California
Motorcycle Test

California’s coastline just begs to be seen on the back of a motorcycle. Of course, if you want to legally ride a motorcycle along the Pacific Ocean, you’re going to need to pass the California motorcycle license test to earn your California M1 motorcycle license endorsement. In order to earn your full license endorsement, you’ll first need to obtain a motorcycle permit, and after six months you are able to apply for a full license. During your licensing process, you’ll need to pass the written portion of the DMV motorcycle test and the on-cycle knowledge test to earn your license. There is no time limit. You may not go back once you answer a question. Click the "Start Test" button below to begin.

1 / 25

Your lane position should allow you to:

Do all of these things.

Maximize your visibility.

Position yourself to make a turn.

Signal to those around you.

2 / 25

Proper motorcycle clothing should:

Never cover your arms or legs.

Not be leather in warm weather.

Only flap slightly when riding.

Protect you in the event of a crash.

3 / 25

Cold medicine and other over the counter drugs:

Can affect a rider's abilities to safely operate their motorcycle.

Don't impact a rider's abilities.

Aren't encouraged to use before a ride, but pose no safety hazards.

Are safe to use before operation.

4 / 25

How long can the effects of marijuana last?

Ten days.

More than six hours.

Not for any significant amount of time.

One hour.

5 / 25

Taking corners too fast:

Is the safest way to make a turn.

Helps riders stay in their lane.

Can cause the rider to swerve out of their lane.

Isn't an issue since motorcycles are easy to maneuver.

6 / 25

When riding at night, your following distance should be:

Whatever distance feels comfortable.

Longer than it is during the day.

Shorter than it is during the day.

Should be the same as it is during the day.

7 / 25

In terms of lane positioning, you should divide the land into:

3 parts

5 parts

2 parts

4 parts

8 / 25

Why do motorcycles need more attention than cars?

All of these reasons.

Minor issues can prove fatal on motorcycles.

Motorcycles are poorly constructed.

Motorcycles have more parts than cars.

9 / 25

A helmeted rider is how many times more likely to survive a crash than a rider not wearing a helmet?

Ten times.

Three times.

Two times.

There is no difference in survival rates.

10 / 25

You should roll on the throttle slightly as you go through a turn so that you:

Can pass anyone going too slow.

Are able to stabilize the motorcycle.

Get through the turn as quickly as possible.

To let people know you're approaching.

11 / 25

When positioning yourself in a lane:

Do so in a way that doesn't welcome other drivers into your lane.

Keep the greatest distance possible from other vehicles.

Don't worry about other drivers, focus on yourself.

Do what feels comfortable.

12 / 25

When approaching an intersection:

Use hand signals to alert the driver behind you.

Never assume other drivers see you.

Flash your lights.

Prepare to move through as quickly as possible.

13 / 25

Which of the following should you inspect during a pre-ride check?

The general wear and tread of your tires.

How clean your motorcycle is.

None of these are correct.

Your odometer.

14 / 25

If you're stuck in a traffic jam on a freeway the best gear to be in is?

1st

3rd

2nd

Neutral

15 / 25

When braking, you should use:

Only front brakes.

Whatever is convenient.

Only rear brakes.

Both front and rear brakes.

16 / 25

When riding with a passenger, you should inform the passenger to:

None of these are correct.

Only get on the motorcycle after you've started the engine.

Get on before starting the engine.

Grab onto your collar while riding.

17 / 25

When utilizing the front brake, you should:

Squeeze as hard as possible.

Also use the rear brake.

Use limited pressure.

Squeeze firmly and progressively.

18 / 25

Going through a curve, you should look where you want to go by turning:

Only your head.

Only your eyes.

Your head and shoulders.

Your entire upper body.

19 / 25

If alcohol and drugs are consumed together:

They may counteract each other.

They may not effect some people.

There is no difference.

Their effects can be more pronounced than if taken alone.

20 / 25

If you are going too fast when you downshift, you run the risk of:

Losing tire pressure.

Braking your clutch.

A rear wheel skid.

A front wheel skid.

21 / 25

The best way to avoid a crash is to:

Make sure your bike is loud enough.

Have a valid license.

Ride at the speed limit.

Make sure you are visible.

22 / 25

When preparing to pass a vehicle on the left, it is important to ride on the left side of your lane because:

All of these reasons.

So you can signal to oncoming traffic.

The left side of the lane is the safest part of the lane.

It will give you the best chance of spotting hazards in the next lane.

23 / 25

If you get tired while riding, the best thing to do is:

Speed up to get to your destination quickly.

Stop as soon as possible and get some rest.

Take deep breaths to increase your oxygen levels.

Ride slowly to remain safe.

24 / 25

How much of a motorcycle's braking power does the front brake provide?

None.

Half.

One quarter.

Roughly three quarters.

25 / 25

If your motorcycle has convex mirrors instead of flat mirrors, practicing with them is helpful because:

The reflection is darker than flat mirrors.

Unlike flat mirrors, they make items look farther away than they really are.

They provide a 180 degree view.

They make images look even closer than regular mirrors.

Your score is

The average score is 0%

5/5 - (1 vote)

Motorcycle License

How To Get A California Motorcycle License

It’s impossible to adequately stress the importance of studying if you want to pass the California motorcycle test on your first try. This site offers practice test questions designed to assist you in your preparation for the test. The actual California motorcycle license test consists of 25 questions, and you’ll need to answer at least 20 questions correctly to earn a passing score. The questions on our California motorcycle practice test, and the actual exam are derived from the California motorcycle handbook. This document is the source of all the information you’ll need to know to pass both portions of the California motorcycle exam. If you don’t have a copy, you should download one now.

If you will be moving to California and you already have a valid out of state license with a motorcycle endorsement you will be able to forgo taking the state’s skills test. You will, however, need to show up with adequate identification to get your new state license and then pass the written test and the vision test (along with paying your licensing fee) to get your California motorcycle license.

The official motorcycle safety course in California is proctored by the California Highway Patrol and is known as the California motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP). The CMSP offers a variety of training courses that are a mixture of classroom and riding instruction. Certain classes are mandatory for riders under the age of 21. To learn more you can visit their website.

Motorcycle Test

California Motorcycle License Test Tips

To pass the written test you’ll want to get yourself used to the format of the questions you’re going to experience on the California motorcycle test. Our practice test is an excellent tool for this. Also, as you work your way through the handbook these tests give you an opportunity to test your progress by taking a free practice test and tracking your scores. Once you can consistently score above the necessary 20 correct answers, you’ll be able to approach exam day with more confidence. Questions on this test range from understanding how to safely operate your motorcycle, use correct safety gear, and identify motorcycle safety statistics.

The California on-cycle skills tests are conducted at DMV offices around the state. If you’d like to set up an appointment for your driving test appointment you can do so at this link. If you need to find your nearest location, you can do so here: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/dmv/offices.

You’ll be expected to display the skills to prove you are a safe and knowledgeable motorcycle operator during the exam, demonstrating skills such as controlling your speed, using the vehicle’s mirrors and brakes, quickly stopping, and creating visibility for yourself and making yourself visible to other motorists.

Additional Information

Information on the California Department of Motor Vehicles

The DMV is responsible for testing student drivers and licensing all drivers. To schedule your licensing examination or get more information contact them via:

Website: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&urile=wcm:path:/dmv_content_en/dmv/about/2011mc_lic
Phone: 800.777.0133

To find the office hours and / or location nearest you, please visit:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/dmv/offices

Additional STATE Motorcycle License Helpful Links

Please use the links below to learn more about helpful topics related to the STATE motorcycle license test or other motorcycle license related topics.

California Motorcycle Test