PassEveryTest
English

California Motorcycle Permit Practice Test 2026

Practice for the California motorcycle knowledge test for a Class M1 or M2 license. These questions are written from the California Motorcyclist Handbook and cover license classes, permit limits and training, plus safe riding skills.

  • Motorcycle
  • California
  • 135 questions
  • Checked October 10, 2026

Quick answer

It is run by California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Practise here for free with 135 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 10, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the US Motorcycle Permit Study Guide: plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 15

    What does a California Class M1 license allow?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Any two-wheel motorcycle, plus all M2 vehicles

    M1 covers any two-wheel motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or motorized scooter, plus everything under M2.

  2. Question 2 of 15

    What does a California Class M2 license allow?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Only motorized bicycles, mopeds and motorized scooters

    M2 is limited to motorized bicycles, mopeds and motorized scooters.

  3. Question 3 of 15

    In California, who must finish a CMSP training course before getting a motorcycle permit?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Applicants under 21

    Applicants under 21 must complete a California Motorcyclist Safety Program course first.

  4. Question 4 of 15

    Can a California motorcycle permit holder carry a passenger?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. No

    The motorcycle instruction permit does not allow passengers.

  5. Question 5 of 15

    Which of these is a California motorcycle permit restriction?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. No freeway riding and no night riding

    Permit holders may not ride on freeways, at night or with passengers.

  6. Question 6 of 15

    What does a CMSP certificate of completion (DL 389) do?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. It waives the DMV motorcycle skills test

    The DL 389 can waive the skills test.

  7. Question 7 of 15

    How long is a California DL 389 certificate valid?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 12 months

    The DL 389 is valid for 12 months from its issue date.

  8. Question 8 of 15

    Does California accept an out-of-state rider course card to waive the skills test?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. No

    Out-of-state programs and insurance course cards do not qualify for the waiver.

  9. Question 9 of 15

    Which California riders must wear a helmet?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. All riders and passengers

    Vehicle Code 27803 requires a DOT-compliant helmet for every rider and passenger.

  10. Question 10 of 15

    What standard must a California motorcycle helmet meet?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 (DOT)

    The helmet must be certified by the maker as meeting FMVSS 218.

  11. Question 11 of 15

    Under California law, can you wear earphones in both ears while riding?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. No

    Vehicle Code 27400 bars headsets, earplugs or earphones in both ears, except devices made to reduce harmful noise that still let you hear sirens and horns.

  12. Question 12 of 15

    Can motorcycles use carpool (HOV) lanes in California?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Yes, unless signs say otherwise

    Motorcyclists may use carpool lanes unless otherwise posted.

  13. Question 13 of 15

    What is the speed limit for a motorcycle towing a trailer in California?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 55 mph

    A motorcycle towing a trailer may not go over 55 mph and may not use carpool lanes.

  14. Question 14 of 15

    How does the California handbook define lane splitting?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Riding between lanes of stopped or slower traffic, or moving to the front at a light

    The handbook explains lane splitting and warns that it is risky.

  15. Question 15 of 15

    With only a Class C license in California, which can you operate?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A three-wheel motorcycle or a motorcycle with a sidecar

    Class C holders may operate three-wheel motorcycles and motorcycles with sidecars.

What to know before the test

  • An M1 license covers any two-wheel motorcycle and everything in M2. M2 covers only motorized bicycles, mopeds and motorized scooters.
  • Applicants under 21 must complete a California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) course before getting a motorcycle instruction permit.
  • Permit holders may not carry passengers, ride on freeways or ride at night.
  • A CMSP certificate of completion (DL 389) waives the skills test and is valid for 12 months. Out-of-state course cards do not qualify.
  • All riders and passengers must wear a DOT-compliant helmet (Vehicle Code 27803).
  • Motorcyclists may use carpool (HOV) lanes unless signs say otherwise.

Frequently asked questions

Who has to take a motorcycle training course in California?

Applicants under 21 must finish a CMSP course before they can get a motorcycle instruction permit.

What are the California motorcycle permit restrictions?

No passengers, no freeway riding and no riding at night.

Does a CMSP course replace the DMV skills test?

Yes. The DL 389 completion certificate waives the skills test. It is valid for 12 months.

Is lane splitting covered in the California handbook?

Yes. The handbook defines lane splitting as riding between lanes of stopped or slower-moving traffic, or moving to the front at a light, and explains its risks.

Can motorcycles use carpool lanes in California?

Yes, unless signs say otherwise.

Sources

Related tests