Motorcycle knowledge test (Class M) · California DMV
Alcohol, fatigue and the law
Questions and answers
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What affects your ability to think clearly and ride safely more than any other factor?
Alcohol and other drugs
Alcohol and other drugs do more than anything else to impair thinking and riding.
Being in Shape to Ride · BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE ↗ -
How much alcohol can have a significant effect on your performance?
As little as one drink
Even a single drink can noticeably affect how you ride.
Being in Shape to Ride · BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE ↗ -
What is blood alcohol concentration (BAC)?
The amount of alcohol in relation to blood in the body
BAC measures alcohol relative to blood. The more alcohol in your blood, the greater the impairment.
Being in Shape to Ride · Blood Alcohol Concentration ↗ -
At about what rate does the body generally eliminate alcohol?
Almost one drink per hour
The body clears a little less than one drink an hour, and other factors can change how much is retained.
Being in Shape to Ride · Blood Alcohol Concentration ↗ -
Which three factors play a major part in determining BAC?
The amount of alcohol consumed, how fast you drank, and your body weight
How much, how fast, and how heavy you are largely determine BAC.
Being in Shape to Ride · Blood Alcohol Concentration ↗ -
How much 80-proof liquor counts as one drink?
1.5 ounces
One drink is a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof liquor.
Being in Shape to Ride · BLOOD ALCOHOL CONTENT (BAC) ↗ -
How much 12 percent wine counts as one drink?
A 5-ounce glass
One drink of wine is 5 ounces at 12 percent.
Being in Shape to Ride · Blood Alcohol Concentration ↗ -
How much 5% beer counts as one drink?
A 12-ounce glass
One drink of beer is 12 ounces at 5%.
Being in Shape to Ride · Blood Alcohol Concentration ↗ -
A shot of 80-proof liquor is mixed with a nonalcoholic drink. Does it still count as one drink?
Yes, mixing does not change it
A shot of liquor is one drink even when mixed with nonalcoholic drinks.
Being in Shape to Ride · Blood Alcohol Concentration ↗ -
You have two drinks within one hour. How much alcohol remains in your bloodstream at the end of that hour?
At least one drink
The faster you drink, the more alcohol accumulates, since the body removes less than one drink an hour.
Being in Shape to Ride · Blood Alcohol Concentration ↗ -
For which beverages do the “one drink” equivalents change?
Ale, malt liquors, and fortified wines
The equivalents also change if you drink on an empty stomach, are tired, sick, or upset, or have taken medicines or drugs.
Being in Shape to Ride · Blood Alcohol Concentration ↗ -
According to the BAC table, how much is subtracted for time spent drinking?
.01% for each 40 minutes of drinking
The table values are reduced by .01% for every 40 minutes of drinking.
Being in Shape to Ride · BLOOD ALCOHOL CONTENT (BAC) ↗ -
At what BAC is it illegal for a person 21 years old or older to drive?
0.08% or above
The limit for people 21 and older is 0.08%.
Being in Shape to Ride · Alcohol and the Law ↗ -
At what BAC is it illegal for a person under 21 to drive?
0.01% or above
For people under 21 there is zero tolerance for alcohol use.
Being in Shape to Ride · Alcohol and the Law ↗ -
A 20-year-old rider has a BAC of 0.03%. Is it legal for them to ride?
No, the limit under 21 is 0.01%
Under 21 there is zero tolerance. Anything from 0.01% up is illegal.
Being in Shape to Ride · Alcohol and the Law ↗ -
What BAC limit does the BAC table give for commercial vehicle drivers?
.04%
The table notes .04% for commercial vehicle drivers and .01% if under 21.
Being in Shape to Ride · BLOOD ALCOHOL CONTENT (BAC) ↗ -
What determines whether you are riding legally or illegally after drinking?
A breath or blood test
It does not matter how sober you seem. The test result decides.
Being in Shape to Ride · Alcohol and the Law ↗ -
Why does the handbook advise not drinking at all if you plan to ride?
Once you start drinking, your resistance becomes weaker
After the first drink it gets harder to say no to the next.
Being in Shape to Ride · Minimize the Risks ↗ -
You have been drinking. What does the handbook say about riding your motorcycle?
Do not ride
If you are drinking or have been drinking, do not ride.
Being in Shape to Ride · Minimize the Risks ↗ -
How tiring is riding a motorcycle compared with driving a vehicle?
More tiring, especially on a long trip
Fatigue can affect your control of the motorcycle, so avoid riding when tired.
Being in Shape to Ride · Fatigue ↗ -
How many hours a day do experienced riders seldom exceed?
About six hours
Limit your distance. Experienced riders seldom ride more than about six hours a day.
Being in Shape to Ride · Fatigue ↗ -
You plan a trip that needs nine hours of riding. How does that compare with what experienced riders do?
It is more than they usually ride, which is seldom over about six hours a day
Nine hours is well past the six hours or so that experienced riders seldom exceed.
Being in Shape to Ride · Fatigue ↗ -
How often should you stop and get off the motorcycle on a long ride?
At least every two hours
Take frequent rest breaks, at least one every two hours.
Being in Shape to Ride · Fatigue ↗ -
You have been riding for three hours without a break. What does the handbook recommend?
You should already have stopped, since breaks are due at least every two hours
Stop and get off the motorcycle at least every two hours.
Being in Shape to Ride · Fatigue ↗ -
What do artificial stimulants often do as they start to wear off?
Cause extreme fatigue or depression
As stimulants wear off you will not be able to concentrate on riding.
Being in Shape to Ride · Fatigue ↗ -
Above what amount of property damage to one person must a collision be reported to DMV?
More than $1,000
A collision causing more than $1,000 in property damage to one person, including yourself, must be reported.
Motorcycle Insurance Facts · MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE FACTS ↗ -
A collision causes only $300 in damage, but another person is slightly injured. Must it be reported to DMV?
Yes, any injury must be reported, no matter how slight
An injury to anyone else makes the report mandatory whatever the damage.
Motorcycle Insurance Facts · MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE FACTS ↗ -
Within how many days must a reportable collision be reported to DMV?
10 days
The report is due within 10 days.
Motorcycle Insurance Facts · MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE FACTS ↗ -
You were in a reportable collision 15 days ago and have not filed anything yet. What is the situation?
The 10-day deadline has passed and your driver’s license may be suspended
The report must reach DMV within 10 days.
Motorcycle Insurance Facts · MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE FACTS ↗ -
Which form is used to report a collision to DMV?
Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR1)
The SR1 is available on the DMV website and at DMV and CHP offices.
Motorcycle Insurance Facts · MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE FACTS ↗ -
Who must report a reportable collision to DMV?
You, or your insurance agent, broker, or legal representative
CHP or the police will not make this report for you.
Motorcycle Insurance Facts · MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE FACTS ↗ -
What may happen if a reportable collision is not reported to DMV?
Your driver’s license may be suspended
Failing to report can lead to suspension of your license.
Motorcycle Insurance Facts · MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE FACTS ↗ -
Do the financial responsibility sections of the Vehicle Code apply to motorcycles?
Yes, to motorcycle owners and operators
Check your coverage with your insurance company before you buy or ride a motorcycle.
Motorcycle Insurance Facts · MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE FACTS ↗ -
What is the punishment for willfully fleeing or attempting to evade a peace officer?
A misdemeanor, with up to one year in a county jail
Evading a peace officer is a misdemeanor punishable by not more than one year in county jail.
Evading a Peace Officer · EVADING A PEACE OFFICER ↗ -
A person is convicted of causing serious bodily injury during a police pursuit. What state prison terms may apply?
Three, five, or seven years
The sentence may be state prison for three, five, or seven years, or county jail for not more than one year.
Evading a Peace Officer · EVADING A PEACE OFFICER ↗ -
What fine may be imposed for causing serious bodily injury during a police pursuit?
Between $2,000 and $10,000
The fine ranges from $2,000 to $10,000.
Evading a Peace Officer · EVADING A PEACE OFFICER ↗ -
For causing serious bodily injury during a police pursuit, may a person receive both a fine and imprisonment?
Yes, both may be imposed
The penalties include imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Evading a Peace Officer · EVADING A PEACE OFFICER ↗ -
A person is convicted of killing someone during a police pursuit. What state prison terms may apply?
Four, six, or ten years
Killing anyone during a pursuit brings state prison for four, six, or ten years.
Evading a Peace Officer · EVADING A PEACE OFFICER ↗ -
You want to ride across private land. What does Tread Lightly ask of you?
Get permission and respect landowner rights
Always get permission before crossing private lands.
Tread Lightly · TREAD LIGHTLY! ↗ -
What does Tread Lightly say about soft, wet roads and trails?
Stay off them, since vehicles readily tear them up
Soft, wet roads and trails are easily damaged.
Tread Lightly · TREAD LIGHTLY! ↗ -
May you cut across a switchback or pioneer a new trail when riding off-highway?
No, resist the urge to do either
Stay on existing roads and trails.
Tread Lightly · TREAD LIGHTLY! ↗ -
Why should you stay away from wild animals that are rearing young or short of food?
The stress uses up their limited energy reserves
Disturbing them costs energy they cannot spare.
Tread Lightly · TREAD LIGHTLY! ↗ -
Where can you obtain a travel map for riding on public lands?
From your local U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management office
Get a travel map or the regulations from the public land agency, learn the rules, and follow them.
Tread Lightly · TREAD LIGHTLY! ↗
Questions and answers by topic
- Vehicle types, license and tests76
- Riding gear and your motorcycle78
- Basic vehicle control43
- Lane position, distance and passing48
- SEE, intersections and parking35
- Being seen and riding at night39
- Quick stops, swerving and cornering29
- Dangerous surfaces and mechanical problems61
- Passengers, cargo and group riding62