California DMV Riding Test?

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DJGroove · #1 Unread post by **DJGroove** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 7:00 am

I've been searching around for some information on the DMV riding test, but haven't found much. I plan to take it next week and was wondering what I should expect. I haven't been riding long (about 2 months), but I have been riding the 20+ miles to work most days.

Due to some insurance problems, I have to be licensed before October 9th. Otherwise, my insurance is going to stop covering me. So, I guess I need a quick crash course on the DMV riding test from someone who's gone that route.

For example, is it a lot of parking lot maneuvers like the MSF figure 8's, or is it more focused on riding in traffic?

Any links or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Wizzard · #2 Unread post by **Wizzard** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 7:17 am

Go down to your local DMV parking lot on the weekend or the one in Oxnard may be less crowded . The layout will be there somewhere and practice , practice , practice . The hardest part for me was making the circle right handedly without getting frustrated and putting my feet down .
If you have an oppurtunity to check it out during the week there might even be someone testing that you can watch allowing you to understand what will be expected of you .
Regards, Wizzard

DJGroove · #3 Unread post by **DJGroove** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 7:39 am

Thanks, I will go do that this weekend. And I didn't even think about watching a test in progress... Of course, it might be hard to get there when they are open. Darn work...

Other than the basic safety equipment and the "do you know where your turn signals are?" stuff, is the test just with the circle?

I remember my driver's license test barely got me out of the parking lot. It was a grand total of 6 minutes. Should I expect to breeze through it the same?

Man, I think I'm getting myself nervous for nothing...

flynrider · #4 Unread post by **flynrider** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 9:07 am

CA is very secretive about there tests. I've been asked to leave the parking lot while watching others take the test. It's mostly a low speed handling test. Frankly, I think they designed it so that most people would fail and take the MSF course. I've tried it a couple of times when the DMV was closed and can't consistently pass it on anything larger than a 500. The toughest part is riding the slow, tight 180 turn around painted lines that are shaped like a keyhole. There's only about 8 inches of space between the lines and neither tire is allowed to touch a line. If you have a big bike or large fairing, you won't even be able to see where the lines are in front of your bike. Touch a line on this manuever and the test is over. No questions, no retries.

I'm not a CA rider, but I visit quite often and have friends that have been through this. You'll have to practice long and hard to do this perfectly (as required). Frankly, I think the whole thing is a scam for the MSF course. I'd be willing to wager that most of the folks to complete the course to avoid the test, could probably not pass the test to DMV's standards.

Best of luck.

swatter555 · Wed Sep 28, 2005 11:10 am

The test is hard. You have to manuever past 4 cones with 12 foot seperation between them. After the cones are past, you must complete 2 complete cirlces, tight circles I might add, and stay within the lines. Then you must pass through the cones again. It is a hard test for sure.

You can go to the DMV lot on a day the DMV is closed and practice, though it will takes lots of practice. I think the test is a bit extreme, you would be better off taking the MSF course to get your license. Having said that, dont neglect practicing low speed manuevering on a regular basis.

PhilD9er · #6 Unread post by **PhilD9er** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 12:09 am

You have to ride a simulated slalom, then do two rounds in a circle, then ride within a lane. Then ride in a lane and do the same. If your foot touches ground you fail.

This cute Mexican chick gave me the test, and she was really butching up the CHP guys. "Their bikes weigh 900 pounds...they rode me on the back and did the course twice". Blah, blah, blah. I asked her if she wanted to climb on the back of my seat for the test.

Just enter the course with 5 mph speed and feather your rear brake in the circle. Keep the revs up and slip the clutch. If you ever rode dirt bikes it's easy as hell.

swatter555 · Thu Sep 29, 2005 12:36 pm

"Just enter the course with 5 mph speed and feather your rear brake in the circle. Keep the revs up and slip the clutch. If you ever rode dirt bikes it's easy as hell."

Certainly skill levels will differ. If your a new rider I would strongly suggest practicing on the course first. Despite it being easy as hell for some peps, it will be a difficult test for a new rider on a 600cc+ bike.

DJGroove · #8 Unread post by **DJGroove** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 4:22 pm

I appreciate all of the responses. I went to the DMV to check it out today. There were some guys there practicing on their rented HDs. It is definately not easy to do as a new rider (with no dirtbiking experience). It is, however, very doable. I practiced for a little while and felt comfortable after only a few runs, even with guys watching me.

A side note: One guy who had been riding for a long time, licensed and all, could not do the course on the first couple tries. Granted, he was on a big bike with a fairing, but still you would think a vet could easily pass a "basic skills test". I'm starting to believe the DMV test is there for you to fail and take the MSF course (which isn't necessarily a bad thing).

I'm going to try to make an appt for next week and get some more practice this weekend. Wish me luck! I sure wish the MSF courses weren't backed up for months.

Thanks again!

PhilD9er · #9 Unread post by **PhilD9er** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 8:17 pm

Don't get bummed out by some "experienced" dude with a fairing. This test is pathetically easy. I was hungover and tired when I took it. It was over 90 degrees in the Valley of Hell. (The San Fernando Valley, that is).

Control the rear wheel with your right foot as you keep the revs up and slip the clutch. Low speed maneuver is essential. That's all it is. Anyone who can fog a mirror can buy a 150 hp bike in California.

PhilD9er · #10 Unread post by **PhilD9er** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 8:47 pm

Dude, you have to AT LEAST do this test. If not you're a danger to yourself and anyone who rides on your bike. A low speed handling test. An easy one at that.Maybe you can get around it with the 'safety' course. Duuuuu, you will ride where your eyes go, duuuuu.

Just master that little course.