden clutch release causes stalls or jerky control.

When stopping, downshift through the gears so you are in first gear and ready to accelerate if needed.

Lean the motorcycle into turns; the rider and motorcycle lean together, and body position affects cornering clearance.

Use smooth, progressive inputs for throttle, brake, and steering; abrupt changes upset the motorcycle's stability.

Practice emergency stops and swerves in a safe area to build muscle memory before encountering them in traffic.

Ride in the lane position that maximizes visibility and space cushion; the left third of the lane is often best to be seen by oncoming traffic and to avoid road debris.

Maintain a following distance of at least 2 seconds in ideal conditions; increase to 3-4 seconds in rain, at night, or when following large vehicles.

Be visible: wear bright or reflective gear, ride with the headlight on, and avoid riding in blind spots of other vehicles.

Scan 12 seconds ahead and check mirrors frequently; identify escape routes and potential hazards before they become emergencies.

Signal intentions early and check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or turning.

Position yourself to be seen at intersections; avoid being the first or last vehicle in a group at a stop.

Use lane splitting only where legal; North Dakota does not permit lane splitting, so remain within a single lane.

Anticipate that drivers may not see you; assume you are invisible and ride defensively, especially at intersections and driveways.

North Dakota's legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for riders 21 and older is 0.08%; for riders under 21, the limit is 0.02%.

Refusing a chemical test triggers license suspension under implied consent laws; the refusal itself has consequences separate from a DUI conviction.

Alcohol impairs balance, coordination, reaction time, and judgment-critical skills for motorcycle operation-even at low BAC levels.

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

Marijuana and other drugs impair judgment and reaction time and are illegal to use while operating a motorcycle in North Dakota.

A DUI conviction results in fines, license suspension, possible jail time, and increased insurance costs; penalties increase with repeat offenses.

Fatigue is a form of impairment; ride only when rested, take breaks every two hours, and avoid riding after long shifts or late nights.

If you plan to drink, arrange a designated driver or alternate transportation; do not rely on coffee, food, or time to sober up quickly.

For an emergency stop, apply both brakes firmly and progressively while keeping the motorcycle upright and the front wheel straight.

To swerve, push the handlebar in the direction of the swerve, keep the motorcycle upright, and separate braking from swerving-do not brake while swerving at high speed.

Watch for road hazards: gravel, sand, oil, wet leaves, painted lines, metal grates, and railroad tracks; cross tracks at a right angle when possible.

In rain, reduce speed, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking; wet roads reduce traction significantly.

Be aware of blind spots of large trucks and buses; if you cannot see the driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you.

At intersections, watch for vehicles turning left across your path-the most common cause of motorcycle-vehicle crashes.

Ride with a space cushion on all sides; avoid riding beside other vehicles and stay out of their blind spots.

When being passed, maintain your lane position and speed; do not accelerate or move toward the passing vehicle.