Washington uses two knowledge tests. A 50-question motorcycle permit test, then a separate 25-question endorsement test before the endorsement is added.
Washington Motorcycle Knowledge Test Cheat Sheet
The fastest way to review before your DOL motorcycle test — the numbers and rules most likely to appear.
🪪 Permit & License
- Separate endorsements for two-wheel and three-wheel
- 2-wheel: pass basic + advanced knowledge AND skills tests (4 total)
- 3-wheel: knowledge test for permit, skills test for endorsement
- All tests given at DOL-approved training schools
- Permit: age 16+, no passengers, no night riding
- Permit lasts 180 days; max 2 permits in 5 years
🔢 Most-Tested Numbers
- Following gap3 seconds minimum
- Scan aheadAt least 12 seconds
- At 60 mph~360 ft to stop
- CountersteeringWorks at about 12-15 mph
- Adult BAC0.08% (0.02% under 21)
- No-endorsement fine$389 minimum
🪖 Helmet & Gear
- Helmet required — every rider and passenger, every age
- Must be DOT-compliant; novelty helmets banned
- Eye protection required unless the bike has a windshield
- No tinted eye protection in dusk, fog, or rain
- Ear plugs legal; ear buds (in-ear speakers) not
- Wear leather or abrasion-resistant gear, not denim
✅ Remember This Answer
- Quick stop? Both brakes, without locking
- Front brake? Squeeze firmly — never grab
- Corner? Slow, Look, Press, Roll
- To lean/turn? Press the grip toward the turn
- Swerve? Two countersteers — never brake during it
- Stopped in traffic? Stay in first gear
✅ Remember This Answer (2)
- Starts to rain? Most slippery just after it starts
- Railroad tracks? Cross near a 90-degree angle
- Tailgater behind you? Gradually slow to open space
- Engine braking? Flash your brake light
- Lane splitting? Illegal — so is the shoulder
- HOV lane? Motorcycles allowed any time
⚠️ Common Test Traps
- "Stop fastest" → Both brakes — not front alone, not rear first
- "No room to stop" → Swerve — don't just brake harder
- "Swerve and brake" → Wrong — do one, then the other
- "Following distance" → 3 seconds, more in poor conditions
- "Windshield fitted" → Eye protection not separately required
- "Made eye contact" → Assume the driver still can't see you
⚠️ More Test Traps
- "Corner too fast" → Slow before — set entry speed early
- "Two bikes in a lane" → Legal in WA, but cuts your space
- "Stuck in a turn" → Press harder, lean more — look at the exit
- "Passenger or cargo" → Bike stops slower — ride slower
- "Waited an hour per drink" → Only time sobers you up
- "Slippery patch ahead" → Adjust speed before you reach it
🚨 Emergency Situations
- Quick stop → Both brakes fully, eyes up, knees on tank
- Rear wheel starts to skid → Release rear pressure progressively
- Stop in a curve → Reduce lean first, then brake
- Obstacle you must cross → Hit it near 90°, rise off the seat
- Swerve → Press toward your escape, stay upright, no braking
- On a trike → A quick stop usually beats a swerve
🌧️ Surfaces, Weather & Night
- Pavement is most slippery after the season's first rain
- Slippery surface: minimize speed and direction changes
- Watch for paint, leaves, oil, steel plates, grates, gravel
- Night: ride slower and open up your following distance
- Wildlife is most active between dusk and dawn
- Cold rides risk hypothermia — dress in layers
🏍️ Motorcycle Control
- Countersteer: press left grip → lean left → go left
- Front brake has more power; use both brakes every stop
- Corner in four steps: SLOW · LOOK · PRESS · ROLL
- Three-wheelers use direct steering, not countersteering
- Pick the lane third that helps you see and be seen
- Head-check your blind spot before every lane change
🍺 Alcohol & Impairment
- Adult intoxicated0.08% BAC
- Under 210.02% BAC
- THC (over 21)5 nanograms
- Alcohol clears~1 drink per hour
- Impairment begins at the very first drink
- Only time sobers you — not coffee, food, or a shower
🎯 Last-Minute Before the Test
- Both brakes to stop — front has more power, squeeze don't grab
- Every corner: SLOW · LOOK · PRESS · ROLL
- Press the grip toward the turn to lean (countersteer)
- Brake OR swerve — never both at once
- Follow at 3 seconds — more when wet or crowded
- Helmet + eye protection always; passenger 5+ in a DOT helmet
- Lane splitting illegal · HOV allowed · 0.08% BAC = intoxicated
Confirm every number against the official Washington Motorcycle Operator Manual before test day. Full helmet law →
Source: Test details are confirmed on the official agency page. Washington uses TWO knowledge tests: a 50-question motorcycle permit test, then a 25-question endorsement test. Passing scores are not officially published; ~80% (permit) and ~68% (endorsement) are third-party estimates.