CA DMV Motorcycle Handbook

Question 1

Motorcycle

Answer 1

a motor vehicle with a seat or saddle for the rider designed to travel on not more than 3 wheels

Question 2

Motor-driven cycle

Answer 2

a motorcycle with less than 150cc motor size

Question 3

Motorize bicycle or Moped

Answer 3

2- or 3-wheeled device capable of no more than 30mph on level ground with:

• fully operative pedals
• motor producing < 4 gross brake horsepower
• automatic transmission

Question 4

Electric bicycle

Answer 4

a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of < 750 watts

Question 5

The operator of a Class 3 electric bicycle MUST…

Answer 5

• be 16 years old or older
• wear a bicycle helmet
• not transport passengers
• only ride in bicycle lane if authorized by local authority or ordinance

Question 6

Motorized scooter

Answer 6

any 2-wheeled “device” with:
- a motor, handlebars, and a floorboard for standing on when riding
and the option of having:
- driver seat which cannot interfere with the operator’s ability to stand and ride
- the ability to be powered by human propulsion

Question 7

Class M1 license

Answer 7

2-wheeled motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, motorized scooter, and all class M2 vehicles

Question 8

Class M2 license

Answer 8

motorized bicycle, moped, or motorized scooter

Question 9

Class C license

Answer 9

motorcycle with a side car attached, 3-wheeled motorcycle, or motorized scooter

Question 10

Class M1/M2 permit has what restrictions?

Answer 10

• No carrying passengers
• No freeway driving
• No nighttime driving

Question 11

By law, you MUST wear…

Answer 11

a US DOT compliant motorcycle safety helmet

Question 12

The majority of serious and fatal motorcycle injuries are what kind of injury?

Answer 12

head injury

Question 13

Your helmet should…

Answer 13

• meet US DOT safety standards
• have manufacturer-applied DOT lettering on the back of the helmet
• fit snuggly all the way around
• have no obvious defects such as cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps
• be securely fasted in your head when you ride

Question 14

True/False: DOT lettering can be a stick-on label

Answer 14

FALSE. DOT lettering should not be a stick-on label or easily removed.

Question 15

True/False: A windshield is an acceptable substitute for a face shield or goggles

Answer 15

FALSE. A windshield is NOT a substitute for a face shield or goggles

Question 16

To be effective, eye or face shield protection MUST…

Answer 16

• be free of scratches
• be resistant to punctures
• give a clear view to either side
• fasten securely
• permit air to pass through
• permit enough room for eyeglasses or sunglasses, if needed

Question 17

True/False: Tinted eye protection or tinted face shields may be worn at night

Answer 17

FALSE. Tinted eye protection or tinted face shields should not be worn at night or when little light is available.

Question 18

Riding for long periods in cold weather can cause…

Answer 18

• severe chill
• dehydration
• fatigue

Question 19

True/False: Your feet should comfortably reach the ground while you are seated on the motorcycle

Answer 19

TRUE

Question 20

A street-legal motorcycle MUST have…

Answer 20

• tires with sufficient tread and air pressure
• operable headlights, taillight, brake light, and turn signals
• front and rear brakes
• a horn
• mirror(s)

Question 21

What proportion of collisions occur by motorcycle riders with < 6 months experience?

Answer 21

more than half