California Motorcycle Permit Practice Test 2025

There are 30 questions on the California DMV motorcycle test, and you will need to answer at least 24 correctly to get a passing score (80%). The questions in our sample tests are nearly identical to those on the official CA MC test.

Not your state?

What to expect on the official CA motorcycle permit test

Number of
questions:

Correct answers
needed to pass:

Passing
score:

80%

Minimum age
to apply:

15 1/2years

Sample practice test

When giving CPR, you should pump hard and fast at the rate of ____.

A10-20 times per minute

B100-120 times per minute

C200-250 times per minute

Which of the following is FALSE? A skilled and experienced rider:

ACan react quickly and properly to a tight spot

BKnows about collision-avoidance maneuvers

CCan get out of all tight spots

What is the average reaction time for drivers?

A0.5 seconds

B1-2 seconds

C3-5 seconds

In slow tight turns, the motorcycle and the rider should lean:

AAt different angles; the rider should lean more than the motorcycle

BAt different angles; the motorcycle should lean but the rider should remain straight

CAt the same angle

You’re riding in the far-left lane on a multi-lane freeway and you want to take the next exit. What should you do if you must cross several lanes to exit?

ACross multiple lanes at a time

BCross one lane at a time

Last minute moves can be avoided by:

ALooking 3-10 seconds ahead of your vehicle

BLooking 10-15 seconds ahead of your vehicle

CLooking 25-30 seconds ahead of your vehicle

What’s true if you’re approaching an intersection with flashing yellow traffic lights?

ASlow down and come to a complete stop

BProceed as normal - the yellow lights indicate you have the right-of-way

CSlow down and proceed with caution

When should you operate the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch?

AYour front or rear tire goes flat

BYour wheels lock when emergency braking

CYour throttle is stuck and you are not able to free it

You should always reduce your speed when traveling in fog. Why?

AThe brakes won’t work as well due to the moist air

BYou may be blinded by other road users’ headlights

CIt's harder to see what's ahead

A car has just passed you and cut in sharply in front of you. What should you do?

ASound your horn and flash your headlights

BBrake hard

CEase off the accelerator

What are the rider requirements when it comes to wearing a helmet?

APassenger only must wear a helmet

BRiders only must wear a helmet

CAll motorcycle riders and helmets must wear helmets

What should you think about when riding with others?

AStay as close together as possible so cars do not enter the space between

BRide in a manner that promotes safety

COnly the lead rider has to stop at a stop sign, the rest can just follow along

Before changing lanes, it’s not enough to check your surrounding using ONLY your mirrors. You also have to:

ACheck the blind spot

BHonk your horn

CGive a hand signal

You’re riding relatively slowly in the left-most lane on the expressway with vehicles approaching from behind at a higher speed. What should you do?

AChange lanes to the right as soon as safe

BStay in the left-most lane and let the faster vehicles pass on your right

CSlow down to indicate you can drive at any speed you want

Which of the following is true about clothing for motorcycle riders?

AClothing can be used to stay warm, but has few other benefits

BThe right clothing will help protect you while riding and in a collision

CThe right clothing will not help protect you in a collision, but it will help you stay warm while riding

What should you do if either tire goes flat while riding?

AKeep a firm grip on the handlegrips, hit the brakes, steer straight

BKeep a firm grip on the handlegrips, ease off the throttle, steer straight

CKeep a firm grip on the handlegrips, ease off the throttle, steer to the side of the road

When riding with passengers, your braking distance will:

ADecrease due to improved traction with the road surface

BIncrease due to the added weight

You're taking a medicine that causes drowsiness. You start feeling better, but you still need to take the medicine. Should you ride?

AOnly if necessary

BOnly on quiet roads

COnly if accompanied by someone

DNo

You’re passed by several fast-traveling vehicles driving above the speed limit. Are you allowed to drive faster than the speed limit to stay behind them?

AYes

BNo

What is most important when nearing uncontrolled railroad crossings?

ABeing aware of approaching trains

BBeing aware of wild animals

CKeeping a sufficient following distance

DPassing slow vehicles

Is the California Motorcycle Permit Test Hard?

That depends on how well you prepare for it. Unlike wordy operator manuals, Zutobi’s material is broken down into pieces of information that are easy to understand and easy to remember. This way, you can be sure you’re learning the correct information in a way that will get you the score you’re looking for.

Zutobi Can Help You Pass Your 2025 California Motorcycle Permit Test

Our material is specifically designed to be easy to learn. Here are some of Zutobi’s features that will help you learn and pass your motorcycle permit test:

California motorcycle permit practice tests that simulate the real thing so you will be fully prepared on test day.
Answers and explanations to all our practice questions that allow you to check your work and learn from your mistakes.

Fun learning levels that will keep you motivated and engaged as you earn points and level-up.
Useful, important information that will teach you how to safely ride a motorcycle on the open (and not so open — looking at you, 405 traffic jams) California roads.

How Do I Get My Motorcycle License in California?

So, you’ve passed your permit test and earned your motorcycle permit. Here’s what you need to do in order to receive your license.

In order to drive a motorcycle in California, you will need a Class M1 license (different from a M2 license which only allows you to operate a motorized bicycle or moped).
If you’re under the age of 21, you need to hold your instruction permit for at least 6 months before applying for your license. You will also need to pass a motorcycle skills test.
You can waive the DMV motorcycle skills test if you successfully complete an approved motorcycle education course.
If you’re older than 21, you do not have to hold a permit for 6 months before you apply for a motorcycle license.
You must pass a motorcycle skills test at the DMV or take a California Highway Patrol approved California Motorcyclist Safety Program training course. You will also need to pass the written knowledge test.

Try Our FREE California Motorcycle Practice Test Today

You can test your knowledge with our free practice permit test then take a look at our driving course! Zutobi will help you learn everything you need to know to pass your motorcycle permit test.

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