Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Motorcycle Driving Test for CA

This is pulled from a post I on did on the CL Motocycle Forum a while back:

Pardon the excess detail but I wanted to get everything down before I forgot anything.

So I just took the test and some of you on this forum have voiced questions about what is on the test let me elucidate the process for you.

I went in to the driving test window at the DMV and provided my motorcycle permit, proof of insurance and current registration. From there I was given a slip and directed outside to the parking lot. There are three lanes and any one of which I was supposed to park in and wait for the examiner. Lucky for me I was only behind one person (who was also taking, but failing, the motorcycle driving test).

The examiner takes the papers that were handed to me inside (my motorcycle permit, proof of insurance, current registration and cover sheet from the DMV) and checks to make sure I am me, and the bike is the correct bike (VIN and all).

Next, six questions. Identify the following items on my bike...I really shouldn’t be telling you guys this because if there are any potential test-takers out there, and they can’t pass this portion, they (and potentially, we) are in for a world of hurt. Anyway, identify the following items on my bike.

1) Starter (they mean the starter button)
2) Choke (if it has one)
3) Clutch
4) Throttle
5) Gear Shift
6) Brakes (front and back levers)

They also asked me to turn on the left and right indicators and to use the horn (nothing about brake lights which was surprising, maybe they mix it up or he forgot).


Next the riding portion. The examiner directed me to ride over to the area I was to be tested in.



The space between the lines is about 2ft. and the dots are cones about 10-15 ft from each other. The circle is about 30 ft in diameter.















On the first test I had to zigzag through the cones till I got to the circle, enter the circle and go around twice (direction doesn’t matter) and then come back zigzagging through the cones again.











On the second test I had to ride down between the lanes ‘slowly’ (I have no idea how slow he meant) and enter the circle in the opposite direction I entered in the last test, go around inside the circles twice and then exit using the other lane to come back.







During both of these test I was informed that if I put my foot down I would fail IMMEDIATELY. Ditto if my front tire exits any of the lanes (i.e. the path formed by the concentric circles or the path formed by the parallel lines). He didn’t say anything about the rear tire, maybe there is more leeway there. If I failed at any point I don’t move on to the next test and must make a new appointment. No second tries, and no practicing (though I suspect after hours you might be able to sneak in).

The final test was just to start the bike at one end of the parking lot and accelerate while up-shifting, to the other end of the lot.

After that the examiner gave me a slip, I went back inside to the queue for test takes (which is nearly always empty). They gave me a form to sign which is a temporary license good for two months. The regular license should arrive in 2-4 weeks.

A few observations.

The guy in front of me taking the test was on some new, shiny, larger sport bike. He had a VERY hard time of it. He didn’t make it past the first set of zigzags before he put his foot down. Ditto several times around the loop. Heavy bike = bad. Don’t know if using a sport bike was better or worse.

I had a ’84 gpz550 that I’ve been riding forever and feel very comfortable on and it still felt like a bear to get around those cones and stay in that circle at low speeds. Part of the trouble is that I couldn’t see the front tire so I wasn’t sure exactly where I was. As many others have suggested, borrow the smallest bike you can find for the test.

I did the whole thing in first gear. I’m not sure I could pull it off in second.

That previous posting on revving engines totally worked. I was having trouble on the second trip around the circle and upped the RPMs and like magic it seemed more stable.

As always I was dealt with by competent but indifferent staff, which is fine by me, I’d rather have that then incompetent and friendly staff.

As always if you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me.

55 comments:

Kyle Stanley said...

this is exactly true. i just took the test and failed it due to me putting my foot down. the dots are probably less then 12ft more like 10ft and the diameter of the circle is more like 18-20ft. reallllllly hard and i only have a 150 scooter.

thanks for the info.

oh and know your hand signals (duh) and the size of your engine.

cheers.

Anonymous said...

I took my test in Simi Valley on a Honda CM400 about 8 years ago. I got very lucky... I put my foot down going around the circle... my DMV employee a good sized african american lady... gave me a stern look as she was shaking her head and said.... Do it again!

Whew a 2nd chance. Which I passed. Glad I will never have to do that again. I took my KZ1000p over to the local DMV where I live now and I think I would need to practice to pass it again. HA

I recommend a smaller bike, use your clutch and rear brake and take it as slow as possible. And go practice after they are closed... always helps to be familiar with that circle.

bluefelt said...

Great posting. I've been practicing to take my test on the weekend when no one is at DMV and I can safely say that you will NOT pass this test without practice. My boyfriend rides a motorcycle and even he didn't do it perfectly with my 150cc Vespa on his first try. It's a challenge, and may be worth the MSF course fee to not have to do this.

Anonymous said...

I just finished failing my first attempt at the DMV "lollipop" test because I put my foot down. I'm wondering why the DMV (in it's infinite wisdom) allows a driver to make at least one or two mistakes when driving a car, but not so with a motorcycle?

I'm bitter right now because I watched another cyclist put his foot down and promptly try it again! Different examiner, different test I guess. My best advice, get a smaller bike for the test or practice until it's second nature.

Don't even get me started on the validity of the test itself. I firmly believe the DMV is getting some kickback $$$$ from all those ($300) safety courses out there.

Anonymous said...

How to pass the California DMV Motorcycle driving test: PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE.

FYI: I ride a mid-size (600cc) sportbike.

I went down to the DMV to practice one Sunday....I tried it several times & thought to myself "it's impossible!" so I took a break and sat down. Then, a guy shows up on a much larger bike, with a longer wheelbase (not a sportbike, more like a cruiser) and he promptly ran around that circle in a slow, smooth and controlled manner. I was blown away, and I knew then what i had to do...PRACTICE.

So, I downloaded the PDF posted online by a guy named Stephen Green (Thanks Stephen!) and drew a test course on the street in front of my house. It took me a couple of weeks, but eventually, I could do it. Mind you, my throttle was buried in my gas tank when turning clockwise. What a pain.

When I got to the DMV today, guess what, it was Evaluation Day for all the driving testers! I can't catch a break!

I rode the back brake and just kept on rolling with the tiniest of corrections on the throttle & greased that clutch the whole way around. Hey, whatever works...figure out the easiest way for yourself...just PRACTICE and you'll get it.

I passed - thank God. I hope I never have to take that again. AND, I'm thinking about buying a little 200cc bike to rent it out to others in the area. I'd make a killing.

BTW: I still firmly believe that the DMV is getting some kickbacks on those safety courses. Something stinks there.

Anonymous said...

Wow yes you would make a killing with the rental....and I am practicing practicing practicing... and improving...lol..

Anonymous said...

any minimum engine size requirement for the bike?

Yen said...

There are no engine limits that I am aware of, but I think the size bike you bring in for the test determines what size bike you are legal to ride.

* With a Class M1, you can operate any 2-wheel motorcycle and any motorized vehicle in Class M2. (in this case you need a free way legal bike which I'm pretty sure means 250cc.
* With a Class M2, you can only operate any motorized bicycle or moped or any bicycle with an attached motor.

Anonymous said...

I've been practicing the test in Simi Valley and T.O. on a 400. The circle in Simi is on a slight hill which makes it difficult. The T.O. straight lines go over lumps caused by an adjacent tree's roots.
The lines are more narrow than in any diagram I've seen.
Until I started dragging the rear brake, I couldn't pass it. I look about 6 feet ahead and aim for the outer circle line. I put 3 miles on the bike just practicing the test on Saturday. That seems to be what it takes since the other riders I've seen there can't do it.

Unknown said...

Yesterday I passed the CA DMV motorcycle skills driving test on my first attempt. Key to passing this test on any bike is to remember to systematically work your throttle, clutch and rear brake simultaneously to maintain your speed and balance at all times. The rear brake is the key here... Without it, you will either sway too far off course and/or lose your balance enough to have to put your foot down. Practice using all three components and you will see that you can move at a snails pace and still maintain your balance. Good Luck to all....

nwm said...

6/18/08-just took the skills portion of the motorcycle license and passed on the first attempt (even though it was 98 deg outside and I had to wait in the line with cars for 15 minutes). For my test I used my '61 Lambretta and it was not an easy thing to do. I had to do 4 separate skills...1) zigzag the 5 cones starting from the right side then circle twice clockwise and exit zigzaging the cones 2) same as above but entering from the left of the cone and going counterclockwise around the circle 3) straight up the right side btwn the lines and counterclockwise circles 2X and exit the left 4) gear change check.
I think I threw the tester a loop because my bike has no turn indicators and all the lights are powered by the stator (i.e. no battery) and so I showed the arm signals. And I was given two attempts to complete each test. I do not know if each DMV handles the requirements differently or the testing has changed but just wanted to post what they made me do.
NWM

Anonymous said...

I took the test on a 2008 Vespa 2008 this morning and thankfully passed. I would not have passed had I not practiced in advance at the DMV after hours. The first evening during which I practiced, I would have failed the test--of about 30 tries, I only succeeded at 10. The second evening I practiced, I was much better--of 20 tries, I succeeded at 15 or so. The third evening I practiced (last night--before my 'actual' test), I could have passed. I had a friend come and witness from the sidelines. My advice for everybody attempting this test is to practice on the actual course, if possible.

Anonymous said...

Very helpful post. Thanks. You can see DMV videos showing all parts of the skills test, and what exactly is required here: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=BB2EA131DD447FCE

Best regards,

J

Anonymous said...

thanks so much for your post. i just made my first attempt at this test and failed miserably (after finishing first in my motorcycle safety class...unfortunately, not in CA!) i spent the next hour practicing and still feel incredibly nervous for the next test in a week. i think my problem is speed. i never want to brake in a turn, but i can't manage to keep a consistent speed while staying within the lines.

Anonymous said...

Here at the South Sacramento DMV they have there office gated so getting in to practice is not happening.

Unknown said...

The South Sac DMV does not conduct motorcycle driving tests, This must be done at the one on Broadway. My test is today and I did not find this helpful information until now. The DMV videos on YouTube are very helpful! Thanks for that!

GodFatherNYC said...

hi guys. i just flunked my first skills test...
gonna go practice after hours, and/or rent a snaller bike than my harley!!!

hey, can anyone tell me which greater l.a. area
dmvs do the motorcycle skills tests? i went all
the way down to compton.

some guys on here mentioned simi valley and thousand oaks, but the dmv website doesn't make it seem like those offices actually offer the drive/skills test...

THANKS!!!

Yen said...

I don't know which DMV location in Southern CA do the skills test but I'm sure if you call they can help you out with that.

As for the smaller bike idea, I recommend it.

Dan said...

I believe Glendale DMV offers the M/C test...I'll be taking it soon! Thanks for the great info and advice.

SoCalRide said...

Thanks for the advice everyone; going for it at the Van Muys DMV this Thrusday. Note - YouTube has the test in detail now. Guys is using a 1,800cc / 800 lb. bike (!). Thanks - SoCalRide

Anonymous said...

150cc and above is a Motorcycle (CVC Sec. 400), can be driven on freeway, and requires M1.

149cc and lower (ie. 50cc), is a Motor Driven Cycle(CVC Sec. 405), and M1 is required. Some can be driven on freeway if over a certain horse power. Many years ago signs on freeway on-ramp used to state "15 Brake Horsepower". I think about 130cc is lower limit for freeway use.

"Motorized Bicycle"(CVC Sec. 406) cannot be driven on freeway. It requires M2 or M1.

"Scooter" (CVC Sec. 407.5) cannot be driven in freeway. It requires M2 or M1.

Most people think of a "scooter" as being 50cc, 150cc, or 250cc. Some "scooters" are 600cc. The point being the popular notion of "scooter" is a manufacturer marketing term. It has nothing to do with California Vehicle Code.

JG Knudtson said...

Piece of cake, passed with flying colors the first time. I ride a 2007 Kawasaki 250 Ninja. I watched the DMV videos posted on YouTube which helped a bit. The examiner was very reasonable and fair. The lollipop serpentine and control ride I found to be quite easy. I am however an experienced rider (been riding for about 35 years). I can understand how a novice rider or someone with a big bike could have problems. If you have a big bike, consider borrowing a smaller bike from a friend for the test. If you are an experienced rider with a small to mid sized bike you should pass the first attempt. Good luck.

Anonymous said...

Dear All, This is a tangentially related topic: To avoid the driving test, would CA DMV accept a course work on operating a motorcycle taken in another State? Say.. Maryland?!

Many thanks!

Unknown said...

I doubt it. I think they only accept the officially sanctioned motorcycle safety course, which I recently completed. I went just yesterday to the DMV with my certificate of completion, and now I have my interim combined motorcycle and car driver's license.

Anonymous said...

i looked up the different dmv's in so cal, especially the glendale one on google map. if you switch to satellite view you can see the motorcycle test site from above. I'm going for my written test tomorrow and thanks to this post I just saved myself $300 =)

TALL said...

Yes, you're right about the Glendale DMV. I was just up there today (sunday) practicing on their lollipop lines in the parking lot. it's open after hours so you can just go in and try it.

I've gotta say its harder than i thought it would be.

gary said...

I just finished taking the 3 day MSF course and failed the final test. One can only use their 300cc max bikes. A tall/big, I'm 6'2 person will have big trouble working foot controls in the fully cramped position. They allow 3 or 4 practice nontest rides to learn the maneuvers, have lots of figure 8s in a 20x40ish area; lots of quick stops -you fail if your hand is over the brake lever before the mark and must stop within 12ish feet, snakes and controlled curve SLPR maneuvers. I'm a 40 yrs road cyclist. More than half failed - the speeds are increased in the final test and maybe some winners were repeaters. They are hard to understand, have no handouts, and you have to pay attention to the front drivers. If they screw up, so do you. And DO come to a stop after each exercise where required.
All the info and exercises are pretty irrelevant to cycle driving. I thought it money down a deep hole.

Unknown said...

I'm taking the test in three days. THANKS for the great info. It will be very helpful! - It also seems to me that the DMV is in cahoots with the CHP to nearly force people to take the course for $250. Although it probably will be valuable, it does seem very pricy. A great idea would be after passing the test, set up an identical test area and give people a practice course for $50.. heh heh. I'll check in and tell you how I did on Friday. AntonioScoot.com

Anonymous said...

To anyone living in the LA area, I would recommend the Hollywood DMV on Cole to take this skills test.

I just took and passed mine there this morning the 1st time. I had practiced alot, but turns out, I probably over-prepared.

The DMV employee who administered the test told me "I don't care if you go outside or over the lines, just don't put your foot down."

I did have to identify the different parts of the bike beforehand as mentioned above, but I was not required to drive across the lot and switch up and down through the gears as I've heard you have to.

Also, the Hollywood DMV's Lollipop lines are painted on nice flat, even ground as opposed to the Glendale DMV where i had practiced a few times. That one is on very uneven ground.

Gibs Song (송승구) said...

I just passed my skill test yesterday. All the tips and advices by everyone really helped. Here are my observations for future test takers.

1) Start way back from the start line so that your bike steady when you enter the test track. If you start too close to the start line, you could have some problem going around the first cone because you are unstable.

2) I took my test on a 750cc Shadow. It's feather weight compared to Harley or Goldwing but still a heavy bike for all those tight turns at slow speed. There's one advantage of using a big bike though. The examiners are more forgiving for big bikes!!! I drove out of bound making the very first turn (because I started too close to the start line and couldn't keep my balance). Instead of being disqualified, I was given a second life. I even got a tip from the examiner to start way back of the line. The examiner said afterwards that for smaller bikes, she will watch for every little mistakes and will disqualify them, but for bigger bikes, she will give them a second and even a third chance.

3) Practice, practice, practice...

Anonymous said...

I know this is five years old but this blog really helped me pass the test today. As others said, PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. I used the specs you all gave to make a chalk outline in front of my house to practice on. Unfortunately it kept getting washed away with the rain but I just redid it several times. If you are able to, practice after hours on the weekend at DMV. I know you can in Carmichael and at the Broadway one in Sacramento. Anyway, just wanted to say thanks for the advice, good luck to everyone and happy trails!

Zanzara said...

Anyone ever taken & passed this test on a Yamaha yzfr1?

WIll said...

I tested in Napa, CA for the first time yesterday and passed on a Honda CBR 600 RR.

Two weeks ago I dropped my bike and swore the circle was impossible when I first attempted it. However, I kept going to the DMV after hours and practicing. The key was to ride my rear break while keeping the rpm's up around 3k and feathering the clutch.

Over the past two weeks I spent over 10 hours at the DMV practicing. I honestly believe anyone can do this test on ANY bike, you simply have to put the time in getting use to that circle.

Good luck to all, hope this helps you out.

Yen said...

In response to Will, it sounds like anyone can do this test on any bike if they are willing to practice for 10 hours AND DROP THEIR BIKE.

I guarantee you with a smaller bike you'd be able to do it on one try maybe two, which is why I recommend smaller bikes.

Anonymous said...

Hi! just passed the test last week. Some tips:

1.- Try to not be nervous, that circle is just that, a painted circle on the floor.
2.- You should count with your motorcycle cold when you have to do the test. Normally it takes some time waiting before starting it, and the guys from DMV tell you to cut the engine, so when you start the test you don´t have time to warm up and the bike won´t be in smooth mode.
3.- The cones are easy to pass with open turns left and right, don´t be too close to them since is not needed. My trick was as soon as you pass the cone you turn all the way to pass the next one, and it worked.
4.- Once you are doing the circle, go slowly and ALWAYS look to the curve, NEVER to your front tire.
5.- The easiest combo is: clutch, throttle, and foot break. Using this three guys to control the bike, you can turn very slow and feel stable enough.
6.- From all the bikes I have seen, from my opinion the best option is a 250 cc (Honda Rebel or similar). A heavy motorcycle, big cc, or sports one looks much more difficult to control and maneuver at that super slow speed.
7.- Go to DMV to practise the circle during the weekend. It´s empty and you need to know what you are gonna do for the test. I asked a cop if it was OK to go there to practise and he told me is OK, so for me that´s enough validation.
8.- Wear comfortable clothes and if possible, a jet helmet that offers you more visibility when turning.

Besides all this, just breathe deeply and focus ONLY in the circle and cones, people there are just as nervous as you waiting for their turn, not evaluating your skills. And of course, some luck is always needed, but there´s always another chance if something goes wrong (we are human and it is possible).

Ronnie said...

Just passed written test yesterday and made an appt to take skills test monday. I had no idea what they were going to have me do, so I youtubed it. After seeing the course, I thought to myself oh s..t!! So I rode down to the Costa Mesa DMV today which is closed, and pulled in the back where the skills takes place. Was there for a couple hours and struggled every time. Im nervous as hell about monday. Going to go practice again tomorrow before The Super Bowl. Thanks for all the tips guys.

Anonymous said...

Ahh ya the throttle, clutch and brake thing did not work . I don't understand it, the cones no problem, the small circle kills me everytime. I play the gas and clutch, but I start to wash out 2/3s the way though the circle. Then I use the rear brake with gas and the bike stall or wants to fall. Tried for over an hour til my arm started cramping up. I have been riding for 37 years, and no acciddents. I ride a V-STAR 1100 Custom.(has longer frame). HOW DO I GET PAST THIS TEST ?????????????

Ronnie said...

2/27/2012

I posted a couple weeks ago about my upcoming skills test. When I went to take the skills test, I cancelled my appointment and rescheduled for 3 weeks. Durring those 3 weeks I went down to the DMV after hours and practiced, practiced, practiced. At one time I thought theres no way I can pull this impossible circle off. I was already making plans to rent a 150cc for my 3rd take.This morning was my first attempt at it. I rode down there on my 1998 CBR 600 F-3. When they guy came out with his clipboard and cones, ( I was first test of the day) he introduced himself, and I introduced myself and told him I was here to beat the odds. Before I went in to show my paperwork, I turned the idol up on my bike to about 1 1/2 RPM's. With it set there, I basically just used my clutch and rear brake doing the Lollipop. When I finished with the whole shabang, the first thing the guy told me when I took off my helmet was 'That Was Textbook' If I can pass this test, anybody can. I bought my bike in October after not rideing for a few years. All it takes to pass this is practice and determination, and I was determined to pass this the first try, so I practiced my butt off, and it paid off. Thanks for the tips and good luck. Ride Safe!!

Anonymous said...

I just failed the California Motorcycle Driving Test in El Centro on my first attemt by putting my foot down in the circle. I didn't even ask the girl giving the test for a second try at it... it seemed impossible. I was riding my '03 Yamaha R1-- and I'm not even sure that bike is capable of making such a tight turining radius. I plan on making a chalk outline on the street in front of my house to practice on... Anyone know the exact measurements of the course?

Thanks!

Nathan

Anonymous said...

The inner circle is about 20ft in diameter and the outer is about 22 ft.

Unknown said...

Well I've failed the drive test twice here in Lompoc, and have one more try. I ride a 125cc scooter. Last try I did the serpentine and two circles, but bumped one cone on the way back down the serpentine. SO FRUSTRATED! He would not let me try again. I'm going to practice every day after work for two weeks and try it again. Steady with the throttle and brake at the same time seems to work best.

toby said...

Passed the CA skills test this morning. A BIG major thanks to all the bloggers who had suggestions above! Helped a ton. The practice, practice, practice thing! Wow, what a difference over time. Also the rear brake during the circle for control. I learned another piece of the puzzle that helped me a lot and here it is: On the circle, look ahead about a quarter of the way around, ahead, and do not micro-look near the front of the bike. That made my balance all of a sudden much simpler. Personally, I also found that I was better at it while practicing in the morning, compared to my performance after work, SO I made a morning appt for my test!! Best wishes to all out there.

Anonymous said...

I ride a Triumph Bonneville and I consider myself a fairly decent rider, although I haven't rode for a while. I went to the SF DMV today (Sunday) to practice for my Cali M1 and the good news is that the lot is open after hours and it seems to be a pretty popular place to ride (if you can dodge the skaters). The bad news is that I learned just how tricky the course is. Anyhow, after a few hours I thought I had it down. Like others have wrote, I had to basically ride the back break and feather the clutch to regulate speed. I had to give her a fair bit of throttle (too little and I lost control, too much and I went wide). I wouldn't even think about the back tire, since it's gonna go where it goes. Anyhow, I took a break for a bite and then came back and it was like I had to re-learn again, which was kind of weird (a bad omen for the test, but at least it motivates me to continue to practice). I think I'll get it down eventually, but it is tough, no doubt. I'll try the suggestion to look a little ahead in the curve to stabilize the bike. It seems the DMV is turning out some of the best low-speed u-turn riders in the world.

Unknown said...

I just passed today first try on my 1990 yamaha fzr 1000 in Norco, CA :)

Unknown said...

You should be able to pass this test on any bike with enough practice. I have been riding for about a month and I just passed today in Norco on my 1990 Yamaha FZR 1000, first attempt. At first I could do everything great except the counter clockwise turn, and now I'm still not sure why it was harder for me. When going clockwise I didn't need the throttle at all, just adjusting the clutch while working the back brake. After about 10 miles worth of practicing I finally was able to do the counter clockwise turn by working the throttle, clutch, and back brake. After a few weeks and over 30 miles just practicing the course, I was finally able to do the counter clockwise turn without the throttle. I wanna thank you guys for all the advice on this blog, being a new rider with a big sports bike, I knew I would have to spend a really long time practicing this course. So after about 3 weeks of dedicated practice and about 40 miles put on my bike going in circles, I nailed the test, and I am probably a much better rider than I would have been if I spent $300 on the safety course.

Christy said...

Just did the test this morning in Roseville. Passed no problem. I used my 4 month old Yamaha 650 Cruiser. The best advice I got and will give is doing the circle you must look over your shoulder. It will counterbalance the bike and you should have no problems. I couldn't do a 30ft circle and then read that and now I can do the circle smaller than they want. Good Luck all.

Cancer-Is-Over said...

I almost passed today after only practicing the lollipop for about an hour just before the test. I passed the zigzag and double loop but messed up on the second loop off the straight entry part. I was on a 150 scooter with automatic trans. I think it is easier when you gun slightly going into the loop so you can coast thru most of the way. I worked the brake while holding the throttle on a bit but constant. The Montebello course is a bit uneven so you need to practice it first. I got a second try on the first loop. I think a couple more hours of practice should do it. 4/8/14.

Anonymous said...

If I do the test on 150cc?. and pass, do my licence good for 900cc ??? Thanks evreyone

Anonymous said...

Seems that an appoint is requird for a mnotorcycle skills test (calld and they said would send me away if I came wo an appt.) tried to find DMV locations that do the motorcycle skills test (tried Santa Paula-no, Ventura closed, Simi,TO,Oxnard- cant get appt in time before permit expires). Wonder if Santa Monica does them , did get appt for Santa Barabara, but not sure how to ride a scooter up there since it only goes 50mph. Any suggestions?
Thanks
LynnD

Yen said...

"Wonder if Santa Monica does them , did get appt for Santa Barabara, but not sure how to ride a scooter up there since it only goes 50mph. Any suggestions?"

First, you can renew your permit until you get it worked out.
Second, you can try google maps with 'avoid highways' selected to find a route that avoids freeways. You'll need to double check the route yourself since it only attempts to avoid highways and sometimes sticks you on them anyway.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the info, when called the DMV, they said the permit attached or endorsed to a drivers license (class C) that is only good for 1 year. Cant be extended. If cant make it then can cancel the permit and keep the drivers license so it wont expire along with the permit.
Did find the Santa Monica does motorcycle skill test.
Thanks
LynnD

Max Paganetti said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Do they accept tests while it's raining ??? DMV CALI

Anonymous said...

Its now 2015 and I just pssed the lollipop test first try. WHY? LOL I parked the chopper, and rented a 150cc chinese scooter for 60.!! If Im missing a day of work for this test, I dont feel like failing. Remember... practice on your own time. The DMV is about forms and paperwork only. Just pass the test, then go home and practice on your real bike, for yourself. Total rental cost 60. Passed on first try, pretty easy. Balancing the throttle and rear brake is easy on an automatic trans scooter.

Unknown said...

Ventura DMV has the test course. I just put the DMV address in google earth and you can see if they have the course.