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California Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

Adults 21 and over need no permit holding period. Practice with 620+ questions for the California motorcycle knowledge test, written from the California Motorcycle Handbook.

  • 30questions
  • 24to pass (80%)
  • $0full test here
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  • 7 topics from the California Motorcycle Handbook
  • Answers explained, with the page to read
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Sample question

California motorcycle test

Control and lane position

You're riding a toll road with your transponder. Where could you carry it?

Practice Control and lane position

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California motorcycle test topics

How practice rounds are picked

California Motorcycle HandbookRev. 2/2024checked Page numbers are the printed ones. About page numbers

Open the PDFCalifornia Department of Motor Vehicles

How the California motorcycle test works

  1. Under 21: the course comes first

    Riders under 21 must complete a California Motorcyclist Safety Program course and hand in its certificate (DL 389) to get a motorcycle permit, then hold the permit for six months before the license.

  2. 21 and older: course or skills test

    Adults 21 and over need no permit holding period. They can take the CHP-approved course, which can waive the DMV skills test, or take the motorcycle skills test at a DMV office.

  3. Two knowledge tests

    Applicants pass the driver's knowledge test and the motorcycle knowledge test. Questions come from the California Motorcycle Handbook and the California Driver's Handbook. California Motorcycle Handbook p. 3

  4. Riding on a permit

    A motorcycle instruction permit allows no passengers, no freeway riding and no riding at night. California Motorcycle Handbook p. 5

Sources: California DMV: Motorcycle License · California DMV: Motorcyclist's Guide

Compare the pass mark in every state.

Riding in California

  • Do you have to wear a helmet on a motorcycle in California?

    Yes. Every rider and passenger on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or moped must wear a U.S. DOT-compliant motorcycle helmet, with the maker's DOT lettering on the back. p. 8

  • Is lane splitting legal in California?

    California law neither allows nor prohibits riding between lanes of traffic going the same way. The handbook stresses that every vehicle needs a full lane to be safe and that riders must keep a space cushion when they split lanes.

  • Can motorcycles use carpool lanes in California?

    Yes, unless a sign says otherwise, even with no passenger. Enter and leave only where the double lines allow it. Motorcycles towing a trailer may not use carpool lanes. p. 17

  • What is the blood alcohol limit for motorcycle riders in California?

    0.08 percent for riders 21 and older, and 0.01 percent for riders under 21. A breath or blood test decides, however sober you seem. p. 43

  • Can I wear earbuds while riding in California?

    Not in both ears. Only earplugs made to reduce harmful noise may be worn in both ears, and you must still be able to hear sirens and horns. p. 10

Sources: California DMV: Motorcyclist's Guide

Rules from the California Motorcycle Handbook

From the Rev. 2/2024 edition.

California motorcycle laws

Practice California motorcycle laws
  • p. 1
    Two-Wheel Vehicle Operation

    In California the basic rules of the road apply to every two-wheel vehicle.

  • p. 2
    Electric Bicycles

    A California electric bicycle has working pedals and a motor under 750 watts: Class 1 assists only while pedaling and stops at 20 mph.

Gear and pre-ride checks

Practice Gear and pre-ride checks
  • p. 8
    Helmet Use

    California law requires every rider and passenger on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or motorized bicycle to wear a U.S.

  • p. 8
    Wear the Right Gear

    Besides the required helmet, California strongly suggests face or eye protection and protective apparel: a leather or long-sleeve jacket with reflective material, long heavy pants, over-the-ankle closed-toe boots and full-fingered leather gloves.

Control and lane position

Practice Control and lane position
  • p. 16
    U-turns

    For tight U-turns: look through the turn (head only, eyes level).

  • p. 17
    Lane Positions

    The oily strip in the center of a lane is usually no more than two feet wide, so you can ride just left or right of it and still be in the center of the lane.

Intersections and being seen

Practice Intersections and being seen
  • p. 21
    Search

    When you search, look for oncoming traffic that may turn left, traffic from the left, right or behind, pedestrians stepping out from between parked vehicles and hazardous road conditions.

  • p. 22
    Evaluate

    In potential high-risk areas such as intersections, shopping areas and school and construction zones, cover the clutch and both brakes to reduce the time you need to react.

Crash avoidance and hazards

Practice Crash avoidance and hazards
  • p. 30
    Cornering

    Every curve is different: it may stay constant, widen gradually, tighten (decreasing radius) or come as several turns, so watch which kind is ahead. Shaded curves keep ice from melting and moisture from drying, and leaves can collect there.

  • p. 31
    Handling Dangerous Surfaces

    Slippery surfaces include shaded icy areas, leaves, pine needles and standing water.

Passengers and group riding

Practice Passengers and group riding
  • p. 36
    Equipment

    To carry a passenger, equip and adjust the motorcycle: a seat big enough for both (you shouldn't sit farther forward than usual), passenger footrests, and the same protective gear for the passenger as for the rider.

  • p. 37
    Riding With Passengers

    With a passenger the motorcycle responds more slowly, and the heavier the passenger the longer it takes to slow, stop and speed up, especially on a light motorcycle.

California motorcycle license questions and answers

12 questions

The knowledge test

Which tests do I need for a California motorcycle license?

The driver's knowledge test, the motorcycle knowledge test and the motorcycle skills test, or a training certificate (DL 389) in place of the skills test. Applicants who have never held any license also take a short observation ride. California Motorcycle Handbook p. 3

What does this California motorcycle practice test cover?

The California Motorcycle Handbook: two-wheel vehicle types and license classes, gear and helmets, control and lane position, carpool lanes and lane splitting, intersections and being seen, crash avoidance, passengers and group riding, alcohol and fatigue, and California's insurance and police laws. California Motorcycle Handbook p. 3

How many tries do I get at the motorcycle knowledge test?

Three. If you fail the same test three times, the application ends and you reapply. The application and fee are good for 12 months.

What is on the California motorcycle skills test?

A pre-trip check where you name controls such as the kill switch, throttle and brakes, then riding in marked paths: a serpentine through five cones, circle rides, a slow ride and, on bikes with gears, a gear shift ride with a U-turn. It is pass or fail. California Motorcycle Handbook p. 7

What score do I need to pass the California motorcycle permit test?

You need 24 of the 30 questions right (80%). Always confirm the current test with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Compare every state

How many questions can I miss on the California motorcycle permit test?

You can miss up to 6 of the 30 questions: you need 24 right (80%) to pass.

Getting your license

How old do you have to be for a motorcycle permit in California?

At least 15½. Riders under 18 also need driver education and driver training (or a Class C license), and everyone under 21 must complete the CMSP course before the permit is issued. California Motorcycle Handbook p. 5

Do I have to take the motorcycle safety course in California?

Only if you are under 21. Riders 21 and older are encouraged to take it. The course certificate (DL 389) can waive the DMV skills test and is valid for 12 months; out-of-state courses and insurance-discount courses don't count. California Motorcycle Handbook p. 6

What's the difference between an M1 and an M2 license?

M1 covers any two-wheel motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or motorized scooter, and everything an M2 covers. M2 covers only mopeds, motorized bicycles and motorized scooters. California Motorcycle Handbook p. 3

Do I need a motorcycle license for an e-bike or a motorized scooter?

No. Electric bicycles need no license, plates or insurance, though Class 3 riders must be 16 and wear a helmet. A motorized scooter can be ridden with any class of license. California Motorcycle Handbook p. 2

Can I ride a three-wheel motorcycle with a car license?

Yes. A Class C license covers a three-wheel motorcycle, a motorcycle with a sidecar and a motorized scooter. California Motorcycle Handbook p. 3

How much does a California motorcycle permit and license cost?

California Department of Motor Vehicles lists the current fees for the motorcycle permit, tests and license on its official fee page. There is no separate permit fee: the application fee for the license covers the instruction permit.

Sources: California DMV: Motorcycle License · California DMV: Licensing Fees