CA Motorcycle Permit Test cheat sheet

Countersteering: at speeds above roughly 12 mph, press the grip on the side you want to turn toward; the bike leans and turns in that direction.

Front brake supplies most stopping power on pavement; apply both brakes together and squeeze the front progressively rather than grabbing it.

In a curve, brake before the turn, look through the curve to the exit, and roll on throttle smoothly once leaned; braking hard while leaned risks a slide.

Traction is finite: lean angle, braking, and acceleration all consume it, so avoid combining hard braking with maximum lean.

Swerve technique: keep the bike upright, push the grip on the side you want to go, then counter the swerve to straighten out.

Minimum safe following distance is 2 seconds in ideal conditions; add 1 second for rain, gravel, or poor visibility.

Avoid the center of a lane where oil drips accumulate at intersections; ride in the left or right wheel track instead.

At stops, keep the bike in first gear, hold the front brake, and check mirrors for traffic approaching from behind.

A motorcycle is entitled to a full lane; no other vehicle may share the lane or pass within it.

In California, only one motorcycle may occupy a lane at a time; lane splitting is permitted only when done safely and within legal limits.

Helmets are required for all riders and passengers in California; eye protection is required unless the bike has a windshield.

Turn signals must be used for lane changes and turns; hand signals are legal substitutes when signals are not working.

Motorcycles may not ride between lanes of moving traffic at excessive speed or in a reckless manner; officers may cite unsafe splitting.

A motorcycle may not be operated on a sidewalk, pedestrian path, or bicycle lane except where expressly allowed.

Passengers must have a proper seat and footrests; carrying a passenger on a bike not designed for two is illegal.

Headlights must be on at all times while riding in California, day or night.

Assume you are invisible: ride where drivers can see you in their mirrors, and avoid lingering in blind spots.

Watch for left-turning vehicles at intersections; a car turning across your path is a leading cause of motorcycle collisions.

Scan 12 seconds ahead and identify escape routes; maintain a space cushion on all sides, not just ahead.

Gravel, sand, wet leaves, painted lines, and metal grates reduce traction; cross them upright and avoid braking on them.

Wind gusts and large trucks create buffeting; increase following distance and be ready to countersteer into gusts.

When passing parked cars, watch for doors opening and for vehicles pulling out; ride outside the door zone.

At night, reduce speed and increase following distance; headlight range is limited and hazards appear later.

Never ride in another vehicle's blind spot; if you can't see the driver's face in the mirror, they can't see you.

A California motorcycle permit requires passing a knowledge test; it allows riding only during daylight, without passengers, and not on freeways.

A Class M1 license covers motorcycles and mopeds; a Class M2 covers mopeds only.

Applicants under 21 must complete a California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) course before obtaining a permit or license.

A DOT-compliant helmet must meet FMVSS 218; novelty helmets do not satisfy the legal requirement.

Motorcycles must have a working headlight, taillight, brake light, horn, mirror, and turn signals if originally equipped.

Permit holders may not carry passengers and may not ride on freeways or at night until licensed.

A motorcycle must be insured to the state minimum liability limits to be operated on public roads.

Registration and a license plate are required; the plate must be visible and properly mounted.