Passed my permit test today...just barely! A rant.....

Penguinboy · Post by **Penguinboy** » Mon May 19, 2008 10:27 pm

Hi all-
Went in today for my MA motorcycle learners permit. I'm 40 and have been driving for 22 years,so I figured I'd just study the parts of the motorcycle manual that pertained to motorcycles- not the rules of the road in general, the fines and penalties for drunk driving,and the fines and penalties for being a junior operator and violating the rules. I don't drink and drive, so why bother. Man was I wrong to study the motorcycle info!

There were 20 questions, and the breakdown was as such-

1 question about motorcycles- statistically, where are you most at risk? Intersection!

2 questions about general knowledge- guy with a white cane means what? and what color are interstate highway signs? lay up! That's 2 right!

The next 17 questions were ALL about junior operator fines and suspensions and drunk driving type questions! Some were easy, like drinking AND taking drugs does what:
a) cancel each other out
b-d all the wrong answers

and what's the legal limit for BAC- .08% in MA... a few easy ones like that- the rest were like- what's the fine for a 2nd DUI? What's the fine for being a junior operator, operating after 12 AM? What's the reinstatement fee if you're a junior operator with a 60 day permit suspension? HUH?!?!

I can see the registry trying to reinforce in young people the importance of not drinking and driving,and the penalties for violating the rules. I'm all for that. What annoyed me was that in no why was this a test of my knowledge to properly operate a motorcycle in the Commonwealth...... So I passed with 4 wrong- the bare minimum. 5 wrong and I would've failed. I may not know the proper way to cross railroad tracks, but I know what I have to pay of I'm 16 and half and I get caught speeding twice in 6 months.....

Just my thoughts....

-Danny [/i]

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Mon May 19, 2008 10:29 pm

20? I had 40 questions! and some of them werent even in the books! I read them 3 times and memorized them word for word

Good job on getting your permit btw.

peabody99 · Post by **peabody99** » Mon May 19, 2008 10:37 pm

HI Danny- I hear you. I was HUMILIATED as I thought like you I could just go in after looking at the MC parts. I failed the first round as it was full of legal questions involving minors and how many points they get off for drinking and speeding violations. Interestingly, at least in OH, the there are several computerized versions. When I retold my tales of horror to others who were just taking the test, only one had similiar, but not as bad questions. I took the test next to my husband and watched him have to identify a " yield" sign.

The next week, I went in again and it was extremely simple, only one law question- maybe one involving minors. The rest were ridiculously easy such as asking what a no left turn sign meant and such. It is the luck of the draw. Lesson learned, be prepared. As far as having 40 questions, I think the more you get, the more you have been getting wrong. If one were answering every question correctly, the test will end sooner.

ryder1 · Post by **ryder1** » Tue May 20, 2008 12:03 am

There are at least four tests possible to take in MN...some are easier than others.

Questions on there that are not in the MN Motorcycle Manual but are in the Basic Rider Manual.

sargelee71 · Post by **sargelee71** » Tue May 20, 2008 1:39 am

Wow! What does it say about Illinois when my written test was only 15 questions!

We had people, while waiting in line, try to study the manual. Well, that is until a manual studying nazi yelled from across the way that there was "...no studying in line! Close your books!!"

pamalama · Post by **pamalama** » Tue May 20, 2008 2:05 am

Congratulations on passing your test. I'm like you only older! I've been driving for much longer, 36 years in July to be exact. I flunked the first round of the Ohio written test, talk about embarrassing! I ranted about this on a previous post...but now I would like to rant about the classes I can't get into this year for the basic riders course. I've heard they're really interesting and you learn all kinds of pointers. Problem is you can't get into the class. I've checked for mine and 3 neighboring counties. Nope. No openings...but you can go early the first night in hopes that someone that signed up doesn't show. Then they have a lottery. I did this Friday. Drove 45 minutes in hopes of getting in. There were 10 signed up people that showed, 2 no shows and 8 of us "hopefuls". They gave us all tickets...mine was number 33. They drew 32 and 34. Yep, that's just my luck. But my question is this, why only take 12 people when they have 2 instructors??? Why don't they have more classes when they know the demand is there?? They told us not to give up, that one lady came 8 times and finally got into the class. Hell, by the time I go 8 times, I'll have so much experience riding I won't need the class, I can get my license on my own. Phew...I feel so much better now. Thanks for letting me vent.

gt1000 · Post by **gt1000** » Tue May 20, 2008 2:11 am

Driver ed in the USA blows. I'm guessing there are some states that are better than others but most are more concerned with you learning the law than actually learning how to operate a vehicle. And operating that vehicle under adverse conditions? You're on your own, sucker.

I learned to drive in New Jersey. The written test was about half law-related and the actual driving test spent half it's allocated time on parking and K-turns. My daughter learned in Colorado and it was marginally better, but not great. I spent a lot of time with her in snowy parking lots because, unlike the DMV, I didn't want her to learn about skid correction surrounded by other cars on a 4 lane highway.

If you want good driver's or rider's ed you pay for it. For example, we have world class ice driving schools in Colorado. And pretty much no matter where you live, you'll be able to find some sort of advanced riding school. Anyone who really wants to learn riding should take a track-based class and a dirt riding class.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Tue May 20, 2008 2:31 am

Well, let me rant right back at some of you. As far as I know, no state's written test and driving exam are going to make you much of a scooter or motorcycle rider. It is just a way to be legal. It is courses like the MSF that will make you a better and safer rider. That should be the first thing you do even if you're still just thinking about your first scoot. I know the procedures vary from state to state, but at least around here you take both a written and a practical as part of the motorcycle safety course. They are both good exams - though the written exam does include some stuff about drinking and driving (hey, look at the stats for the number of fatal motorcycle accidents that involve drinking). And yes, it is hard to reserve a class date if you wait until late May to start thinking about.

addictionriot · Post by **addictionriot** » Tue May 20, 2008 6:01 am

I had 20 questions too. I was only allowed to get 4 wrong.. I got 4 wrong, and the last question, was of course, the deal breaker. I actually want to go retake it

guess that's my OCD kicking in.

I took tons of practice tests and none of them had the questions that they asked on that test.

Penguinboy · Post by **Penguinboy** » Tue May 20, 2008 1:40 pm

I totally intend to take the MSF class, but in MA, they won't count the class as your road test unless you have your permit in hand BEFORE you attend the first class. So I had to take the permit test first. And I agree that there is no substitute for real life experience to really know how to ride a scoot/MC, but a few nuggets of information in the manual are pretty helpful before you get on the scoot. Heck, even the MSF class has 5 hours of classroom book learnin'.... I'm a licensed registered rep and sell stock and bonds, so I know all about taking tests. I just found the majority of questions geared toward scaring junior operators out of drinking and driving was a bit much on the MC permit test.....

EP_scoot · Post by **EP_scoot** » Tue May 20, 2008 2:07 pm

The driving tests onthe US are VERY easy and soooo cheap, be that a car or a MC. You shoudl try testing in Europe !

In MN, my test was 50 questions. I think the minimum pass was 75% correct. Most questions were regarding MC handling.

I too think that the test should be about MC handling. The legalities of DUI should be explained, but I also failed to see what that has to do with how to operate a MC.

CONGRATS on passing !

charltons · Post by **charltons** » Tue May 20, 2008 2:13 pm

EP_scoot wrote:the driving tests onthe US are VERY easy and soooo cheap, be that a car or a MC. You shoudl try testing in Europe !

When I was stationed in Germany I learned that it was very expensive and difficult to get a license. they truly saw it as a privilege, not as a quasi-right like we do. They have higher speeds on the autobahn, but fewer accidents, and a lower drunk driving rate, but a lower drinking age... it makes one wonder.

Queen · Post by **Queen** » Tue May 20, 2008 2:42 pm

I think my written motorcycle test was eight questions and the driving test was start it, beep the horn, and ride it around the block while the tester went back in to finish his coffee...in 1976.

kilted texan · Post by **kilted texan** » Tue May 20, 2008 4:06 pm

I passed mine first try...but only got a 74% (14 of 19). My wife failed hers, she was pissed. There were a few that we went over at the MSF course. Only one dealt with alcohol & none about fines and such.

What is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents:
a: other drivers
b: inexperience on a motorcycle
c: alcohol
d: road conditions

She has to wait a day to retake it.

StacyB · Post by **StacyB** » Tue May 20, 2008 7:38 pm

What is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents:
a: other drivers
b: inexperience on a motorcycle
c: alcohol
d: road conditions

I had that exact question on my MC test, and missed it. Reason? In my MSF class, we were taught that the number 1 cause was INEXPERIENCE. "Most accidents happen to riders with less than 6 months riding experience." to be exact.

I passed the test, but was REALLY ticked about that question.

kilted texan · Post by **kilted texan** » Tue May 20, 2008 9:29 pm

It might have been fatality accidents. I don't remember now, all I cared about was passing.

bjj4287 · Post by **bjj4287** » Wed May 21, 2008 7:54 pm

ya dude i feel you.. when i was taking my permit test for driving a car.. most of the questions were about like penalties for driving drunk and stuff.. it sucks cuz i didnt really study that stuff because i didnt think they would ask about that i missed 5 and the max is 5 ... but i passed!@ L

cthoops · Post by **cthoops** » Fri May 23, 2008 1:36 am

In Connecticut, you have to get 12 out of 15 questions correct. There were hardly any motorcycle-specific questions, and they were all ridiculously easy. One particularly memorable question was: "A police officer's instructions . . ." with one possible answer being "Can be ignored if you're in a hurry."

No wonder the drivers in this state suck.

dimetrio85 · Post by **dimetrio85** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 8:38 pm

i passed my test last year in CA and i had 36 questions. i recommend my friends not to Drivers ED. it's easier to read Driver's book and practice tests online here - http://dmv-driving-tests.com/
and it's comletely free

Modern Buddy

Passed my permit test today...just barely! A rant.....

Passed my permit test today...just barely! A rant.....

Written Test

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