California Motorcycle Written Test | CA Tips & Tricks

California Motorcycle Written Test

Before you come into the DMV to take your California motorcycle written test, you should practice by taking the two sample written test below.  Be sure to arrive at the DMV before 4:30 p.m. because motorcycle written tests will not be administered after this time in any California DMV location.  The DMV also recommends preparing for the written test by using the online Driving Knowledge Tutorial.  Unfortunately this tool is designed for people preparing for the drivers license written test and does not contain motorcycle specific information.

When you are ready to take the actual California motorcycle written test, you should be aware of the following:

1) Review the California Motorcycle Handbook. This 44 page document not only contains information on the requirements of getting a motorcycle license but also more importantly on how to ride safely.
2) Take your time when you are taking the California motorcycle written test.  The exam is not trying to trick you so don’t try to out smart the test–the questions should be taken literally. For each question there is one correct answer and two incorrect answers.
3) All questions are from the California Motorcycle handbook. The DMV can tell you on which page to find any question you miss.
4) The DMV wants you to pass the motorcycle knowledge test California, so take your time, and answer carefully.

Sample California Motorcycle Written Test 1

1. Upshifting or downshifting in a curve:
Should only be done if it can be done smoothly.
Is better than shifting before the curve.
Is the best way to control your speed.

2. To avoid confusing other drivers you should:
Increase the following distance between your motorcycle and the vehicle in front of you if you are being tailgated.
Make sure your turn signal turns off after you finish a turn.
Use your horn only in emergency situations.

3. _________ is a major factor in accidents caused by motorcycles.
Following too closely
Lane sharing
Not being seen by other drivers

4. If your motorcycle starts to wander back and forth while riding over metal bridge gratings you should:
Downshift immediately to a lower gear to improve traction.
Proceed in a zig-zag pattern until you cross the bridge.
Relax, stay on course and ride straight across.

5. If you must carry a load it should be:
Either over or in front of the rear axle.
Carried on the gas tank in front of the driver.
Piled up against a sissy bar or frame on the back of the seat.

6. Grabbing the front brake or jamming down on the rear brake:
Can cause the brakes to lock.
Is the best way to stop in an emergency.
Is the best way to slow down when the streets are wet.

7. What is the best way to stay out of trouble while riding a motorcycle?
To see it coming by looking well ahead.
By avoiding high density traffic areas.
By increasing the following distance between your motorcycle and the vehicle in front of you.

8. A motorcycle rider has an advantage over an automobile driver when passing parked vehicles because:
A motorcycle can accelerate faster than a car.
A motorcycle rider can avoid the problems of opening doors and people stepping out from between vehicles by driving in the left part of the lane.
Motorcycles have a shorter stopping distance.

9. Brightly colored, reflective helmets and clothing:
Should only be worn while riding at night.
Can make motorcycle riders easier to see.
Do not increase a motorcycle rider’s safety.

10. To execute a turn safely a motorcycle rider should always:
Lean the motorcycle in the direction of the curve or turn
Slow down in the turn.
Turn using the handle bars only.

Sample California Motorcycle Written Test 1
Answer Sheet
1. Upshifting or downshifting on a curve:
Should only be done if it can be done smoothly.
2. To avoid confusing other drivers you should:
Make sure your turn signal turns off after you finish a turn.
3. ________ is a major factor in accidents caused by motorcycles.
Following too closely
4. If your motorcycle starts to wander back and forth while riding over metal bridge gratings, you should:
Relax, stay on course and ride straight across.
5. If you must carry a load it should be:
Either over, or in front of the rear axle.
6. Grabbing the front brake or jamming down on the rear brake:
Can cause the brakes to lock.
7. What is the best way to stay out of trouble while riding a motorcycle?
To see it coming by looking well ahead.
8. A motorcycle rider has an advantage over an automobile driver when passing parked vehicles because:
A motorcycle rider can avoid the problems of opening doors and people stepping out from between vehicles by driving in the left part of the lane.
9. Brightly colored reflective helmets and clothing:
Can make motorcycle riders easier to see.
10. To execute a turn safely a motorcycle rider should always:
Lean the motorcycle in the direction of the curve or turn.

Sample California Motorcycle Drivers Written Test 2

1. What are the requirements for wearing a helmet?
Passengers only are required to wear helmets.
All motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear helmets at all times.
Helmets are not required while driving on city streets.

2. Grabbing the front brake or jamming down on the rear brake:
Can cause the brakes to lock.
Is the best way to stop in an emergency.
Is the best way to slow down when the streets are wet.

3. Passengers on motorcycles should:
Put their feet on the ground when the motorcycle is stopped.
Not ride without a back rest.
Should sit as far forward as possible without crowding you.

4. When riding with a group of motorcyclists, a staggered formation:
Is recommended at all times.
Should not be used when entering or exiting a highway.
Should be used when riding on curves.

5. Eye protection:
Is not needed if your motorcycle is equipped with a windshield.
Is only needed when riding in bad weather.
Should give a clear view to either side.

6. A primary cause of single vehicle motorcycle accidents is:
Motorcyclists’ tendency to drive too fast for weather conditions.
Motorcyclists running wide in a curve or turn and colliding with the roadway or a fixed object.
Motorcyclists running off the road while trying to avoid a collision with another vehicle.

7. The best lane position for a motorcycle:
Is in the left part of the lane, next to the center line.
Is in the right part of the lane, next to the curb.
Can vary depending on road and/or traffic conditions.

8. When riding at night you should:
Move closer to the vehicle in front of you to use its lights to see farther down the road.
Keep driving at your normal speed because slowing down would increase the chance of being struck from behind.
Reduce your speed because it is harder to see something lying in the road.

9. You should operate the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch when:
The throttle is stuck and you can’t free it.
You start to lose control in a curve.
The motorcycle starts to wobble.

10. To operate a moped you must have at least a _______ license.
Class M1
Class M2
Class C

Sample California Motorcycle Drivers Written Test 2
Answer Sheet
1. What are the requirements for wearing a helmet?
All motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear helmets at all times.
2. Grabbing the front brake or jamming down on the rear brake:
Can cause the brakes to lock.
3. Passengers on motorcycles should:
Sit as far forward as possible without crowding you.
4. When riding with a group of motorcyclists, a staggered formation:
Should not be used when entering or exiting a highway.
5. Eye protection:
Should give a clear view to either side.
6. A primary cause of single vehicle motorcycle accidents is:
Motorcyclists running wide in a curve or turn and colliding with the roadway or a fixed object.
7. The best lane position for a motorcycle:vCan vary depending on road and/or traffic conditions.
8. When riding at night you should:
Reduce your speed because it is harder to see something lying in the road.
9. You should operate the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch when:
The throttle is stuck and you can’t free it.
10. To operate a moped, you must have at least a _______ license.
Class M2

Source: California State Department of Licensing, Los Angeles, CA

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