California Motorcycle Knowledge Test / Class M practice quiz

Question 1

What passing score does California DMV state for the motorcycle knowledge test?

Accepted Answer

80%

Answer

50%

Answer

90%

Answer

65%

Question 2

What is the minimum age DMV lists for applying for a California motorcycle instruction permit?

Accepted Answer

15½

Answer

14

Answer

18

Answer

16½

Question 3

Which class authorizes any two-wheeled motorcycle and all vehicles listed under M2?

Accepted Answer

Class M1

Answer

Class C only

Answer

Class M2

Answer

Class A only

Question 4

Which vehicle is included in the DMV description of Class M2?

Accepted Answer

A motorized bicycle

Answer

A four-axle bus

Answer

A passenger car only

Answer

A commercial truck

Question 5

For an applicant under 21 seeking a motorcycle license, what permit period does DMV specify before applying?

Accepted Answer

At least six months

Answer

At least one year, with a driver's license held for the whole period

Answer

There is no permit period required for applicants under 21

Answer

At least 30 days, as long as a safety course has been completed

Question 6

What happens after failing the same DMV knowledge test three times?

Accepted Answer

The application is no longer valid and the applicant must reapply

Answer

The score is automatically rounded up so the applicant can pass

Answer

The applicant receives a conditional license for 90 days

Answer

The test is waived and the applicant is issued a learner's permit

Question 7

Which clothing choice does the handbook identify as improving the chance that others will see a rider?

Accepted Answer

Brightly colored or reflective clothing

Answer

Loose paper clothing

Answer

Clothing that covers the headlight

Answer

All-black clothing without reflective material

Question 8

What lighting practice does the handbook identify as helping others notice a motorcycle?

Accepted Answer

Keeping the headlight and, if equipped, running lights on

Answer

Using hazard lights for every turn

Answer

Riding with every light off

Answer

Covering the headlight with a shield during the daytime so it does not distract drivers

Question 9

When does the handbook say a rider should use the low beam rather than the high beam?

Accepted Answer

When it is foggy

Answer

Whenever the motorcycle is parked

Answer

Only while refueling

Answer

Only on a clear empty road

Question 10

What is the purpose of a motorcycle helmet in the handbook’s protective-gear discussion?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the risk of head injury

Answer

To guarantee that collisions cannot occur

Answer

To replace the need for a license

Answer

To make the motorcycle heavier

Question 11

Why can reflective material on the sides of a helmet help?

Accepted Answer

It can help drivers see the rider from the side

Answer

It replaces mirror checks because the rider is always visible to other drivers

Answer

It makes turn signals unnecessary because drivers can see the rider's helmet from a long way

Answer

It increases the engine power by reflecting heat away from the rider's head

Question 12

When should a rider use turn signals according to the handbook?

Accepted Answer

Anytime the rider plans to change lanes or turn

Answer

Only during daylight, since signals cannot be seen at night

Answer

Only after completing the turn, to show where the rider has been

Answer

Only when another driver is visible behind or beside the motorcycle

Question 13

What should a rider do with turn signals after completing a turn?

Accepted Answer

Turn them off

Answer

Cover them

Answer

Leave them on until the next trip

Answer

Replace them with the horn

Question 14

What does the handbook recommend before riding a motorcycle?

Accepted Answer

Check the motorcycle and become familiar with its controls

Answer

Remove the mirrors

Answer

Ignore the controls until an emergency

Answer

Disable the brake light

Question 15

Which topic is included in the handbook’s preparing-to-ride material?

Accepted Answer

Knowing your motorcycle

Answer

Choosing a restaurant

Answer

Repairing a traffic signal

Answer

Calculating a vehicle tax

Question 16

What does the handbook identify as part of basic vehicle control?

Accepted Answer

Body position

Answer

Changing a license plate number while riding

Answer

Turning off all controls

Answer

Avoiding every road surface

Question 17

Which control-related subject is specifically covered in the handbook?

Accepted Answer

Shifting gears

Answer

Ignoring the clutch

Answer

Changing a vehicle title while riding

Answer

Removing the brake lever

Question 18

Why does the handbook discuss becoming familiar with motorcycle controls?

Accepted Answer

A rider needs to know how the motorcycle responds before relying on those controls

Answer

Controls on all motorcycles are in the same place, so no practice is needed

Answer

Familiarity removes all of the rider's legal duties on the road and in traffic

Answer

Controls are only decorative and do not affect how the motorcycle responds

Question 19

Which item is part of the official motorcycle driving test description on DMV’s motorcycle-license page?

Accepted Answer

A pre-trip inspection

Answer

A written essay about vehicle history

Answer

A tire replacement at the DMV

Answer

A road-race lap

Question 20

What should a rider do when a motorcycle control or inspection item is unfamiliar?

Accepted Answer

Learn and check it before riding

Answer

Assume it works without checking

Answer

Remove it

Answer

Ignore it until traffic is heavy