California Motorcycle Permit Practice Test 3
20 questions written from the California Motorcycle Handbook (DL 665), with an explanation and page citation for every answer.
Which brake provides most of a motorcycle's stopping power?
Keyboard: press 1–4 or A–D to answer, Enter for the next question, S to save, R to read aloud, P to pause reading, L to listen and answer.
Sample questions
Which brake provides most of a motorcycle's stopping power?
- A The rear brake, about three-quarters
- B Both brakes provide equal power
- C The engine brake when downshifting
- D The front brake, about three-quarters
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D. The front brake, about three-quarters
The front brake provides about three-quarters of your stopping power because weight shifts onto the front wheel as you slow. Use both brakes every time you stop so the habit is automatic in an emergency.
When should your passenger get on the motorcycle?
- A Before you start the engine
- B Before you get on yourself
- C While you are rolling forward slowly
- D After you have started the engine
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D. After you have started the engine
Give your passenger complete instructions before you start, including to get on only after you start the engine. They should sit as far forward as possible without crowding you, hold your waist, hips or belt, and keep both feet on the footrests even when stopped.
Your front tire suddenly goes flat. How will the motorcycle most likely feel?
- A The steering will feel heavy
- B The back will jerk or sway side to side
- C The engine will lose power
- D You will hear a loud pop before anything changes
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A. The steering will feel heavy
If the front tire goes flat, the steering feels heavy, and because it affects steering it is especially hazardous. A rear flat makes the back jerk or sway. Hold the grips firmly, ease off the throttle and keep a straight course.
How can you tell that a helmet meets U.S. DOT standards?
- A A DOT sticker that the store adds at the time of sale
- B A thin, lightweight shell that sits high on the head
- C Manufacturer-applied DOT lettering on the back of the helmet
- D Decals such as horns or a mohawk on the shell
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C. Manufacturer-applied DOT lettering on the back of the helmet
A compliant helmet has DOT lettering applied by the manufacturer on the back, and the lettering should not be a removable sticker. Novelty helmets, sometimes called beanies or brain buckets, often look similar but have thin liners and do not protect you.