I want to take my California written Motorcycle test.  Is there a
coach who can get me up to speed on this, or is there an online self
testing service?  I've got the manual, that's the easy bit.  I need
some personal or online assesment so I know when i'm ready, and to
help me learn it.

Hi there!

The California Department of Motor Vehicles offers 2 sample tests
online, which will pop up a JavaScript box as you answer each question
to tell you whether you got the answer right or wrong, and indicates
which section of the manual you should consult for further
information:

[ http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/interactive/tdrive/clm1written.htm ]
[ http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/interactive/tdrive/clm2written.htm ]


Driver's Test.net offers a dozen different motorcycle tests.  They
aren't California specific, rather, they cover a range of information
the site authors feel every motorcyclist should know.  Each test is
scored immediately after completion, and answers for further study are
provided.

[ http://www.driverstest.net/motorcycle.html ]

I took both sample tests at the DMV and 3 of the 12 at Driver's
Test.net.  Of the two sites, I felt that Driver's Test.net was the
more helpful (if much tougher) site - it grades the test *after*
completion instead of as you go, and tells you which questions you
missed.  The answer key is linked at the bottom of each test, allowing
you to study and retake each test as needed.

I hope these help you out!  Good luck on your test!

missy-ga

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Clarification of Answer by missy-ga on 13 May 2002 16:10 PDT

I'm sorry you found this unhelpful.

There are, alas, no other online services that can help you.  If the
available online resources are not to your liking, you'll want to
consult a brick and mortar driving school.

Appreciate the answer, but the two DMV tests are just 10 questions
each and don't help me get any nearer. The test.net might be great,
but I want to pass the CA test rather than know what it takes to be a
great motorcylist.  I specifially want a coach or an online testing
service to assess me so I can be sure I'm ready.

Good luck on the written test! As with most government made tests,
there will be the occasional question that is worded poorly and is
therefore confusing. The good news is that you needn't get all
questions correct and if you do fail you can retake the test - the
same day! You can just get back in line and they will give you the
test again. Of course it will be a different version than the one you
took previously, but it may turn out to be an easier group of
questions for you.

For the riding test, I recommend taking the smallest motorcycle you
can get your hands on. The turning circle you are asked to navigate is
quite tight and the speed quite slow for something like a big Harley
to do. Same goes for sportbikes with limited steering lock (i.e.
Ducati). In San Francisco there was a guy who would rent his Honda 125
to people for the test and I thought this was a brilliant idea. He
advertises in the City Bike newspaper.

Passing the tests is one thing but it is just the beginning of the
education you need to survive as a motorcyclist. I strongly recommend
taking a motorcycle riding class. One resource is the class offered by
the CHP. http://www.cmsp.org/ Asking at your local motorcycle shop
will also give you an idea of other schools available in your area.

Good luck with the tests and "keep the rubber side down".

The 120 test questions (12 test of 10 questions each) shown at:

        http://www.driverstest.net/motorcycle.html

are not CA specific but are the type of questions typically asked on
written drivers tests. There are the type that are "worded poorly", as
suggested by zeno, and ones which will be on every drivers test in
every state.  The tests give you the ability to score yourself....and
should be excellent preparation for your drivers test.  Good luck!!

Hey Headsetdotcom,

You might contact the CHP. Yep, the CHP. They conduct the California
Motorcyclist Safety Program:

California Motorcycle Training offers two different courses: the Basic
Rider Course for novice motorcycle riders, and the Experienced Rider
Course (ERC). Successful completion of the Basic Rider Course is
mandatory for persons under the age of 21 seeking a first-time
motorcycle license.

The Basic Rider Course is a 16 to 20-hour course of classroom and
on-cycle instruction, normally spread over one or two weekends. The
ERC is an eight-hour course. The Basic Rider Course costs $75 for
riders under the age of 21. For all other riders, the cost averages
$190. The ERC cost averages $85. Individuals interested in training
courses should call the program's toll-free number: 1-800-CC-RIDER.
Callers are referred to conveniently located sites and/or are provided
registration information for the mobile unit-assisted courses.

[ http://www.cmsp.org/program.html ]

Happy Cycling!

mit

The help provided by Missy sounded great to me. I think you should not
worry too much about testing yourself to see if you are "ready". As I
mentioned above, if you fail the test, you can take it again
immediately the same day. With a few tries at it, I can't imagine
anyone having difficulty passing the test after reading the handbook
available at the DMV. For those whose native language is not English,
the DMV tests and study guides are available in quite a few languages,
including Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese. A friend took the written
test in German as well though I don't know if the study guides are
printed in German. Once again, good luck! I know you can pass!

I found this site:

http://www.vehicles4sale.com/

Seems to have a bunch of free tests to take