CA DMV Motorcycle Written Test

• What are the requirements for wearing a helmet?

  All motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear helmets at all times.
• Grabbing the front brake or jamming down on the rear brake:

  Can cause the brakes to lock.
• Passengers on motorcycles should:

  Should sit as far forward as possible without crowding you.
• When riding with a group of motorcyclists, a staggered formation:

  Should not be used when entering or exiting a highway.
• Eye protection:

  Should give a clear view to either side.
• A primary cause of single vehicle motorcycle collisions is:


  Motorcyclists running wide in a curve or turn and colliding with the roadway or a fixed object.
• The best lane position for a motorcycle:


  Can vary depending on road and/or traffic conditions.
• When riding at night you should:


  Reduce your speed because it is harder to see something lying in the road.
• You should operate the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch when:


  The throttle is stuck and you can't free it.
• To operate a moped you must have at least a _______ license.

  Class M2
• Upshifting or downshifting in a curve:

  Should only be done if it can be done smoothly.
• To avoid confusing other drivers you should:

  Make sure your turn signal turns off after you finish a turn.
• _________ is a major factor in collisions caused by motorcycles

  Following too closely
• 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.
• If you must carry a load it should be:

  Either over or in front of the rear axle.
• What is the best way to stay out of trouble while riding a motorcycle?

  To see it coming by looking well ahead.
• 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
• Brightly colored reflective helmets and clothing:

  Can make motorcycle riders easier to see.
• To execute a turn safely a motorcycle rider should always:

  Lean the motorcycle in the direction of the curve or turn.
• The best way to swerve is to

  The best way to swerve is to press the handlegrip on the side of the direction in which you want to turn. Never brake and swerve at the same time.
• When should you rise off the seat slightly?

  Rising off the seat slightly can help you absorb shocks with your knees and elbows. Do this when riding over obstacles.
• What are the restrictions with a Permit?

  No passengers, no night, no freeway
• Motorized Bicycle / Moped - definition 1

  gas - 2 or 3 wheels; <30mph; <4hp; bike lane; helmet; no license required
• Electric Bicycle Definition

  electric - <20mph; <750 watts; bike lane; helmet; no DL
• Motor driven cycle

  149cc or less; M1
• Brakes

  Use both brakes every time you slow or stop. Practice emergency stops
• Braking in turns


  Should be done smoothly
• Turning

  Riders often try to take curves or turns too fast. When they can't hold the turn, they end up crossing into another lane of traffic or going off the road.
• "Following too closely" (tailgating)

  could be a factor in collisions involving motorcyclists; you should maintain a two-second following distance
• When you speed up to lose a tailgater,

  you only end up with someone tailgating you at a higher speed. Let them pass if you can
• Blasts of wind from larger vehicles


  You have more room for error if you are in the middle portion of the lane when passing
• What type of vehicles can a class C licensee operate?


  Motorcycles with a sidecar attached or a three wheel motorcycle.
• What type of gear helps prevent serious injuries?

  Safety helmet, face or eye protection, protective clothing.
• How does a motorcycle helmet help?

  You are three times more likely to survive a head injury then if you aren't wearing one
• More than half of all collisions occur on motorcycles by what type of riders?


  Riders with less than six months of experience.
• CMSP: Give three reasons why motorcycling is more risky than driving a car?

  1- motorcycles are more vulnerable than cars

  2-they are harder to see than cars

  3-you are exposed to the elements
• CMSP: What is rider readiness?

  Being mentally focused, physically fit, wear proper riding gear, know your limitations, awareness of conditions, and knowing your motorcycle
• CMSP: What are the five primary controls and where is each located?

  Throttle - Right hand bar

  Clutch lever - Left hand lever

  Gearshift lever - Left foot

  Front brake lever - Right hand lever

  Rear brake pedal - Right foot
• CMSP: What is SPAT and what is it used for?

  Speed, Position, Aim, Turn. A process used while making turns
• CMSP: What is counter-steering? Why is it important?

  A way of steering, it is a more reliable way of steering at speed (15+ mph)