California Motorcycle Permit Practice Test 2024

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

Questions

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

When a person isn’t breathing, you may need to give CPR to maintain circulation. Pump at the rate of 100-120 times per minute.

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

Even though skilled and experienced riders are better able to adapt their driving to avoid tight spots, they may still end up in a tight spot at some point in time. It's, therefore, vital that you know about collision-avoidance maneuvers even if you ride very carefully. Learn about collision-avoidance maneuvers such as knowing when to swerve and when to stop quickly. It could save your life.

What is the average reaction time for drivers?

The reaction time greatly varies from driver to driver - some drivers have a reaction time of around 0.75 seconds and some have a reaction time of up to 2.5 seconds. However, the average reaction time when driving is around 1-2 seconds.

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

In slow tight turns, the motorcycle should lean but the rider should remain straight. In normal turns, the motorcycle and rider should lean together at 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?

If you need to cross several freeway/highway lanes - do so one at a time. The risk of an accident greatly increases if you cross multiple lanes at a time.

Last minute moves can be avoided by:

Scan the road about 10-15 seconds ahead of your motorcycle so you will have enough time to spot, react to, and avoid most potential hazards.

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

Flashing yellow traffic lights are found at dangerous intersections. You don’t have to stop, but you must slow down and proceed with caution.

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

A stuck throttle is often caused by the throttle cable being stuck. If your throttle is stuck, the first thing you should do is to twist the throttle back and forth several times to free the throttle cable. If the throttle remains stuck, operate the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch at the same time to remove power from the rear wheel. After you have regained control of the motorcycle, move it to the side of the road and stop.

Do not slam the brakes - it will be ineffective and may cause you to lose control over your motorcycle.

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

As visibility is reduced, you'll need to reduce your speed so you have time to react and avoid hazards. If you can, delay your journey until the fog has cleared.

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

If another vehicle cuts in sharply, ease off the accelerator and drop back to allow a safe following distance. Avoid overreacting by swerving or braking hard as you can lose control of your motorcycle or cause a crash.

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

All riders and passengers must use a U.S. DOT compliant motorcycle safety helmen when riding a motorcycle. A majority of all serious and fatal motorcyclist injuries are head injuries - and a helmet will greatly reduce head injuries.

What should you think about when riding with others?

Group riding must be done in a way that promotes safety. Keep in mind that each rider has to follow traffic signals and traffic control devices independetly, not just the lead rider.

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

Before changing lanes, don’t forget to check the blind spot! The blind spot is the area you can’t see by just using your mirrors, so a vehicle may be hidden there.

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?

The left-most lane is the ‘passing’ lane that should only be used briefly to pass slower-moving vehicles in the other lanes. If vehicles are approaching from behind at a higher speed, change lanes as soon as safe.

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

Consider the right clothing as a necessary part of riding. Motorcycle clothes will help protect you in a collision, make riding more comfortable, and keep you warm.

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

In case of tire failure, your motorcycle will immediately begin to handle differently, Hold the handlegrips tightly, ease off the throttle, and steer straight. You want to steer straight until your motorcycle has decelerated on its own. Do NOT hit the brakes as it may cause you to lose control completely, but if braking is required you can gradually apply the brake of the tire that is not flat.

When riding with passengers, your braking distance will:

The heavier your passenger is, the longer it will take to accelerate, slow down, or stop. Take the added braking distance into consideration when you ride as your motorcycle will respond slower to situations you are used to when driving alone.

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

If taking medicine that makes you drowsy, you aren't fit to drive or ride a motorcycle. Check with your doctor if unsure. Never put other road users, your passengers or yourself at risk.

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?

You are NOT allowed to drive faster than the speed limit at any time, even if other traffic is doing so.

What is most important when nearing uncontrolled railroad crossings?

At any crossing, make sure that there aren’t any approaching trains before proceeding.

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 2024 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.

Ace your DMV test, guaranteed