Motorcycle knowledge test (Class M) · California DMV
Riding gear and your motorcycle
Questions and answers
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Which item of riding gear are you required by law to wear?
A U.S. DOT compliant motorcycle safety helmet
Only the helmet is required by law. Eye protection and protective apparel are highly suggested.
Preparing to Ride · Wear the Right Gear ↗ -
Who on a motorcycle must wear a helmet?
All riders and all passengers
The helmet law covers every rider and every passenger.
Preparing to Ride · Helmet Use ↗ -
Is a helmet required when riding a motorized bicycle?
Yes, just as on a motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle
The helmet requirement applies to motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, and motorized bicycles.
Preparing to Ride · Helmet Use ↗ -
Which federal standard must a motorcycle safety helmet comply with?
FMVSS 218
The helmet must comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218.
Preparing to Ride · Helmet Use ↗ -
Who certifies that a helmet complies with the U.S. DOT standard?
The manufacturer
The helmet must be certified by its manufacturer.
Preparing to Ride · Helmet Use ↗ -
On what kind of trips do most motorcycle collisions happen?
Short trips of less than five miles
Most collisions happen on short trips, so a helmet matters even for a quick errand.
Preparing to Ride · Helmet Use ↗ -
How fast are most riders going when a collision occurs?
Slower than 30 mph
Most riders are traveling below 30 mph at the moment of a collision.
Preparing to Ride · Helmet Use ↗ -
At speeds under 30 mph, by how much can a U.S. DOT compliant helmet cut the number and severity of head injuries?
By 50 percent
At these speeds a compliant helmet can halve both the number and the severity of head injuries.
Preparing to Ride · Helmet Use ↗ -
In a collision at any speed, how much more likely are you to survive a head injury if you wear a U.S. DOT compliant helmet?
Three times more likely
A compliant helmet makes surviving a head injury three times more likely, regardless of speed.
Preparing to Ride · Helmet Use ↗ -
Which kind of injury accounts for the majority of serious and fatal motorcyclist injuries?
Head injuries
Head injuries are the main cause of serious and fatal injuries to motorcyclists.
Preparing to Ride · Helmet Use ↗ -
How does a helmet that is not U.S. DOT compliant generally differ from a compliant one?
It has very thin liners and protective padding
Non-compliant helmets lack the strength, size, and ability to protect the rider in a collision.
Preparing to Ride · Helmet Use ↗ -
A shop offers a helmet it calls a novelty helmet or a beanie. What do such names refer to?
Helmets that are not U.S. DOT compliant
Novelty helmets, rain bonnets, lids, loophole lids, beanies, and brain buckets are names for non-compliant helmets.
Preparing to Ride · Helmet Use ↗ -
Non-compliant helmets may look like compliant ones and be sold next to them. What should you check before you buy?
That the U.S. DOT certification is on the helmet
Looks are not a guide. Check for the U.S. DOT certification on the helmet itself.
Preparing to Ride · Helmet Use ↗ -
You put decals on your U.S. DOT compliant helmet. How does that affect its safety?
It does not affect the safety properties of the helmet
Stick-on decorations do not change the safety properties of a compliant helmet.
Preparing to Ride · Helmet Use ↗ -
How many types of helmet does the handbook list?
Four
The types are half shell, three-quarters, modular, and full-face.
Preparing to Ride · Helmet Selection ↗ -
Which helmet offers the best coverage and protection to the back and sides of your head?
A full-face helmet with a lock-in visor
The full-face helmet with a lock-in visor gives the most coverage.
Preparing to Ride · Helmet Selection ↗ -
Where on a compliant helmet is the manufacturer-applied DOT lettering found?
On the back of the helmet
Look for the DOT lettering applied by the manufacturer on the back of the helmet.
Preparing to Ride · Helmet Selection ↗ -
The DOT lettering on a helmet turns out to be a stick-on label. What does the handbook say?
The lettering should not be a stick-on label or easily removed
Genuine DOT lettering is applied by the manufacturer and does not peel off.
Preparing to Ride · Helmet Selection ↗ -
How should a helmet fit?
Snugly, all the way around
A helmet protects best when it fits snugly all the way around.
Preparing to Ride · Helmet Selection ↗ -
Which of these is an obvious defect that a helmet should not have?
Frayed straps
Check a helmet for cracks, loose padding, and frayed straps.
Preparing to Ride · Helmet Selection ↗ -
Why must the helmet be securely fastened on your head whenever you ride?
In a collision it may come off before it can protect you
An unfastened helmet can fly off in a collision before it does its job.
Preparing to Ride · Helmet Selection ↗ -
How do a face shield and goggles differ in what they protect?
A face shield protects your whole face, goggles only your eyes
A lowered and locked face shield covers the whole face. Goggles cover only the eyes.
Preparing to Ride · Face, Eye, and Ear Protection ↗ -
Your motorcycle has a windshield. Do you still need a face shield or goggles?
Yes, a windshield is not a substitute for them
Most windshields will not protect your eyes from the wind.
Preparing to Ride · Face, Eye, and Ear Protection ↗ -
Why are eyeglasses or sunglasses not enough as eye protection?
They do not stop your eyes from watering and might blow off
Glasses do not shield your eyes from the wind and can blow off when you turn your head.
Preparing to Ride · Face, Eye, and Ear Protection ↗ -
Why should eye or face shield protection let air pass through?
To reduce fogging
Airflow keeps the shield from fogging up.
Preparing to Ride · Face, Eye, and Ear Protection ↗ -
Which of these is NOT something effective eye or face shield protection must do?
Be tinted to cut glare
It must be free of scratches, resist punctures, give a clear view to the sides, fasten securely, let air through, and leave room for glasses. Tinting is not on the list.
Preparing to Ride · Face, Eye, and Ear Protection ↗ -
When should tinted eye protection or a tinted face shield not be worn?
At night or when little light is available
Tinted protection cuts the light you need to see in the dark.
Preparing to Ride · Face, Eye, and Ear Protection ↗ -
How must a face shield be positioned to protect you from wind, dust, rain, insects, and pebbles?
Lowered and locked in
A face shield protects only when it is lowered and locked in place.
Preparing to Ride · Face, Eye, and Ear Protection ↗ -
When may a rider wear earplugs in both ears?
When they are specifically designed to reduce harmful noise levels
A headset, earplugs, or earphones in both ears are not allowed unless they are protectors designed to reduce injurious noise.
Preparing to Ride · Face, Eye, and Ear Protection ↗ -
What must you still be able to hear while wearing ear protection?
A siren or horn from an emergency vehicle or another motor vehicle
Ear protection must not keep you from hearing sirens and horns.
Preparing to Ride · Face, Eye, and Ear Protection ↗ -
Which element of nature does the handbook say can cause hearing loss?
Wind
Wind noise can damage hearing, which is why riders may want ear protection.
Preparing to Ride · Face, Eye, and Ear Protection ↗ -
How should a riding jacket fit?
Snugly enough not to flap in the wind, yet loose enough to move freely
The jacket should cover your arms, stay put in the wind, and still let you move.
Preparing to Ride · Clothing ↗ -
Which jacket materials offer the most protection?
Leather or sturdy synthetic materials with integrated body armor
Leather or sturdy synthetics with built-in body armor protect best.
Preparing to Ride · Clothing ↗ -
What are chaps?
Leather pants without a seat, worn over long pants as an extra layer
Chaps add a layer of protection for your legs on top of long pants.
Preparing to Ride · Clothing ↗ -
How do long pants compare with short pants for riding?
Long pants offer greater protection
Long pants protect your legs better than short pants.
Preparing to Ride · Clothing ↗ -
How high should riding boots or shoes be?
High and sturdy enough to cover and support your ankles
Footwear should cover and support the ankles.
Preparing to Ride · Clothing ↗ -
What should the soles of riding boots be made of?
A hard, durable, slip-resistant material
Hard, durable soles that resist slipping give secure footing.
Preparing to Ride · Clothing ↗ -
Why should the heels of riding boots be short?
So they do not catch on rough surfaces
Short heels are less likely to snag on rough surfaces.
Preparing to Ride · Clothing ↗ -
What should you do with the laces of your boots or shoes?
Tuck them in so they cannot catch on the motorcycle
Loose laces can catch on the motorcycle.
Preparing to Ride · Clothing ↗ -
What are riding gloves for?
A better grip and protection for your hands
Gloves improve grip and protect your hands. They should be leather or a similar durable material.
Preparing to Ride · Clothing ↗ -
It is a hot summer day. What does the handbook say about wearing a jacket, long pants, boots, and gloves?
They can prevent dehydration and sun or wind burn
Protective gear helps in warm weather too, and much of it is designed not to make you overheat.
Preparing to Ride · Clothing ↗ -
Why is numbness from riding in cold weather a safety problem?
It can make it difficult to control the motorcycle
Long cold rides can cause severe chill, dehydration, and fatigue, and numb hands and feet control a motorcycle poorly.
Preparing to Ride · Clothing ↗ -
How should you dress for cold or wet weather?
Layer clothes to keep yourself warm and dry
Layers keep you warm and dry and also protect you from injury.
Preparing to Ride · Clothing ↗ -
Where should a winter jacket fit snugly?
At the neck, wrists, and waist
A winter jacket should resist wind and close snugly at the neck, wrists, and waist.
Preparing to Ride · Clothing ↗ -
What sets a good quality rain suit designed for motorcycle riding apart?
It resists tearing apart or ballooning up at high speeds
A proper motorcycle rain suit holds together and does not balloon at speed.
Preparing to Ride · Clothing ↗ -
How can you tell that a motorcycle fits you?
Your feet comfortably reach the ground while you are seated
Seated on the motorcycle, your feet should reach the ground comfortably.
Preparing to Ride · The Right Motorcycle ↗ -
Which of these is on the minimum equipment list for a street-legal motorcycle?
Front and rear brakes
The minimum is good tires, working headlights, taillight, brake light, and turn signals, front and rear brakes, a horn, and mirrors.
Preparing to Ride · The Right Motorcycle ↗ -
Which of these is NOT on the minimum equipment list for a street-legal motorcycle?
A fairing
A horn, mirrors, and working lights and signals are required at a minimum. A fairing is not on the list.
Preparing to Ride · The Right Motorcycle ↗ -
What must the tires of a street-legal motorcycle have?
Sufficient tread and air pressure for safe operation
Tires need enough tread and air pressure to operate safely.
Preparing to Ride · The Right Motorcycle ↗ -
What share of all collisions involves motorcycle riders with less than six months of experience?
More than half
More than half of collisions happen to riders with under six months of experience.
Preparing to Ride · Get Familiar With the Motorcycle Controls ↗ -
More than half of all collisions involve riders with how much experience?
Less than six months
New riders in their first six months account for more than half of collisions.
Preparing to Ride · Get Familiar With the Motorcycle Controls ↗ -
Where is the best place to get familiar with a motorcycle that is new to you?
In a controlled area
Learn a new motorcycle in a controlled area and ride it extra carefully, however experienced you are.
Preparing to Ride · Get Familiar With the Motorcycle Controls ↗ -
On an unfamiliar motorcycle, how well should you know where the turn signals, horn, dimmer switch, fuel-supply valve, and engine cut-off switch are?
Well enough to find them without having to look
You should be able to reach these controls without looking for them.
Preparing to Ride · Get Familiar With the Motorcycle Controls ↗ -
What should you do with the throttle, clutch, and brakes of an unfamiliar motorcycle before you start riding?
Work them a few times, because all controls react a little differently
Know the gear pattern and try the controls a few times first.
Preparing to Ride · Get Familiar With the Motorcycle Controls ↗ -
How should you ride a motorcycle you do not know yet?
Accelerate gently, take turns slowly, and leave extra room for stopping
Ride very cautiously and give yourself extra margins.
Preparing to Ride · Get Familiar With the Motorcycle Controls ↗ -
You borrow a friend’s motorcycle. Which checks should you make before riding it?
All the safety and maintenance checks you would make on your own motorcycle
A borrowed motorcycle gets the same checks as your own.
Preparing to Ride · Get Familiar With the Motorcycle Controls ↗ -
What does the handbook say about add-ons and modifications?
Avoid those that make your motorcycle harder to handle
Skip add-ons and modifications that hurt handling.
Preparing to Ride · Know Your Motorcycle ↗ -
How often should you check your motorcycle?
Before every ride
A motorcycle needs more frequent attention than a car, so check it before each ride.
Preparing to Ride · Check Your Motorcycle ↗ -
How does the attention a motorcycle needs compare with a car?
A motorcycle needs more frequent attention
Find out about problems before you get into traffic or ride at freeway speeds.
Preparing to Ride · Check Your Motorcycle ↗ -
What do you check on the tires before every ride?
Air pressure, general wear, and tread
Look at pressure, wear, and tread each time.
Preparing to Ride · Check Your Motorcycle ↗ -
How often, at a minimum, should hydraulic fluid and coolant be checked?
Weekly
Check hydraulic fluid and coolant at least once a week.
Preparing to Ride · Check Your Motorcycle ↗ -
Why do you look under the motorcycle during the pre-ride check?
For signs of fluid leaks
A look underneath can reveal fluid leaks.
Preparing to Ride · Check Your Motorcycle ↗ -
How do you check the brake light before a ride?
Try both brake controls and make sure each one turns the light on
Each brake control should light the brake light on its own.
Preparing to Ride · Check Your Motorcycle ↗ -
What do you check on the battery?
Condition, electrolyte level, terminals, and fastening
The battery should be in good condition, topped up, with clean tight terminals, and fastened securely.
Preparing to Ride · Check Your Motorcycle ↗ -
What do you check on the chain or belt?
Tension, lubrication, and sprockets
Look at chain or belt tension, lubrication, and the sprockets.
Preparing to Ride · Check Your Motorcycle ↗ -
What do you look for when you check the kickstand?
Cracks, bent springs, and enough tension to hold position
A cracked stand or weak spring may not hold the motorcycle up or stay retracted.
Preparing to Ride · Check Your Motorcycle ↗ -
When you let go of the throttle during the pre-ride check, what should it do?
Snap back
A throttle that does not snap back needs attention before you ride.
Preparing to Ride · Check Your Motorcycle ↗ -
How should the clutch feel when you check it before starting out?
Tight and smooth
The clutch should work smoothly and feel tight.
Preparing to Ride · Check Your Motorcycle ↗ -
How should your mirrors be adjusted?
To show the lane behind you and as much as possible of the lane next to you
Clean and adjust the mirrors before starting so you see behind and beside you.
Preparing to Ride · Check Your Motorcycle ↗ -
Your mirror shows the edge of your arm. Is it badly adjusted?
No, a properly adjusted mirror may show the edge of your arm or shoulder
A little arm or shoulder is fine. What matters is the view of the road behind and to the side.
Preparing to Ride · Check Your Motorcycle ↗ -
How do you check the brakes once you are on the motorcycle?
Try front and rear one at a time and make sure each feels firm and holds the motorcycle
Each brake, tested separately, should feel firm and hold the motorcycle when fully applied.
Preparing to Ride · Check Your Motorcycle ↗ -
Which items should be checked at least once a week, in addition to the checks before every trip?
Wheels, cables, fasteners, and fluid levels
Wheels, cables, fasteners, and fluid levels get a weekly check.
Preparing to Ride · Check Your Motorcycle ↗ -
How far ahead should you scan your path of travel?
At least 10 to 15 seconds ahead
Looking 10 to 15 seconds ahead gives you time to spot hazards.
Preparing to Ride · Know Your Responsibilities ↗ -
According to the handbook, which pants provide the best protection?
Denim jeans
Long pants protect better than short ones, and the handbook names denim jeans as the best. Chaps over them add another layer.
Preparing to Ride · Clothing ↗ -
Why is “accident” often the wrong word for a traffic collision?
Most people involved can usually claim some responsibility for what happened
An accident suggests no one was at fault, and in traffic that is rarely so.
Preparing to Ride · Know Your Responsibilities ↗ -
How many causes does a collision usually have?
Rarely just one
There is rarely a single cause, so it is up to you not to be a cause or an unprepared participant.
Preparing to Ride · Know Your Responsibilities ↗ -
Which three things does the handbook tell you to use to communicate your intentions?
The proper signals, the brake light, and lane position
Signals, brake light, and lane position tell others what you plan to do.
Preparing to Ride · Know Your Responsibilities ↗ -
As a motorcycle rider, what can you be sure of about other road users?
Nothing, you cannot be sure they will see you or yield the right of way
Never assume you have been seen or that others will yield.
Preparing to Ride · Know Your Responsibilities ↗
Questions and answers by topic
- Vehicle types, license and tests76
- 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
- Alcohol, fatigue and the law43