California Motorcycle Permit Practice Test 2026: Practice test 6

Practice test 6 of 6 for the California Motorcycle Permit Practice Test: 20 more questions with answers and explanations.

Motorcycle
California
135 questions
Checked October 10, 2026

Question 1 of 20
What path through a curve does the diagram show?
- Inside, then outside, then inside
- Close to the road edge the whole way
- Outside, then inside, then outside
- The center of the lane the whole way
Show answer
Answer: C. Outside, then inside, then outside
With no traffic, enter at the outside, move toward the inside at the middle of the curve, and exit at the outside.
Question 2 of 20
Marker 1 in the diagram shows the rider's head. What should you do with your head in a turn?
- Keep it level, with your eyes in line with the horizon
- Keep it turned to the side
- Tilt it with the motorcycle
- Look down at the road just ahead
Show answer
Answer: A. Keep it level, with your eyes in line with the horizon
Turn just your head to look through the turn, and keep your eyes level with the horizon.
Question 3 of 20
How do you measure your following distance, as shown in the diagram?
- Watch the driver's brake lights
- When the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point, count seconds until you reach it
- Look at your speedometer
- Count car lengths
Show answer
Answer: B. When the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point, count seconds until you reach it
Pick a fixed point. When the vehicle ahead passes it, count. If you reach it before two seconds, you are too close.
Question 4 of 20
You are riding past a row of parked cars. Where in your lane should you ride?
- On the shoulder
- Toward the left side of your lane
- On the center line
- Close to the parked cars
Show answer
Answer: B. Toward the left side of your lane
Staying left keeps you away from doors opening and people stepping out between cars.
Question 5 of 20
You want to turn left at normal speed. Which handgrip do you press forward?
- The right handgrip
- The left handgrip
- Both grips equally
- Neither; you lean your body only
Show answer
Answer: B. The left handgrip
Press left, lean left, go left.
Question 6 of 20
In a normal turn like the one shown, how should your body lean?
- Farther than the motorcycle
- With the motorcycle, at the same angle
- Opposite the motorcycle
- Straight up while the motorcycle leans
Show answer
Answer: B. With the motorcycle, at the same angle
In normal turns, the rider and the motorcycle lean together at the same angle.
Question 7 of 20
What kind of gloves should a rider wear?
- No gloves, for better grip
- Full-fingered gloves made of leather or a similar tough material
- Thin cotton gloves
- Fingerless gloves
Show answer
Answer: B. Full-fingered gloves made of leather or a similar tough material
Full-fingered gloves protect your hands and help you grip the controls.
Question 8 of 20
In the diagram, which lane position is the center third of the lane?
- Position 3
- Position 2
- Position 1
Show answer
Answer: B. Position 2
Lane position 2 is the center of the lane. Position 1 is the left third and position 3 is the right third.
Question 9 of 20
Which drinks hold about the same amount of alcohol?
- A 12-ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, and a mixed drink with one shot of liquor
- A beer holds much less than a shot of liquor
- A beer holds twice as much as a glass of wine
- A glass of wine holds no alcohol
Show answer
Answer: A. A 12-ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, and a mixed drink with one shot of liquor
A can of beer, a glass of wine and one shot of liquor each hold about the same amount of alcohol.
Question 10 of 20
During a swerve, what should your body do?
- Lean the opposite way and brake
- Stand up on the footrests
- Lean farther than the motorcycle
- Stay upright while the motorcycle leans under you
Show answer
Answer: D. Stay upright while the motorcycle leans under you
Keep your body upright and let the motorcycle lean quickly beneath you.
Question 11 of 20
What should your riding jacket and pants do?
- Leave your arms bare in hot weather
- Be loose enough to flap in the wind
- Be made of thin cotton
- Cover your arms and legs completely
Show answer
Answer: D. Cover your arms and legs completely
A jacket and pants should cover arms and legs completely. Leather or sturdy synthetic material protects best.
Question 12 of 20
When should you use the front brake?
- Only above 30 mph
- Every time you slow down or stop, together with the rear brake
- Never on wet roads
- Only in an emergency
Show answer
Answer: B. Every time you slow down or stop, together with the rear brake
Use both brakes every time you slow or stop, so using the front brake becomes a habit.
Question 13 of 20
Why must you remember to turn off your turn signal?
- Signals are only for night
- Other drivers ignore signals
- It saves fuel
- Many motorcycle signals do not turn off by themselves
Show answer
Answer: D. Many motorcycle signals do not turn off by themselves
A signal left on can make drivers think you are about to turn.
Question 14 of 20
When should you leave three seconds or more behind the vehicle ahead?
- Only in parking lots
- Never; two seconds is always enough
- On slippery roads, at night, in heavy traffic, or when you can't see past the vehicle ahead
- Only on sunny days
Show answer
Answer: C. On slippery roads, at night, in heavy traffic, or when you can't see past the vehicle ahead
Increase your following distance when you need more time to see hazards or to stop.
Question 15 of 20
In the diagram, marker 4 shows the passenger's feet. When should they stay on the passenger footpegs?
- Never; feet go on the ground
- At all times, even when the motorcycle is stopped
- Only at high speed
- Only in turns
Show answer
Answer: B. At all times, even when the motorcycle is stopped
Tell your passenger to keep both feet on the footrests, even when stopped, and away from the muffler and chain.
Question 16 of 20
Which part of the lane must a motorcycle always avoid?
- The right third
- The left third
- None; choose the position that lets you see and be seen best
- The center third
Show answer
Answer: C. None; choose the position that lets you see and be seen best
No part of the lane needs to be avoided. Pick a position based on visibility, hazards and space around you.
Question 17 of 20
Why should you avoid stimulants to stay awake on a ride?
- They can cause extreme tiredness when they wear off
- They make you sleepy right away
- They are only legal at night
- They improve your balance
Show answer
Answer: A. They can cause extreme tiredness when they wear off
Artificial stimulants often lead to extreme fatigue or depression when they wear off.
Question 18 of 20
How should you ride across a metal bridge grating?
- Zigzag to keep traction
- Brake hard on the grating
- Stop and walk the motorcycle across
- Relax, keep a steady speed and ride straight across
Show answer
Answer: D. Relax, keep a steady speed and ride straight across
The grating may make the motorcycle feel unsteady, but riding straight at a steady speed is safe.
Question 19 of 20
What is the most important piece of gear for surviving a motorcycle crash?
- A helmet that is securely fastened
- Leather gloves
- A heavy jacket
- Tall boots
Show answer
Answer: A. A helmet that is securely fastened
The manual calls a securely fastened helmet the most important factor in surviving a crash.
Question 20 of 20
Which surfaces can be very slippery for a motorcycle?
- Dry concrete in the sun
- Painted lines, steel plates and manhole covers, especially when wet
- Dry, rough asphalt
- Clean, dry pavement
Show answer
Answer: B. Painted lines, steel plates and manhole covers, especially when wet
Paint and metal give much less traction than pavement, especially when wet.

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