Renewing your driver’s license is typically an uneventful experience . . . particularly for me. Every few years, I get a notice that I need to renew my license (both for automobile and motorcycle use) from the local DMV. I travel down to the DMV, take both tests (a separate test is administered for the automobile license and the motorcycle license), barely pass each test, and get my new license. Admittedly, I never study for either test before taking it. This time, I took both tests (again, without studying) and passed the automobile test, but failed the motorcycle test. It wasn’t the technical questions I missed (How many feet before a right turn should you begin signaling?), which might directly reflect my lack of studying California traffic laws, it was the common sense stuff. At least, it was the stuff that appeared to be common sense to me.

Here are some examples of “correct” answers on a multiple choice California motorcycle rider’s examination. If you see a car approaching you in the opposite direction on a two-lane highway, and both you and the automobile are about to enter an intersection at about the same time (but have not yet done so) it is advised that, to be safe, you should “slow down and move away from the vehicle after entering the intersection.” Why not before? If you change your lane position after entering an intersection, doesn’t this create other safety issues? If the oncoming car is going to turn left in front of you, doing anything after entering the intersection is going to be too late.

Another example involves a picture of three riders passing an automobile in succession. The question states the riders are “riding as a group” and states that a trailing rider should pass a vehicle safely after one rider in the group has already passed this vehicle. It concludes that the correct practice, from a safety perspective, is that the trailing rider should pass the vehicle and move in behind the leading rider even though the picture depicts no space for such a maneuver and, clearly indicates that the trailing rider would strike the automobile if he tried to take position behind the leading rider in the manner indicated.

One final example would be this. The question asks whether a rider, stopping at an intersection where he intends to turn right, should position himself in the center of the lane at the stop, or the right portion of the lane. The correct answer? The center portion of the lane, of course, where an automobile could easily move along side you to your right, and even lead to a collision if you were to initiate your turn from the center of the lane (which, in many instances, would put you several yards from the curb edge).

I don’t know about you, but years and years of practical riding experience seem to work against me when I take my California motorcycle rider’s test. Obviously, it might help if I studied the provided handbook, but when I get a common sense question, I frequently cannot ask myself what I would normally do under the circumstances to stay safe. The “correct” answer to the question frequently defies logic as well as my practical experience. Write us and let us know if you have had a similar experience with your state motorcycle rider’s examination.

MD Readers Respond:

• I agree 100%. I’ve seen several such examples regards the DMV tests.
  I’m not sure if the CHP are still writing up the Motorcycle tests but
  obviously the MC community need to bring about a change on this.

  Perhaps with help from the MSF, AMA and other pro rider groups
  combined with expert riders and journalists, something could actually
  be achieved by putting pressure on DMV to upgrade the contents of the
  tests.

  These tests are out of touch and just plain wrong, as you’ve
  illustrated. They purposely include “trick” questions to confuse
  applicants and make multiple errors on several levels. I’ve managed
  to pass the tests only by seeing through the stupid logic employed and
  actually putting down the WRONG answer (which was the correct
  answer … according to DMV).

  Another key problem is the absurdity of the practical rider skills
  test as used by DMV and many other US states. Anyone who has
  experience with the British, German or Japanese system for practical
  motorcycle skill testing will understand why those riders are
  typically more skilled and safer than US riders. Doing a couple figure
  eights tests nothing, other than the rider may be sober.

  I’m not suggesting a year long program as required in Germany or the
  super high fees riders must pay for training there, but surly the
  practical test could easily be made much better. It should also be
  handled by Police motorcyclist’s, not DMV employees with zero expertise.
  Thanks for your perspective on this underreported issue.   Patrick

• Hell if I rode like the Louisiana DMV test says I should ride, I would never have lived the last 37 years of my life!   Jim
• If you had to take the written test to renew your California Drivers License, you had at least one moving violation during the term of that license. A moving violation means you didn’t understand (or knowingly violated) the CA Vehicle Code. Taking the test is your penalty.

  Ask for a booklet, read it for 15 minutes at the DMV and take the test. I’ve done this several times and never missed more than one or two questions, passing the test. It’s not about whether the DMV’s hypothetical questions are accurate to your riding experience. It’s about the penalty of taking the test. A formality with an educational benefit designed to make drivers understand and obey the law.

  If you complete the term of your new CDL with no moving violations, you’ll get your renewal by mail and will be able to complete it online. No test, no appearance at the DMV, no hassle. That’s my preference. Good luck!   Frank

• I wanted to add my experience too. As has been pointed out, here in Washington state we do not re-test after the obtaining our endorsement the first time. For me, that was 40 years ago! But what has always bugged me is that back then and for some time after that there was no additional charge for the motorcycle endorsement when re-upping one’s drivers license. Now days it’s $25 dollars to renew the general driver’s license and an additional $25 for the motorcycle endorsement! For years the endorsement was nothing more than a typed line on the face of the license itself with, I would expect, low administrative costs associated with it but not now. I guess motorcyclists became too large of a group that could not be ignored anymore? A new cash cow. It’s not the money but the principle. If they were taking that money and actually seeking to educate and train motorcyclists to be better and safer on the road, and some extra awareness training of motorcycles by the general driving public, I’d have no issue with it.   Rick
• Your description of the last item suggests that the DMV’s advice is in direct conflict with California Vehicle Code 22100 which states: Except as provided in Section 22100.5 or 22101, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn upon a highway shall do so as follows: (a) Right Turns. Both the approach for a right-hand turn and a right-hand turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except:

  (1) Upon a highway having three marked lanes for traffic moving in one direction that terminates at an intersecting highway accommodating traffic in both directions, the driver of a vehicle in the middle lane may turn right into any lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered.

  (2) If a right-hand turn is made from a one-way highway at an intersection, a driver shall approach the turn as provided in this subdivision and shall complete the turn in any lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered.

  (3) Upon a highway having an additional lane or lanes marked for a right turn by appropriate signs or markings, the driver of a vehicle may turn right from any lane designated and marked for that turning movement.   Brian

• I respectfully disagree with Michael who complained about the Kalifornia DMV keyhole test. It is a great skill mastery exercise we all should complete occasionally. I took the test on a cruiser, and it was just as Michael described it, clutch slipping and riding right on the edge of the line. I spent lots of time mastering the keyhole. They have you do it weaving between “cone dots” as well as straight up the sides of the keyhole so you get to do it several times.

  It forced me to learn slow speed handling skills which translate to better skills all around.

  The written test, well that is just another evidence of the booklet writers writing the exam and it is a standing joke here. The cage and motorcycle tests are full of little tricky questions designed to test if you can remember their gibberish, not if you know the real practical rules of the road.   John

• Whaa? Why did you have to take a test? I had to take a test when I switched my license from OH back in ’88, and the motorcycle written test when I got my endorsement in ’95, but nothing since then. Usually, I get a notice in the mail, sometimes I have to go in for a new picture (every other time, I think). Pay my fees, wait for the envelope, voila! new license. What did you do to piss ’em off?   Doug
• The PA test has a couple of questions which are debatable in my opinion. But if you ponder for a moment what a simplistic person would be asking, you can pretty much figure out what answer they are looking for.   John
• Read the booklet, pass the test. It’s not hard. I am a teacher and I have many bright students who do not perform well on tests because they over analyze and over think questions. For instance, it sounds like you agonized over the passing question because in your experience, you have done something else, and the drawing (which I’m sure was labeled “Not to Scale”) didn’t look right to you. I’ll bet that in the booklet, this exact diagram was accompanied with a sentence encapsulating the question and the correct answer.

  The test may not be 100% accurate and correct according to your experience, but it’s what they’ve got. A test is never a perfect measurement of knowledge or skill, but it is a perfect measurement of how well you can take the test and it sounds like you didn’t prepare, practice, or have the right mindset. Your failure shouldn’t be a surprise.

  Also consider that, like all experienced motorcyclists, you have undoubtedly picked up some bad habits along with the good ones. DMV wants you to read the booklet to remind you of the law and correct bad habits you may not have even realized you had.

  After a second reading of your description of the test, it sounds like you made a common multiple choice test error. You read the question, formulated the correct answer (change position before you enter the intersection) and went looking for that in the answer choices. When you couldn’t find it you freaked out instead of picking the most correct answer out of the choices given. Changing positions in an intersection in the situation described is better than doing nothing and should not create new problems since there is only one lane of traffic in each direction. Next time, read all the choices before you decide on an answer. Taking a multiple choice test is a skill that can be taught and improved on (just like riding a motorcycle.)   Ryan

• No written test, or any test to renew. My last renewal (for a 10 year license. Good until I am 59) was by mail. You can get 10 year licenses until age 60! The picture has already been reused one, so it will be 18 years old when I do my next 10 year renewal in about 8 years now…I still have that t-shirt… You do have to retest when you are over 80… driving test only… my Mom, who drove horribly when 40, and knows it, is now 85 and has passed it twice. Fortunately, she and her Cadillac don’t go anywhere except the store and Church these days… Uh, did you ever pass that motorcycle test? 😉   James
• The first time I took the written test for motorcycles I did not pass. Which turned out to be a good thing. Because it led me to sign up for the Motorcycle Foundation Safety Course. There I learned the real common sense techniques that have kept me alive since purchasing my Burgman 650. Considering that I have a close calls with oblivious drivers that are chatting on their cell phones nearly every time I ride, I believe that the class is a good investment. Except for one thing: doing a figure eight in a parking space at 5 mph without putting your feet down. Who was the idiot that made the rule that says you can’t put your foot down while doing a slow parking lot maneuver? The very first thing they teach us in the MSFC is how to power walk the bike. But, they won’t let us do that when it is most sensible in the driving test. Since when is tank slapping two consecutive u-turns at any speed something we should be taught and expected to master with our feet up? I would never do that in real life.   Michael
• I have no idea why anyone would live in California; I escaped the stupidity of that socialist enclave over 30 years ago, the only way I would ever relocate to California again would be a sentence issued by a judge.   Tony
• No different here in Vancouver BC Canada. I passed it with flying colors as a new rider, but failed it repeatedly after I had years of experience, taken 3 advanced riding courses, and started teaching them. I could go into it—but the regulations are insane and wholly unsafe. Sadly, the best way to stay alive is to break the law.   Jeff
• The Oregon motorcycle test used to ask what the safest part of the lane to ride in was, and the correct answer per them was the center. They also had a question which indicated the safest way to ride in a group was side by side. Hopefully they have updated the test since the early 80s. Keep up the good work.   Bryan
• Just to let you know, in Ohio you never have to take any test ever
  again once obtaining a motorcycle license. It’s good forever. Keep up the good work!   J.B.

• I appreciated your sharing your experience with DMV testing. A year ago I moved from Colorado to North Carolina, and had a very similar experience. I had no difficulty with the written test for the basic automobile license, but just barely passed the motorcycle portion, because I attempted to answer the questions according to what I instinctively knew made sense, as opposed to what was presumably printed in the booklet. This is simply bureaucracy at work. The booklet is written by some board of self-appointed experts to begin with, and I think it is likely that the people who create the tests are low-level administrators from the DMV who are unable to divine the true intent of what they read in the booklet.

  But let me share the experience I had when I moved from Ohio to Nevada about twenty-three years ago. The state of Nevada required me to take the skill portion of the motorcycle test even though I had a full motorcycle endorsement on my license and had been riding for several years. Back then I rode a Honda V65 Magna. I recall that I did something to tick off the first lady who was administering the test, and another test administrator, a man this time, took over at her request. I no doubt had shared my opinions as to the utter stupidity of their skill test, and I still recall the look on his face from the moment he took over, which was not encouraging for my situation. One of the skill tests involved riding into a marked circular path and then, when the light flashes, applying the brakes to demonstrate skill at quick, controlled stopping in a circular path. On the first attempt, I entered the marked path at what I thought was a reasonable speed, and when the lights flashed, I came to a controlled stop well before reaching the end of the marked circular path. The administrator informed me that I had entered the marked path so fast that I was “off the chart”, meaning that his chart did not give a minimal stopping distance corresponding to the speed at which I had entered the marked path. I tried to persuade him to simply use the fastest speed that was on his chart. He agreed to allow me to repeat that part of the test, but for reasons that I did not understand, would not tell me the range of speeds that were covered in his chart. I reduced my entry speed significantly, only to be told once more by this administrator that I was “off the chart”, after which I was permitted a third attempt, which I attempted at a crawl, but the result was the same. According to Nevada law, if I did not pass this test, my riding would be restricted to day time riding and so on, and I would have to wait for a few months before I could retake the test. I was furious, and in the most direct, professional, non-emotional tone I told the administrator that I was certain that he was not executing the test correctly and that if he did not give me a passing score, I would visit my state representative and senator to discuss this experience, and that when I did, his name would be prominently mentioned. He immediately became very visibly shaken, and agreed that I should be given a passing score.   Tom

• I was there to renew my license a number of years ago. I didn’t bother studying the booklet and had thoughts that some of the questions and their multiple choice answers were “fuzzy”. They weren’t rule based questions and answers but ride technique/safety/best practice type. So, sure enough, the DMV employee behind the counter checked my test and I had failed. I was returned my test and the DMV booklet and given the opportunity to review my answers. After doing so, I returned to the desk and was given another test to complete. It’s not the same exact test, I think they have four or so that cover everything but have some unique questions to each test. Anyways, I remember laboring over one question which appeared on both tests which was marked incorrect on my first try. Try as I might I could not answer differently than I had on the first test. I was confident that I had the best or correct answer. So I take the test back to the counter, it was checked and I had passed after the 2nd try. That’s great I said and I asked the employee if she had my first test. Yes she did. And I pointed out to her that there was a question that I had answered identically on both tests, but on the first was scored as a wrong answer and that on the second was scored correct…. She looked at the tests. She looked at the answer keys in front of her. She looked some more… just couldn’t decide what to do. The wait was getting uncomfortable. I interrupted her thought processes and asked if I could speak with her manager. She called the manager over and I politely explained the situation…. that their test (or answer key) was incorrect. I asked if she would please make sure that the situation was remedied so that others would be scored correctly. Uhm, yes, I’ll make sure that it gets taken care of, she said. And I walked away wondering how many motorcyclists throughout California had been scored incorrectly or failed the test because the DMV can’t even figure out which are the correct answers to their own damn test.   Joe
• Apparently Cali is ahead of most other states – I’ve been an endorsed rider for 17 years (since I turned 16). The last exam I took for licensing (auto or motorcycle) was 17 years ago. I’ve lived in 3 states (OH, WI, CO). When I’ve renewed, or moved and needed to get a new license, they look at my previous license with endorsement, snap a new photo and give me a new license…The only testing they do is a cursory vision exam.

  So, even if the answers to the Cali test aren’t quite right, at least they are testing and making an effort to weed out unqualified applicants.   jesse

• I took the CA motorcycle test last time around without studying and 24 years experience under my butt. Two failed tests later PO’d and slightly humbled, I grabbed their stupid book and went home to study. The test like the handbook is geared to new riders not experienced ones. Being hardly an expert in rider instruction, I can’t say if their test/handbook is in the new rider’s best interest. I hope it is, and if so, I don’t mind having a difficult time every few years if it’s helping out the new guy.   Bob
• My state (PA) does not re-examine. They just re-photograph, collect their fee, and away you go. With so few motorcycles, no helmet law, crap roads, and pickup trucks or the Minivan of Death lurking around every bend, I guess they figure if you survive the four years between renewals, you’re doing something right.   Justin
• I also have had this problem and have had to “study” to pass the motorcycle exam. Much like you, I use my experience and common sense, but the state of California didn’t agree. I guess 30 plus years of safe riding mean nothing to them.   Gordon
• Same folks that inspire our firearms legislation?   Doug
• Mississippi tries to incorporate animations into a few questions for the motorcycle test, and they are almost always completely worthless. After completing the MSF beginner course, and scoring a 100 on the MSF written test, I went to the MS DMV to take the written exam and receive my license. I failed the test the first time because of these animated questions. One question had two cars coming to an intersection and stopping, not a single motorcycle in sight, then asked what was the proper procedure was for the motorcyclist in this situation. Not only was the situation meaningless, the question was completely ambiguous. I know there were more of these questions, I just can’t recall them now.   Rob
• I’m from Illinois and had the same problem with the written test, 54 year old rider, riding since 18. Last time I took the written test I failed, retook the next day and failed (they only have two versions), after failing the second time the Police officer said (very sternly) “look, go home READ the book, forget what you think the right answer is, come back and take the test again” I had a good chance to pass the 3rd time as I’d already failed the only two tests available. The questions defied the years of common sense and lessons learned and seemed different from earlier tests. I did pass and due to a great record (no citations) I have not had to take the test again.   Phil
• In reply to your statement: The “correct” answer to the question frequently defies logic as well as my practical experience.
  I would agree completely. Studying the published guides in order to “know the expected’ answers, is a much better method to assure passing the written tests than relying on the practical experience one has actually gained while riding defensively and safely.   Ed

• I renewed my motorcycle license a few years ago. Following the written, I was told to bring my motorcycle to the “motorcycle testing area” at the rear of the DMV building. Before starting the test, I was asked to identify the ignition “show me where the key goes”, the headlight switch “on/off and hi/lo beam”, and the fuel petcock. That was pretty easy as the key is centered in the upper triple clamp. Not so easy was the headlight “off” switch as it doesn’t exist beyond turning off the key. As with most motorcycles these days, there isn’t a petcock to turn the fuel on or off. Explaining this to the examiner got me a look of “this guy is a smartass” followed by going back to his clipboard.

  Next, I was told to start the bike and demonstrate hand signals for left and right turns. As this is no longer required, specifically so in California, I made mention of this to the examiner who then told me to use the turn signals on the bike. That done, it was off to the “riding examination” portion of the test.

  There, I was to accellerate to a crawl and negotiate a “keyhole-shaped course” while staying between the white lines painted on the asphalt, complete a full 360 degree turn to the right and back down to the start in a clockwise direction. After going in one direction, I was told to do the same in a counter-clockwise direction. Of note, the circle was designed for small bikes and not the sport-touring bike I was riding. I managed to complete the testing by slipping the clutch and no throttle. I was then directed to park the motorcycle in the “motorcycle parking area” using the center stand. What?

  Walking back into the building I was told I passed the tests with “some concerns” but I was now legal to ride a 150hp motorcycle anywhere I wanted to without restriction.

  I feel safer and more qualified than ever since I’ve been licensed to ride since 1965 after taking the test…   Michael

• For the exact reason you describe in your story of DMV is why I always
  “study” the DMV handbook before my test. For more than 20 years I have
  experienced the same questions and illogical answers as yourself. And I
  always tell people that inform me that they are going in to take their own
  test to study the book because the answers that DMV is looking for is not
  common sense, nor safe. Knowing how DMV wants you to answer the questions
  is only found in the handbook. Of course you should forget 50% of what you
  have studied once you actually hit the road if you want to survive. I
  always thought it seemed like DMV looked for these “stupid” answers to keep
  people from riding motorcycles on the street. If you can’t pass the test,
  you can’t ride your bike… right?   Wayne

• Some things never change. I remember the California DMV motorcycle test of the early 70’s. It still reflected the old belief that the rear brake of the motorcycle possessed all the stopping power. There were other examples, and some were downright dangerous, if a rider were to actually follow them. What I remember most about the DMV were the people. They were bigger jerks than the CHP. I ran out of gas on the 91 freeway once. A chippie stopped, gave me a ticket, and left me stranded there, telling me he’d have my ass if he came back by and found me there again. Good old California; I sure don’t miss it.   Ernest
• In Pennsylvania you take the test when you first get your licence and thats It. No more tests …. ever, not even an eye exam! You pay your money, get your picture taken and your done. Watch those seniors in Pa!   Patrick
• I can relate.
  This past March, I had to change my license from New York to North Carolina, as I had just moved to Charlotte. Now, in New York, to renew all you do is go down to DMV with the notice you receive in the mail, get a new picture taken and you’re done. Here in NC, to transfer your license, you must take 2 written tests, one auto, one motorcycle. Being licensed in NY for over 20 years, I figured “no problem!”

  “WRONG!!”

  I passed the auto with flying colors.

  I flunked the motorcycle in 12 questions on a 20 question test! And like you, it was the alleged common sense questions, one similar to you right turn question.

  I went home that weekend, studied the manual like I was going for my SAT’s and passed hugely on Monday morning.

  The Irony of all this is, two days later, while riding home from work, I had the worst accident of my riding career. Broke both arms. 8 hours of surgery.

  5 plates, 2 pins, 12 screws. Haven’t ridden since, But, can’t wait to get back on the road.   Pete

• Obviously, it might help if I studied the provided handbook…. Duh.
• 1- Here in Québec, you have to brake whit the rear brake only in a pronounce curb to pass your exam. Plain stupid.
  2- You are under the check of a state employee who now nothing about motorbike.
  3- Should see the face of that guy when in 1986 I show up to the exam whit the fresh Gixer of my uncle. 1985 GSXR750R, one of the first to be on the road at that time.
  4- No course needed to pass your license here.
  5- But license fee are 1500$ year even if we ride 4 month a year and already paying for our car. Because bike are so dangerous for the old lady that govern us. (maybe because there no course mandatory since more than 10 years now?)
  6- And if you come to Montréal. Don’t even try to park your bike. Your not welcome.
  7- You now, Ayatollahs are not only in Iran. They’re everywhere to destroy our beautiful sport !

  I’m now on four wheel, and maybe way more dangerous than when I was on 2.   Yves

• I will decipher it for you Dirck.

  We (motorcyclist) are meant to be on decline. Not by our own decisions, but by those in charge. We are apparently not a ‘suitable alternative’ to broadly accepted mass transportation (by cars) and as matter of fact are an expression of option out. Our existence is too much an expression of individual freedom.

  And that may not be acceptable and for that very reason are our wings (so favorably depicted on our motos) with programmed accuracy being clipped.

  It’s just a small preview of times to come.   Denny

• Obviously, “common sense” is not all that common. What I mean is that there are logical answers different than the ones at which you arrived. Take the first example. In my opinion, moving lanes away from the approaching vehicle while approaching an intersection may lead the approaching vehicle to believe you are initiating a right turn, and the vehicle may attempt to slam a turn in front of you. To me, it makes perfect logical sense to continue in the lane because much of driving is based on expectations, and the approaching driving may make assumptions based on your lane change that you did not anticipate. No such inference should logically be made if you stay in the lane and continue.

  I’m not saying I’m right, but there are a variety of logical answers to a different problem. That’s why it’s best to memorize the “book” answers for state tests. It’s no different in aviation; take an FAA exam some time. Their logic sometimes defies “common sense.”   Thomas

• I live in British Columbia and have held a class 6 motorcycle license for 40 years.
  I have never had to retake any examinations or re-qualify with a road test.
  My motorcycle endorsement remains on my license which is renewed every 5 years.
  I think, based on your examples, that the testers are not riders …
  PS … keep up the good work, Motorcycle Daily is GREAT … thank you.   L.W.

• I too have had a similar experience with California DMV.

  I recently moved to Los Angeles from Montreal, Canada to attend school.
  Besides virtually no one at the DMV being able to answer my simple question of whether or not I could use my Quebec drivers license (car and motorcycle) in California, the ridiculously long wait times, it is the examination questions that frustrated me the most. (I finally decided to just take the tests instead)

  I did not study for the tests either, not thinking I would be passing any exams that day – just converting my Canadian license.
  I did pass the automobile test but failed the motorcycle test.

  I answered the mentioned questions EXACTLY the same as the editor, having only my common sense to help me out. Once I got to review the correct answers, I was dumbfounded at the “correct” answers.

  To this day I have not been back to the DMV to retake the test. That whole day was an awful experience.

  Kind regards from an avid reader,   Daniel

• It has been a while since I took the WA state test but I don’t remember any questions like the California examples you cited. I agree with you on your judgment on the “correct” answers. I was taught when going through an intersection you never change your lane position. The CA questions you point out seem to be a matter of style. The WA state test I think was more facts and data. About 20% alcohol questions. Proper gear questions. How you should go over railroad tracks. Proper following distance etc. etc. Nothing that was so style like…   K. Paul
• As my great grandfather said to my father about living with a women,

  “Just nod your head and say yes, then do as you please.”

  We cannot depend on the government to create an expert system to dictate safe motorcycling. The government has bigger fish to fry.

  When I look back, it took seven years of riding before I could have considered myself a safe rider. Following all DMV recommendations about their version of safe motorcycling and remaining alive with all of ones limbs, diametrically oppose each other. Study the state’s DMV handbook, pass the written and driving test, then hopefully, find someone who actually knows how to ride and can teach.   Paul

• Serious? You have to take a written test to renew in California? Move to Washington. Pay the renewal fee, new photo and your good to go for another five years.   Jon
• In NY we only have to take a written test once, this gets you a permit. The become licensed, a practical on road test is given. I took the 10 question written test after studying the motorcycle rider’s guide diligently. I got 9 of 10 questions correct. The question I answered incorrectly went something like, “When following a car at night, where is the best place to position your motorcycle?” Choices were: A) With the car just in sight of your low beam. B) With the car just in sight of your high beam. C) As close to the car as possible. D) None of the above. This was accompanied by pictures, with distances for each option. I chose A, but the correct answer was C. Apparently riding dangerously closer to a vehicle to improve your seeing distance is better than leaving room to stop. Especially, here in upstate NY where deer run rampant and sudden stops are frequent.   Mike
• Good to hear that California still has written test for autos and
  motorcycles even if there is dispute about the common sense
  questions. Neither Oregon nor Washington have any testing after you
  pass for the first time. You can be age 75 and have only taken the
  written test once when you were 16. The poor driving (and riding) in
  these states is partially from not knowing the law.   Preston

• In New York state you don’t have to take a test every time you renew your licence. Guess they’re more interested in your money than your knowledge!   Les
• When I started riding again 11 years ago I went to the DMV to let them know I had the motorcycle endorsement in the late 70’s and mid 80’s and would like to take the written over to get my motorcycle license. I was advised that I needed to get a permit then return to take the riding test again. After 6 months I went back to say I have been practicing the circle test but my bike can’t make it in the lines and could I use a smaller bike? I was told “no you need to take the test on the bike you are going to be riding”. I asked if that was also true with cars and if so should I re-take the driving test as well? Then 6 months latter when I returned once again to take the written test I asked the nice DMV lady why my old endorsement could not just be re-added. Well after she called to another employee to look at my file she told me “your new license will arrive in a few weeks” Come on this is there job. Still riding.   Doug
• I had a similar experience. I failed the bike test on the first try even after reading the book to be sure of the technical questions. The question that put me over the edge into the fail zone had to do with riding as a group and passing a cage. The question asked where in the lane should you put the bike after passing. I chose the left side, reasoning that my buddies would be able to see that I had successfully passed the car and that there was room for the next guy to move up. WRONG. You are to put yourself on the right side of the lane, this to me is bad because it may be difficult for the next rider to judge if it is safe to go.

  Surprisingly the DMV had some really nice people working that day and so the story ends well. The girl behind the counter was super cool about it, she asked me the question again and let me pick the “correct” answer and passed me.   Buzz

• Poor guy. Here in PA. we just go in hand the guy the money, fill out the form, have a picture taken and we are good for another four years. Whew that was exhausting.   Mark
• You expect logical thought out answers from the DMV?    David
• I sat as a Traffic Court judge for several years here in California,
  and I was an instructor for the CMSP (California Motorcyclist Safety
  Program) for a quite a few years. I agree that, if you come in cold
  to the written DMV motorcycle rider’s exam that some of the questions
  seem at odds with one’s experience as a long-time motorcyclist.

  However, it is really important to realize that the DMV exam is
  apparently geared to test that you have read the Calif. DMV
  Motorcycle Rules and Regulations handbook that is available for free
  from every DMV office. (For those outside of California, this
  booklet isn’t that long, and it is written at about a 9th grade
  level. It’s not hard to read or otherwise deal with.) I’m sure that
  you will find that if you read the booklet from cover to cover that
  the answer to every question on the exam is there, in no uncertain
  terms.

  I recall the last time that I had to take a DMV exam. I read the
  booklet the night before and more or less memorized it. My wife, who
  had previously taken the exam and still had her copy of the exam,
  quizzed me after I was done studying. Having just gone through the
  booklet, I could answer each question correctly before my wife even
  finished asking the question.

  The thing is, I really doubt that the folks who put together the DMV
  exam are riders themselves. They also may not be members of Mensa,
  if you know what I mean. The questions are written by being taken
  straight out of the DMV Motorcycle Rules and Regulations booklet.
  You shouldn’t read too much into each question and you shouldn’t
  expect much in the way of common sense from them. They expect a rote
  answer from the booklet. So, the easiest way to assure that you pass
  the exam is to study the booklet. Don’t rely on experience to get
  you through. Give them what they want.

  I know that this isn’t an ideal situation, but at least it is an easy
  one to deal with. The really good news is that instead of taking the
  silly riding exam that the California DMV gives, you can take the
  CMSP/MSF Basic Rider Course, and if you pass that course, the DMV
  exam is waived.   Randy

• I totally agree….Our new upgraded computer aged system tells us to throw riding experience and common sense out the door…I failed the first time because I was caught between the obvious or the correct question…When changing lanes….is it a good idea to turn around and look behind or is it OK to use your rear view mirror?…So I’m thinking yes..I always try to glance behind me before changing lanes, but then I think hmmm…. If you are driving your automobile you had better not turn around..I am stuck…does the DMV want know if I am facing rearward at any time when riding my motorcycle forward!…that would be a bad situation…but that is what I do…What do they want?…I try to start thinking outside the box and put my mark in the wrong box…..NO No they say….use your mirrors if you want , but you have to turn around and look behind you before making your move….yes I agree, but I really didn’t think they would have the obvious answer!…The next time, I studied the highway code and passed the test.   Ivor

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