GA Motorcycle Permit Test​: Motorcycle Maintenance

Pre-Ride Inspection Checklist

Start with the basics. The test often frames this as “What should you check before every ride?” and the best answer is the one that covers the whole bike, not just one part. Think of it like a quick lap around the motorcycle before you leave your driveway in Roswell or pull out of a parking deck in downtown Atlanta.

Tires are first because they touch the road. Look for obvious damage, embedded objects, and uneven wear. Then check inflation. Not “looks fine.” Actual pressure. Use the recommended PSI from the bike’s manual or sticker, not a random number you remember.

Brakes come next. Squeeze the front brake lever and press the rear pedal. They should feel firm, not spongy. If the lever comes back to the grip or the pedal sinks too far, that’s a warning sign. Also check the brake fluid level if your bike has a reservoir you can see.

Lights and controls are easy points on the exam. Don’t give them away. Make sure the headlight works on both high and low beam, the brake light activates from both brakes, and turn signals flash correctly. Then test the throttle, clutch, and mirrors. Small checks. Big payoff.

• Tires: condition and inflation
• Brakes: feel and fluid level
• Lights and controls: headlight, signals, throttle, clutch
  This one trips people up.

If something feels off, pause. Don’t rush it.

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Tire and Brake Maintenance

Tires show up on the ga motorcycle permit test​ because they’re a top cause of loss of control. You’ll see questions about PSI, tread depth, and what tire wear means. PSI stands for pounds per square inch. On the exam, the safest choice is usually “check when tires are cold” because riding heats tires up and changes the reading. If you check pressure after riding around Johns Creek for 20 minutes, you can get a misleading number.

Know what wear indicators are. Many street tires have built-in tread wear bars. When the tread is worn down to those bars, traction drops sharply, especially in rain. Georgia storms can hit hard and fast, and hydroplaning risk climbs when tread is low. If the test asks when to replace a tire, “when it reaches the wear indicators” is a strong, simple answer.

Also watch for cracks, bulges, or cords showing. Any of those can mean the tire is unsafe, even if there’s tread left. Another common question is about mismatched tires. In general, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and avoid mixing types that weren’t designed to work together.

Brakes are the other big maintenance topic. The exam likes “front brake provides most stopping power.” That’s true for most motorcycles under normal conditions. But it also expects you to use both brakes smoothly. Grabbing the front brake suddenly can cause a skid, especially on slick pavement or gravel shoulders outside Macon or Athens.

Brake pads have wear limits too. If pads are thin, stopping distance increases. If you hear grinding, that can mean the pad material is gone and metal is contacting metal. That’s not a “ride it later” situation. Brake fluid matters as well. Low fluid can indicate pad wear or a leak. A leak is a serious hazard.

• Check PSI with a gauge, before riding
• Replace tires at wear bars or with damage
• Use both brakes, smoothly, and keep pads in good shape
  This one trips people up.

Short question. Clear answer.

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Recognizing Mechanical Issues

The DDS isn’t trying to turn you into a mechanic. The written test wants you to recognize when a bike is not safe to ride. That’s it. Many questions are really asking, “Do you know when to stop and fix it?”

If you notice wobbling, weaving, or a sudden pull to one side, don’t ignore it. It could be tire pressure, tire damage, or a loose component. If the handlebars shake at speed, that’s a major red flag. Slow down safely and inspect. Same idea if the brakes fade, squeal loudly, or feel soft. Brake feel changes are a warning.

Leaks matter. A small drip under the engine could be oil, coolant, or fuel. Fuel leaks are especially dangerous. Fire risk. If you smell gas strongly, don’t ride.

Listen to the bike. A new clunk, rattle, or grinding sound is often the test’s cue that something is wrong. And if your chain is too loose or too tight, it can affect control. You don’t need to memorize exact chain slack numbers for every model, but you do need to know that improper chain tension can be unsafe.

Here’s the exam mindset: if a problem affects steering, braking, tires, or visibility, the safest answer is usually “do not ride until it’s fixed.” That includes nonworking lights. In busy traffic in Columbus or on I-20 near Augusta, being invisible is not an option.

• Strong fuel smell or visible leak
• Unusual wobble or steering instability
• Brake fade, spongy feel, or grinding
  This one trips people up.

One word: stop.

When you practice for the georgia motorcycle permit test​, pay attention to wording like may vs must. The test loves that. If a question hints at danger, “must not ride” is often the better choice than “may continue cautiously.”