Arkansas motorcycle permit test
Arkansas folds a moped-only Motorized Bicycle Certificate and a 250cc-capped Class MD license into the same testing ladder as the full Class M license, and its state police will only ever waive the hands-on skill exam for any of them, never the written one.
- Endorsement
- Class M motorcycle license
- Questions
- 25 best available figure
- Correct to pass
- 20 20 of 25 (80%), a figure the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide does not itself state
- Rider questions here
- 130 all free, all explained
Honest note: Arkansas State Police Driver Examination Section does not publish the motorcycle test format anywhere we could confirm, so the 25 question count and pass mark of 20 are the best available figures rather than verified facts. The riding knowledge below is the same either way. Confirm the format with the agency before your appointment.
The rider course rule. Successfully completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Riders Course waives the motorcycle skill exam, provided the completion certificate is returned to an Arkansas State Police examiner within 90 days of finishing the course; the written motorcycle knowledge exam is not waived by the course. Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1, Edition 8 (Arkansas State Police), checked 2026-08-28.
Rider drills
Riding technique does not change at a state line, so these drills are the same wherever you ride. What changes is the paperwork above.
Controls and basic operation
Clutch, throttle, both brakes, the friction zone and starting on a hill.
Gear and the pre ride check
Helmets, eye protection, what to wear, and the checks before you set off.
Lane position and being seen
The three lane positions, following distance and staying out of blind spots.
Surface hazards
Gravel, paint, metal, rail crossings and everything that matters more on two wheels.
Cornering, braking and swerving
Countersteering, entry speed, braking in a curve and choosing swerve over brake.
Passengers, groups and impairment
Carrying a passenger or cargo, staggered formation, alcohol, fatigue and weather.