NJ Motorcycle Permit Test cheat sheet

Pre-ride inspection checklist (T-CLOCS): Tires and wheels, Controls (levers, cables, throttle), Lights and electrics, Oil and fluids, Chassis (frame, suspension, chain/belt), Stands. Check each before every ride.

Tire pressure: check when tires are cold; underinflation reduces stability and increases risk of blowout. Minimum tread depth is 1/32 inch (0.8 mm) for motorcycles in NJ.

Chain/belt tension: 1/2 to 1 inch of slack (varies by model); too tight damages bearings, too loose can derail. Lubricate after rain or every 300-500 miles.

Brake controls: right hand lever operates front brake; right foot pedal operates rear brake. Apply both brakes simultaneously for maximum stopping power.

Throttle is twist-grip on right handlebar: roll on to accelerate, roll off to decelerate. Clutch lever is on left handlebar; shift lever is left foot; rear brake pedal is right foot.

Kill switch (engine cut-off) is on right handlebar; turn it to OFF to stop engine in an emergency. Also know location of fuel valve and choke/enricher.

Friction zone: the area where clutch partially engages; used for slow-speed control. Keep fingers on clutch lever and throttle steady to avoid stalling.

When starting: turn ignition on, ensure transmission in neutral (green light), clutch in, press start button. Warm up engine briefly before riding.

Pre-ride mental check: ensure you are alert, not impaired by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue; wear helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing.

Lane positioning: ride in the left third of the lane to be more visible to oncoming traffic and to avoid oil drips in the center. Use center when you need to be seen by cars ahead in both directions.

Avoid the center of the lane at intersections where vehicles drip oil; also avoid painted lines, manhole covers, and gravel when leaning.

Turning: slow, look, press, roll. Slow before turn, look through the turn, press the handlebar in the direction of the turn (countersteering), roll on throttle smoothly through the turn.

Countersteering: to turn right, press right handlebar forward (lean right); to turn left, press left handlebar forward. Works at speeds above walking pace.

In a curve, maintain or slightly increase speed; braking in a curve can cause skidding. If you must brake, straighten the bike first or use gentle, even braking.

Lane sharing: motorcycles are entitled to full lane use; do not share a lane with another vehicle. Two motorcycles may share a lane only if both riders consent and it is safe (not recommended for beginners).

On multi-lane roads, ride in the lane where you are most visible and have escape routes; avoid riding beside large vehicles in their blind spots.

At intersections, position yourself in the left portion of your lane to increase visibility to oncoming left-turning traffic.

When being followed too closely, change lanes or increase space ahead to allow gradual braking; do not brake suddenly to warn the tailgater.

Minimum following distance: 2 seconds in ideal conditions. Increase to 3 seconds at night or in rain, and 4+ seconds in fog, snow, or heavy traffic.

To measure following distance: watch the rear of the vehicle ahead pass a fixed object; count seconds until your front tire reaches that object. If less than 2 seconds, drop back.

Passing: check mirrors and blind spot, signal, accelerate to pass, and return to lane only when you can see the passed vehicle's headlights in your mirrors.

Never pass on the right unless the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is room; passing on the right is a common crash cause.

Being seen: wear bright-colored clothing (yellow, orange, red) and a white helmet; use high beam during day (if legal) and at night when not blinding others.

Use turn signals at least 100 feet before turns; cancel them after completing the turn. Hand signals: left arm straight out for left turn; left arm bent up for right turn; left arm down for stop.

Ride with headlight on at all times (required in NJ for motorcycles). Modulating headlight or auxiliary lights can increase visibility.

Avoid riding in blind spots of cars and trucks; if you can't see the driver's mirrors, they can't see you. Flash brake light when slowing to alert followers.

Emergency braking: apply both brakes firmly and progressively; keep front wheel straight; do not grab front brake abruptly or you may lock the front wheel.

If front wheel locks: release front brake immediately and reapply smoothly. If rear wheel locks: keep it locked and focus on steering; releasing a locked rear wheel can cause a high-side crash.

Swerving: to avoid an obstacle, press the handlebar in the direction you want to go (countersteer), then press opposite to straighten. Do not brake while swerving; brake after you have straightened.

Skidding: in a skid, look where you want to go and steer; do not apply brakes abruptly. If both wheels skid, keep steering and release brakes gently.

Cornering: if you enter a turn too fast, apply both brakes gently while in the turn (trail braking) or lean more; do not grab a handful of front brake.

Avoid target fixation: look at your escape path, not the hazard. Your motorcycle follows your eyes.

When swerving, keep your body upright and let the bike lean under you; do not lean with the bike for low-speed swerves.

Practice emergency braking and swerving in a safe area to build muscle memory; most riders under-brake the front and over-brake the rear.

NJ legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for riders 21 and older is 0.08%. For riders under 21, any detectable BAC (0.01% or higher) is illegal (zero tolerance).

Alcohol reduces balance, coordination, and judgment; it also slows reaction time. A single drink can impair riding skills before you feel drunk.

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs (antihistamines, cough medicine, sleep aids) can cause drowsiness and impair coordination; check labels and consult a doctor.

Marijuana and other drugs impair judgment, reaction time, and motor skills; driving under the influence of any drug is illegal in NJ.

Fatigue: symptoms include yawning, heavy eyes, drifting, and slow reactions. Stop and rest; do not rely on caffeine or loud music to keep you awake.

If you feel impaired, do not ride. Arrange a ride, call a taxi, or stay put. Never ride with a rider who has been drinking.

NJ implied consent law: by riding, you consent to a breath test if arrested for DUI. Refusing can result in license suspension and fines.

First DUI offense (BAC 0.08%+): fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education, and possible jail. Penalties increase for higher BAC and repeat offenses.

Speed limits: obey posted limits; in school zones and residential areas, limits may be lower. Basic speed law: never drive faster than conditions allow.

Traffic signals: steady red = stop; steady yellow = stop if safe; steady green = go if clear; flashing red = stop and proceed when safe; flashing yellow = caution.

Right-of-way: yield to vehicles already in the intersection, pedestrians in crosswalks, and emergency vehicles with lights/sirens. At four-way stops, first to arrive goes first; if simultaneous, yield to the right.

Turn signals required at least 100 feet before turning. Use hand signals if turn signals are not working.

Lane markings: yellow lines separate opposite directions; white lines separate same-direction lanes. Broken lines may be crossed when safe; solid lines may not.

NJ law requires all motorcyclists and passengers to wear a helmet (DOT-approved) at all times. Eye protection is required unless the motorcycle has a windshield.

Cell phone use: handheld cell phone use while driving is prohibited; texting is illegal. Hands-free devices allowed for adults, but not for novice drivers.

Move Over Law: when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle, tow truck, or highway maintenance vehicle with flashing lights, change lanes if possible or slow down.

DUI: it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with BAC of 0.08% or higher (0.01% for under 21). Refusing a breath test triggers automatic penalties.

Sign shapes: octagon = stop; inverted triangle = yield; diamond = warning; rectangle = regulatory or guide; pentagon = school zone; round = railroad advance warning.

Sign colors: red = stop/prohibition; yellow = warning; white = regulatory; orange = construction; green = guide; blue = services; brown = recreation.

Traffic lights: solid red = stop; solid yellow = stop if safe; solid green = proceed if clear; green arrow = protected turn; flashing red = stop then proceed; flashing yellow = caution.

Right-of-way at intersections: yield to the vehicle on your right if arriving at the same time at an uncontrolled intersection. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

Left turns: yield to oncoming traffic unless you have a green arrow. Do not turn left on red unless from a one-way street onto another one-way street (allowed in NJ unless posted).

Pedestrian signals: walking person = pedestrians may cross; flashing hand = do not start crossing; solid hand = do not cross.

Railroad crossings: cross tracks at a right angle; never stop on tracks; if gates are down or lights flashing, stop and wait.

Roundabouts: yield to traffic already in the circle; enter to the right; use turn signal when exiting.

To obtain a motorcycle permit in NJ: must be at least 17 years old, have a valid NJ driver's license or permit, pass a written knowledge test and vision test, and pay fees.

Motorcycle permit is valid for one year; rider must ride only during daylight hours, not carry passengers, and not ride on limited-access highways (unless with instructor).

To get a motorcycle license (endorsement): must pass a skills test or complete an approved Basic Rider Course (BRC). The BRC can waive the skills test.

Helmet law: all riders and passengers must wear a DOT-approved helmet. Eye protection required unless motorcycle has a windshield.

Passengers: motorcycle must have a permanent seat and footrests for passenger; carrying a passenger on a permit is prohibited.

Lane splitting/filtering is not permitted in NJ; motorcycles are entitled to a full lane.

Motorcycles must have headlight on at all times while operating. Turn signals and brake lights required.

License classes: NJ motorcycle endorsement is added to a basic driver's license; separate motorcycle-only license available for those without a car license.

Trucks have large blind spots (No-Zones) on all four sides: behind, in front, and both sides. If you can't see the truck's mirrors, the driver can't see you.

When passing a truck, do it quickly and do not linger alongside; trucks may sway or throw debris. After passing, ensure you can see the truck's headlights in your mirrors before returning to lane.

Following distance behind large trucks: increase to at least 4 seconds to avoid debris and to see around the truck.

Pedestrians and cyclists: yield to pedestrians in crosswalks; give cyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing (NJ law requires safe passing distance).

At intersections, watch for pedestrians, especially children and elderly; they may not see or hear you.

Animals: be cautious in rural areas; if an animal runs out, brake firmly and avoid swerving if possible.

Cars turning left in front of you: a common crash; ride in the left part of your lane and flash your high beam to alert them; be prepared to brake.

School buses: stop for flashing red lights and extended stop arm; do not proceed until lights stop flashing.