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

To best stay in control of a motorcycle a rider should:

Keep their feet firmly on the footrests.

Always have at least one hand on the handlebar.

Never brake in a curve.

Always drive the speed limit.

2 / 25

If alcohol and drugs are consumed together:

There is no difference.

They may counteract each other.

Their effects can be more pronounced than if taken alone.

They may not effect some people.

3 / 25

If your rear tire locks up how can you regain control of your motorcycle?

Quickly accelerating.

Release the rear brake.

Shifting up one gear.

Depressing the rear brake harder.

4 / 25

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

Roughly three quarters.

One quarter.

Half.

None.

5 / 25

Proper motorcycle clothing should:

Protect you in the event of a crash.

Only flap slightly when riding.

Not be leather in warm weather.

Never cover your arms or legs.

6 / 25

What is the minimum amount of times you check your brake hydraulic fluid and coolant level?

Once per week.

Once per day.

Once per year.

Once per month.

7 / 25

When riding with a passenger in a sidecar you should always:

None of these are correct.

Slow down sooner than usual.

Expect to stop more quickly than usual.

Assume you are easier to see.

8 / 25

When approaching an intersection:

Use hand signals to alert the driver behind you.

Prepare to move through as quickly as possible.

Never assume other drivers see you.

Flash your lights.

9 / 25

Cold medicine and other over the counter drugs:

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

Are safe to use before operation.

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

Don't impact a rider's abilities.

10 / 25

Motorcycles:

Have blind spots that should be routinely checked.

Have no blind spots.

Can only be ridden safely during the day.

Can only be ridden in the state where they are registered.

11 / 25

You will normally find neutral where on a motorcycle?

Between 1st and 2nd gear.

After 5th gear.

Between 3rd and 4th gear.

Before 1st gear.

12 / 25

In ideal conditions, your following distance should be:

One second.

Whatever feels safe to the rider.

Four seconds.

Two seconds.

13 / 25

Shifting into a lower gear causes an effect similar to:

Hitting wet pavement.

Starting your motorcycle.

Using the brakes.

Hitting the throttle.

14 / 25

Taking corners too fast:

Helps riders stay in their lane.

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

Can cause the rider to swerve out of their lane.

Is the safest way to make a turn.

15 / 25

When approaching a curve your priority should be to:

Shift down two gears.

Find the most aggressive line to make the turn.

Reduce your speed.

Make the turn at maximum speed.

16 / 25

If your motorcycle starts and then cuts out shortly after and will not restart, the most likely issue is:

The clutch is broken.

The fuel supply valve is closed.

A flat tire.

The throttle is not working.

17 / 25

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

Ride slowly to remain safe.

Take deep breaths to increase your oxygen levels.

Speed up to get to your destination quickly.

Stop as soon as possible and get some rest.

18 / 25

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

1st

Neutral

2nd

3rd

19 / 25

Where will you usually find the fuel supply valve on a motorcycle?

Below the gas tank.

Next to the ignition.

Under the seat.

Near the brake.

20 / 25

If your motorcycle starts to handle differently during a ride you should:

Maintain speed and test both brakes.

Check the motorcycle's tires once you return home.

Pull over and check the tires.

Ride until you find the next service station.

21 / 25

The best time to adjust your mirrors is:

While riding at low speeds.

In normal driving conditions.

Seated on the bike before you start it.

Standing on your motorcycle before or after you start it.

22 / 25

As you go through a braking maneuver, the changes in traction tells you that you should:

Apply more rear brake pressure and less front brake pressure.

Increase pressure on both brakes.

Apply more front brake pressure and less rear brake pressure.

Reduce pressure on both brakes.

23 / 25

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

Grab onto your collar while riding.

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

Get on before starting the engine.

None of these are correct.

24 / 25

In a motorcycle and car crash, the blame usually falls on:

Both drivers

Neither

The car driver

The motorcyclist

25 / 25

A side stand can be dangerous unless it:

Has a spring that holds it locked down.

Has a functioning spring that holds it up tightly.

Is easy to use.

Returns most of the way to the up position.

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