Straight answers to the most common questions about passing the RMV motorcycle knowledge exam.
The Massachusetts Class M motorcycle knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you have a 25-minute time limit to complete it.
You must answer at least 18 of the 25 questions correctly — 72%. That is one of the lowest passing thresholds in the country.
You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a Class M learner's permit. You can be issued the Class M license itself once you are at least 16½.
No, but if you do not already hold a Class D license you must pass both a Class D knowledge test and a Class M knowledge test to get the motorcycle permit.
Permit holders may ride only during daylight hours, from sunrise to sunset, and may not carry any passengers.
The Class M learner's permit is valid for two years. The permit application fee is $30.
You must either pass the RMV motorcycle road test or successfully complete the Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP) basic rider course, which can take the place of the road test.
If you fail two motorcycle road tests for a Class M license, you must complete an approved basic rider course before you can schedule another road test.
Yes. If you are under 18, you must successfully complete the MREP basic rider course to obtain a motorcycle license.
The basic rider course is about 15 hours — 5 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of on-cycle training. You must pass a written exam and a riding-skills evaluation to graduate.
A Class M (Motorcycle Only) 5-year license is $50, or you can add a motorcycle endorsement to an existing license for $15. The license application and road test fee is $35.
Every operator and passenger must wear a helmet that meets US DOT Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, at every age. There is no adult exemption.
When operating a motorcycle you must wear eyeglasses, goggles, or a protective face shield — unless the motorcycle has a windshield or screen.
The examiner watches you perform figure-eights and 360-degree circles in both directions without your feet touching the road, plus normal starts and stops, turns, riding in traffic, crossing intersections, and riding up and down hills.
Yes. Motorcycles registered in Massachusetts must pass an annual safety inspection. You must show a valid inspection sticker and registration before your road test.
You will be charged the road test fee if you cancel or reschedule less than 72 hours before your appointment, or if you fail to appear or arrive late.
It is 0.08% for operators 21 and older. Massachusetts has a zero-tolerance law for riders under 21, whose limit is 0.02%.
State law requires you to use your headlight from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, and keeping it on at all times makes you twice as noticeable in daylight.
Source: Some test details are confirmed by the state agency; the rest reflect the consensus of major rider-education sources. 18 of 25 (72%) to pass, with a 25-minute time limit. Massachusetts has one of the lowest passing thresholds in the country.