California Motorcycle Cheat Sheet, CA DMV
California Motorcycle Cheat Sheet, CA DMV
California Motorcycle Cheat Sheet, CA DMV
Initial Steps
Required Documentation
Documents should be valid/unexpired originals or certified copies
1. Completed Driver License or Identification Card Application
2. Any existing Driver License or Permit
3. If applicable, Birth/Legal Presence Document
4. If applicable, two proofs of California Residency
5. If applicable, proof of Legal Name Change
Fees
$33 for a Motorcycle License
$33 to add a Motorcycle Endorsement to an existing Class C License
$34 to add a Motorcycle Endorsement to an existing Non-Commercial Class A or B License
$43 to add a Motorcycle Endorsement to an existing Commercial License
$27 for a duplicate Motorcycle License
$7 to retake the Motorcycle Skills Test
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Languages
The Department of Motor Vehicles provides interpreters, including American Sign Language
interpreters, at no cost to the customer.
If you need an interpreter, contact the DMV staff and an appointment will be scheduled for when
a foreign language or an ASL interpreter is available.
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Top 30 Questions & Answers
1. Helmets are:
3. When selecting a jacket that will be used as protective apparel, a motorcycle rider should look for
a jacket that is:
When riding a motorcycle, it is highly recommended that you wear protective apparel. Look
for a jacket that completely covers your arms and fits snugly but still allows you to move
freely. Leather or sturdy synthetic materials with integrated body armor offer the best
protection.
4. Before riding, a motorcycle operator should check the clutch. A properly working clutch should
feel:
Check your clutch and throttle before riding your motorcycle. The throttle should snap back
when you let go and the clutch should feel tight and smooth.
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5. If a motorcycle rider takes a turn too fast, they may:
Taking a turn or curve too fast may cause a rider to lose control of their motorcycle. The
motorcycle may cross into another lane of traffic or careen off the road.
Pavement can be particularly slippery after it has just started to rain. Oil from vehicles will
have not yet washed away from the surface of the road, forming a slippery mixture with the
water.
8. A sign that your front tire has gone flat is that your steering suddenly feels:
› Heavy.
If steering suddenly feels heavy, it is possible that your front tire has gone flat. Stop riding
and check your tires as soon as possible.
9. A sign that your rear tire has suddenly gone flat is that:
If the rear tire of a motorcycle goes flat, the back of the motorcycle may jerk or sway from
side to side. If you experience this movement when riding your motorcycle, you should stop
riding and check your tires as soon as possible.
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10. The proper action to take when riding an unfamiliar motorcycle for the first time is to:
› Work the throttle, clutch, and brakes before riding to learn the bike's gear pattern.
Every bike is a little different, so don't start riding an unfamiliar motorcycle without first
familiarizing yourself with how it operates. Do a safety and maintenance check; find out
where everything is located; and work the throttle, clutch, and brakes a few times to learn its
gear pattern.
› More frequent
› Scan their path of travel, looking at least 10 to 15 seconds ahead of their motorcycle.
To reduce the risk of being involved in a collision, consistently scan your path of travel at
least 10 to 15 seconds ahead of your motorcycle. Scanning the road ahead will give you time
to react to a hazard before meeting the hazard.
Sit with a posture that allows you to use your arms to control your motorcycle. You should
not be positioned in a way that requires your arms to prop up your body and support your
weight.
Your arms should be slightly bent when you are holding the handle grips of a motorcycle.
Bending your arms reduces arm fatigue and permits you to press on the handlebars without
having to stretch.
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15. When riding a motorcycle, your feet should be:
When riding, your feet should be kept firmly on your motorcycle's footrests for balance. Your
toes should not be pointed downward, as this may cause them to get caught between the
road and the footrests.
You should shift down through the gears with the clutch as you slow or stop. Remain in first
gear while stopped so you can move quickly, if needed.
It is best to change gears before starting a turn. Shifting gears while in the turn can cause a
sudden change in power to the rear wheel, causing a skid. If you must change gears while in
a turn, change gears smoothly to best prevent skidding.
18. In the center of a traffic lane, there is usually an oily strip. Motorcyclists should:
Avoid riding on oil and grease buildup. Because the oily strip in the center of a lane is usually
no more than two feet wide, it is often possible to stay to the left or right side of the oil and
still be in the center portion of the lane.
In California, motorcyclists are generally allowed to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes.
Be alert to and obey any posted signs prohibiting motorcyclists from using HOV lanes.
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20. A motorcyclist may not place a toll road transponder:
There are five locations where it is permissible to place a transponder or other electronic toll
payment device, provided that toll readers can detect it. A transponder may be placed in a
motorcyclist's pocket, inside a cycle net draped across the gas tank of the motorcycle, on a
license plate device, in a storage compartment on the motorcycle, or on the windshield of
the motorcycle.
21. Under normal conditions, a motorcyclist should maintain a following distance of at least:
› Two seconds.
Riding between rows of stopped or slowly moving vehicles can be dangerous. Vehicles may
change lanes, doors may open, or arms may be stuck out of vehicles' windows. Despite their
size, motorcycles need the full width of a lane to operate safely.
› Cover the clutch and both brake levers to reduce their reaction time.
When approaching a blind intersection, move into the lane position that makes you the most
visible to surrounding drivers.
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25. If you are passing a row of parked vehicles to your right and there is no oncoming traffic to your
left, you should ride:
If you are passing a row of parked vehicles to your right and there is no oncoming traffic to
your left, you should ride in the left portion of your lane. This will help you avoid hazards,
such as car doors that are opening and pedestrians who are stepping out from between
vehicles. If there is oncoming traffic, it is best to remain in the center portion of your lane to
maximize the amount of space around you.
When parked on the road, a motorcycle should create an angle with the curb that is between
45 and 90 degrees. A wheel or fender should be touching the curb.
› 100 feet
You should signal a left or right turn 100 feet before beginning the turn. This should give
surrounding operators time to safely react to your intentions.
28. When riding on a highway, a motorcyclist should signal _______ before changing lanes.
› Five seconds
When riding on the highway, a motorcyclist should signal a lane change at least five seconds
in advance. This should give surrounding operators time to safely react to the motorcyclist's
intentions.
29. If bright sunlight makes it difficult for drivers to see a motorcycle's mechanical turn signals, the
rider should:
Use hand signals when bright sunlight makes your mechanical signals difficult for other
drivers to see. It is extremely important to clearly communicate with other road users.
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30. You should flash your brake light to:
› Tell other motorists that you are going to slow down or stop where they don't expect you
to do so.
Motorcycle riders should use their brake lights to communicate with other road users. It is
particularly important for a motorcyclist to flash their brake light before slowing down to
make a tight, fast turn off of a high-speed roadway. Motorcyclists should flash their brake
lights when slowing in any location where other drivers may not expect them to slow down.
› To determine if drivers behind you are aware that you are stopping.
› Three seconds.
Because it can be difficult to judge distances in the dark, ride with a following distance of at
least three seconds when traveling at night.
33. If you are riding behind another vehicle at night, you can determine if there are bumps on the
road ahead by:
To determine upcoming road conditions when riding at night, use the vehicle ahead of you.
For example, the headlights of the vehicle may provide a better view of the road than your
own high beam. If the vehicle's taillights bounce up and down, this indicates the presence of
bumps on the road.
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34. When a motorcyclist needs to stop quickly, they should:
To stop quickly, apply both brakes at the same time. Scan the road ahead to help you avoid
the need for last-minute stops.
35. If your front wheel locks while you are stopping, you should:
› Immediately release the front brake, then re-apply the brake firmly.
If your front wheel locks while you are making a quick stop, release the front brake
immediately and then re-apply it firmly. Use both the front and rear brakes if you need to
stop quickly.
36. If your rear wheel locks up while you are stopping on a surface with good traction, you should:
If you accidentally lock the rear wheel while stopping on a surface with good traction, you
can keep it locked until you have completely stopped. Even with a locked rear wheel, you can
control your motorcycle if it is upright and traveling in a straight line.
37. A motorcyclist should attempt to avoid obstacles on the roadway. If avoiding an obstacle is not
possible, the motorcyclist should:
If you are unable to avoid an obstacle and must instead ride over it, you should slow down
and approach the obstacle at as close to a 90-degree angle as possible.
› Pull to the side of the road and check your tires and rims for damage.
After riding over an object on the roadway, you should pull off the road to check your tires
and rims for damage before traveling any farther. Ensure that nothing is caught in the drive
chain or belt before proceeding.
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39. When carrying a passenger, a motorcycle takes:
The more weight being carried by a motorcycle, the more time the motorcycle takes to
accelerate and decelerate. Your motorcycle will respond to your commands more slowly
when carrying a passenger than it will when you are the only person on the bike.
40. It is illegal to operate a motorcycle with a minimum blood alcohol content (BAC) of:
› 0.08 percent.
In California, it is illegal for a person age 21 or older to operate a motorcycle with a blood
alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. For a person under the age of 21, it is illegal
to operate a motorcycle with a BAC of 0.01 percent or higher. It may be unsafe to operate a
motorcycle even if you are under the legal limit.
41. The best way to avoid fatigue when riding your motorcycle on a long trip is to:
To avoid becoming fatigued when riding your motorcycle on a long trip, limit how much time
is spent riding each day and take frequent rest breaks. Avoid the use of artificial stimulants
because you may experience extreme fatigue when they start to wear off.
42. When riding with a passenger on your motorcycle, you should instruct the passenger to:
It is best to change gears before starting a turn. However, if you must shift while turning,
shift smoothly. A sudden change in power to the rear wheel can cause a skid.
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44. A passenger on a motorcycle should:
A passenger on a motorcycle should sit as far forward as possible without crowding the
operator. The passenger should keep both feet on the footrests at all times, even when
stopped.
When riding at night, reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Visibility is
lowered at night and you will need the additional time and space to react to upcoming
hazards.
47. You should operate the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch when:
If the throttle becomes stuck and you are unable to free it, immediately operate the engine
cut-off switch and pull in the clutch at the same time. This will remove power from the rear
wheel until you are able to safely leave the road and stop.
Before every ride, be sure your mirrors are clean and properly adjusted. It is important to be
aware of what surrounds your motorcycle, and properly adjusted mirrors can help you do
this.
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49. When your mirrors are properly adjusted, you should see:
Adjust your mirrors so you can see the lane behind you and as much as possible of the lane
next to you. When properly adjusted, a mirror may show the edge of your arm or shoulder,
but it’s the road behind you and to the side of you that is most important.
When approaching multiple hazards at one time, you must be able to identify and separate
the hazards. If possible, react to and safely pass one hazard before dealing with the next.
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U.S. Traffic Signs
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No Trucks No Left Turn No Right Turn
The indicated area is not suitable Drivers may not perform a left Drivers may not perform a right
for use by large trucks. turn at the indicated turn at the indicated
intersection. intersection.
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Left Turn Only Straight Only Straight or Turn
Traffic in the indicated lane must Traffic in the indicated lane must Traffic in the indicated lane may
turn left at the intersection. continue straight through the continue straight or turn in the
intersection. direction of the arrow.
U-Turn Only Left Lane Must Turn Left Multiple Railroad Tracks
Traffic in the indicated lane must Drivers in the left lane must turn The roadway intersects with a
complete a U-turn. left at the indicated intersection. railroad crossing with multiple
tracks. Drivers must be sure all
tracks are clear before
proceeding.
Maximum Speed Limit Maximum and Minimum School Zone Speed Limit
This is the maximum speed at
Speed Limits During the posted times, or
which drivers may travel. Drivers Under ideal conditions, drivers when a warning light is flashing,
must drive at a lower speed if may not exceed the maximum drivers must follow a school
conditions require it. posted speed and may not drive zone's speed limit.
slower than the minimum posted
speed.
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End School Zone One-Way Traffic One-Way Traffic
A school zone and its restricted Traffic on the roadway moves Traffic on the roadway moves
speed limit come to an end. only in the direction indicated by only in the direction indicated by
the arrow. the arrow.
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Roundabout Reserved Handicap Parking Bicycle Lane
Traffic ahead moves in a Indicated parking spaces are The lane is reserved for
counterclockwise direction. reserved for vehicles with the bicyclists. Passenger vehicles
Drivers should enter at a low proper license plate or hanging may only enter a bicycle lane
speed and yield to traffic already tag registered to a person in the when turning.
using the circle. vehicle.
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U.S. Warning Signs
Sharp Turn to the Left Sharp Turn to the Right Curve to the Left
Drivers should reduce their Drivers should reduce their Drivers should reduce their
speed and prepare to turn speed and prepare to turn speed and prepare for the road
sharply to the left. sharply to the right. to curve to the left.
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Road Narrows Merging Traffic Added Lane
The road ahead narrows. Drivers Drivers should be alert to traffic The road ahead comes together
should take care to stay on the merging from the right and with another road. Drivers do not
traveled portion of the roadway. should make room for merging have to merge but should be
vehicles. aware of additional traffic.
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Lane Ends, Merge Left Pedestrian Crossing Bicycle Warning
The right lane ends ahead. Pedestrians may be present in a Bicycles may be on or crossing
Drivers should merge to the left marked or unmarked crosswalk. the roadway. Bicycles are
to stay on the roadway. Drivers must yield to pedestrians considered vehicles and
crossing a roadway. motorists must respect their
right to be on the road.
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T Intersection Crossroad Side Road
The road ends ahead. Drivers The road meets an intersecting The road meets an angled side
should prepare to stop before crossroad ahead. Drivers should road ahead. Drivers should be
turning left or right. be alert to entering traffic. alert to entering traffic.
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Divided Highway Ends Two-Way Traffic Exit Speed Limit
The divided highway ends Lanes travel in two different Drivers should slow to the
ahead. Drivers should keep to directions. Drivers should keep to posted speed limit once they
the right and be alert to the right and be alert to have entered the freeway's
oncoming traffic. oncoming traffic. deceleration lane.
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Drawbridge Ice on Bridges Narrow Bridge
The bridge ahead is a Bridges freeze more quickly than The bridge ahead is more narrow
drawbridge. Drivers should slow the rest of the road. Drivers than the preceeding roadway.
to a stop when told to do so by a should use caution when driving Drivers should use caution when
sign, signal, or flagger. on bridges under wet or freezing driving on a narrow bridge.
conditions.
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School Crossing Playground Area Railroad Crossing
Drivers are approaching a school Drivers are near a playground The roadway intersects with
crossing and must be alert to and should be extra alert to railroad tracks. Drivers must yield
children and pedestrians. Drivers children on or near the roadway. to all trains and proceed only
should reduce their speed. when it is safe to do so.
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Shoulder Work Flagger Ahead Workers Present
Maintenance is taking place on A flagger is directing traffic Workers are on or near the
the shoulder of the road. Drivers through a work zone. Drivers roadway. Drivers should use
should proceed with caution and should proceed with caution and extra caution when driving in a
follow all provided directions. follow all provided directions. work zone where workers are
present.
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Other Signs
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Litter Barrel Hospital Rest Area
The location indicated on the There is a hospital at the location A rest area is located off the
service sign has a litter barrel indicated on the service sign. highway in the direction of the
available for public use. arrow.
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Wildlife Viewing Area Wildlife Viewing Area State Park
The location indicated on the The location indicated on the There is a state park at the
recreation sign has a wildlife recreation sign has a wildlife location indicated on the
viewing area available for drivers viewing area available for drivers recreation sign.
leaving the highway. leaving the highway.
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Destination Sign Guide Sign Guide Sign
Distances to the listed locations Drivers are approaching Drivers can access the posted
are posted in miles on the right upcoming exits and should route by driving in the indicated
side of the sign. merge into the necessary lanes. lane.
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Practice Tests
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