New Hampshire Motorcycle practice
New Hampshire Motorcycle: Motorcycle Controls & Operation practice test
Throttle, clutch, both brakes, and shifting — the controls you must operate smoothly before the road test.
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
14 questions · pass with 11 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
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12 sample Motorcycle Controls & Operation questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.
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1. How does the manual say motorcycle mirrors should be adjusted?
Correct answer: Before setting off, aimed to show the lane behind you plus as much of the neighboring lane as you can
Adjust mirrors before you set off, since fixing them one-handed while riding is hard. Aim each to show the lane behind and as much of the adjacent lane as you can; seeing the edge of your arm is fine.
Source: New Hampshire Motorcycle Operator Manual — Check Your Motorcycle
2. If twisting the throttle back and forth doesn't free a stuck throttle, what should you do right away?
Correct answer: Flip the cut-off switch while simultaneously squeezing the clutch lever
Using the cut-off switch while squeezing the clutch removes power from the rear wheel, though the engine may not sound quieter right away. Once you're in control, pull off and check the throttle cable before riding again.
Source: New Hampshire Motorcycle Operator Manual — Stuck Throttle
3. Where should you sit on the motorcycle for good control?
Correct answer: Forward enough that your elbows keep a slight bend while gripping the handlebars
Sitting forward enough to keep a slight bend in your arms lets you press on the handlebars without stretching.
Source: New Hampshire Motorcycle Operator Manual — Body Position
4. How can you tell whether a motorcycle "fits" you?
Correct answer: Your feet reach the ground while seated and the controls are easy to operate
A motorcycle that fits lets you put your feet down while seated and work the controls easily. Beginners generally find smaller motorcycles easier to handle.
Source: New Hampshire Motorcycle Operator Manual — The Right Motorcycle For You
5. In the T-CLOCS checklist, what does the final "S" cover?
Correct answer: Stands
The last check is the stands: the side stand should work smoothly and spring firmly into the up position, and a center stand should stay held against the frame while moving.
Source: New Hampshire Motorcycle Operator Manual — Check Your Motorcycle
6. During a pre-ride check, how should the throttle behave?
Correct answer: It springs all the way closed the moment you let go
Under the Controls check, the throttle should operate smoothly and return completely closed as soon as you release it.
Source: New Hampshire Motorcycle Operator Manual — Check Your Motorcycle
7. On a typical 1-N-2-3-4-5 gear pattern, how do you select neutral?
Correct answer: A half lift from first gear or a half press from second gear
Neutral sits between first and second, so a partial lift from first or a partial press from second selects it.
Source: New Hampshire Motorcycle Operator Manual — Shifting Gears
8. Where is the gearshift lever on a motorcycle, and how is it operated?
Correct answer: In front of the left footrest, worked with the left foot
The shift lever sits ahead of the left footrest. Lift it with your foot to shift up and press it down to downshift.
Source: New Hampshire Motorcycle Operator Manual — Shifting Gears
9. What does the first letter of the T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection stand for?
Correct answer: Tires and wheels
T-CLOCS covers Tires and wheels, Controls, Lights and electrics, Oil and other fluids, Chassis, and Stands.
Source: New Hampshire Motorcycle Operator Manual — Check Your Motorcycle
10. What can happen if you start riding with the fuel valve closed?
Correct answer: The engine may start on fuel left in the lines, then stall when they run dry
With the valve closed, the motorcycle might run briefly on the fuel already in the lines, but it will stall once those lines empty.
Source: New Hampshire Motorcycle Operator Manual — Check Your Motorcycle
11. Why should you start with your right wrist flat on the handgrip?
Correct answer: It helps keep you from accidentally applying too much throttle
A flat right wrist makes it less likely you'll roll on more throttle than you intend.
Source: New Hampshire Motorcycle Operator Manual — Body Position
12. Which item is on the manual's list of minimum equipment for a street-legal motorcycle?
Correct answer: Two mirrors
At minimum, a street-legal motorcycle needs a headlight, taillight and brake light, front and rear brakes, turn signals, a horn and two mirrors.
Source: New Hampshire Motorcycle Operator Manual — The Right Motorcycle For You
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Every New Hampshire question is written from the official New Hampshire driver handbook and checked against its current edition. DMV Test Free is a free, independent study resource — not affiliated with any DMV or government agency. About DMV Test Free