After getting my first Cal DMV M1 endorsement in the dark ages, which I did not renew as I had no motorcycle at some point, I am now scheduled for my M skills test. When I got my first endorsement years ago I recall a simple figure 8 which was easy on my R75. Now they have 2 concentric circles 20 and 21 feet in diameter I believe. They want you to enter the circles and not let the front tire go outside the 21 ft circle and go around twice, like a circus clown and later in the test go the other direction twice. No similarity to any real world motoring. I do fine in parking lots, gas stations and limited room u turns. I have watched countless youtube videos on this subject. Many suggest renting a small bike for this test, and there are companies in big cities that offer this, but I am not there. After my rant my question is has anyone passed the Ca DMV circle jerk test with an R1100S or similar? Thanks.
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Ca DMV skills test
- Thread starter mntngrown
- Start date
One of the keys to riding tight circles is to keep one's head up and look where you wish to go. It is easy to look down which will cause to bike's path to vary from the desired route. It is also easy to let one's speed drop and the bike will want to fall over.
It is advisable to practice, practice, practice. It would be worthwhile to attend a training course where one can receive some coaching in achieving a proper technique to purposefully control the motorcycle.
I believe that the standard for motorcycle police officers is to be able to make a turn in a 15-foot circle. This corresponds to the width of a normal 2 lane road. Thus, the motor-officer can make a "U-turn" in a 2 lane road. This level of skill requires much training and practice.
It is advisable to practice, practice, practice. It would be worthwhile to attend a training course where one can receive some coaching in achieving a proper technique to purposefully control the motorcycle.
I believe that the standard for motorcycle police officers is to be able to make a turn in a 15-foot circle. This corresponds to the width of a normal 2 lane road. Thus, the motor-officer can make a "U-turn" in a 2 lane road. This level of skill requires much training and practice.
slowpokepete
Member
What a hassle.
I got my MC license in New York when I was 20, moved to Connecticut for almost ten years, and came back to New York.
MC license still valid, and didn't even have a bike again until last year, when I was 55.
Good luck on the test.
SPP
I got my MC license in New York when I was 20, moved to Connecticut for almost ten years, and came back to New York.
MC license still valid, and didn't even have a bike again until last year, when I was 55.
Good luck on the test.
SPP
Thanks
Thanks for the replies. Gonna practice today. The closest DMV to me was where I applied for my real id but they could not complete the process. They said my pending MC endorsement was holding it up and I had to complete the skills test. Then the supervisor told me they were not currently doing the test as the lines needed repainting. I half in jest suggested giving me a pass so I could get my real ID. "Nice try" was the reply. I was able to schedule one at a DMV an hour away. It's a nice ride there.
Thanks for the replies. Gonna practice today. The closest DMV to me was where I applied for my real id but they could not complete the process. They said my pending MC endorsement was holding it up and I had to complete the skills test. Then the supervisor told me they were not currently doing the test as the lines needed repainting. I half in jest suggested giving me a pass so I could get my real ID. "Nice try" was the reply. I was able to schedule one at a DMV an hour away. It's a nice ride there.
Tonyfr
Are we there yet?
This was the test when I got my endorsement back in 1984 in California. No figure 8 on the course.
Nice!
I wish Ca maintained the status like NY. Mine probably dropped off hen I was not renewing it during the years I had no MC.
I wish Ca maintained the status like NY. Mine probably dropped off hen I was not renewing it during the years I had no MC.
Living in the boondocks
The locations are hours away since I am in podunk and they were closed for covid. Now they are full for a long way out. Zoom for classroom then commute 2 days, 2 hours plus each way but I will consider it as a last resort.
pauls1150
MOA #24991, south of Los Angeles
When I moved here from the northeast (~45 years ago), not only did I have to do the circles, but I had to do two Figure Eights diagonally within the box.
(Also the "serpentine", and demonstrate a couple of shifts, all without putting a foot down.)
The test supervisor saw my bike and said I could take a practice run.
I did it on my '70 Sportster with 4" tubes up front and a 5x16 on the rear.
He passed me, no second run necessary.
(Also the "serpentine", and demonstrate a couple of shifts, all without putting a foot down.)
The test supervisor saw my bike and said I could take a practice run.
I did it on my '70 Sportster with 4" tubes up front and a 5x16 on the rear.
He passed me, no second run necessary.
Considering the fact that CA allows lane splitting (filtering) I kinda like the idea that they have some kind of advanced skill requirement... not sure if what's described really qualifies as that.
If someone is going to be allowed to skim the mirrors of my car in traffic I'd hope they can do more than walk and chew gum at the same time.... (grin).
If someone is going to be allowed to skim the mirrors of my car in traffic I'd hope they can do more than walk and chew gum at the same time.... (grin).
r0ckrat
Active member
This. I can do the circles on my '16 R1200R no problem - wife is still practicing for her endorsement on a scooter, so I get to show her some tips. I have even done it with all 3 boxes, but without is easier. Go practice a time or two, have someone with a go-pro record it, and see how you do. Wife said the current requirement is weave the cones, around the circle, and weave the cones out - that's at the Long Beach DMV.
There are videos on you tube that might help Jerry Pallidino's Ride like a pro series are good . When maneuvering slowly to apply slight pressure to the back brake ,keep your clutch in the "friction zone " (slip the clutch), etc . He also states that you can try this with a bicycle (pressure on the back brake ) while moving slowly to test it out .
Yes
I have watched a lot of his videos and Moto jitsu and paying it forward and Dan the fireman etc. Since I am on an R1100S and have a 36" inseam I can't put counter balance pressure on the right foot peg(half cheek off) while turning left and still apply rear brake. I am just focusing on friction zone and did pretty well today. I will post if I pass or fail and thanks to all!
lkraus
New member
Riding a twenty foot diameter circle is pretty easy on an RT. A full circle is not "real world", but I do a U-turn on a two lane road fairly often. Or do a U through an empty parking spot to be headed out after parking in the adjoining space. My limit is currently a 16 foot diameter, and I'm not on the steering stops yet.
I enjoy the tight turns. It's fun to just flip a quick U and then watch as my brother-in-law struggles do a three point turn, using his Gold Wings reverse and paddling to change direction.
I enjoy the tight turns. It's fun to just flip a quick U and then watch as my brother-in-law struggles do a three point turn, using his Gold Wings reverse and paddling to change direction.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JDpdfm5j7c
Sometimes helps to know whats possible. I dropped my 1100 twice trying to do the tight turn deal in my driveway.
This thread has me wanting to do an advanced skills class.
Sometimes helps to know whats possible. I dropped my 1100 twice trying to do the tight turn deal in my driveway.
This thread has me wanting to do an advanced skills class.
good luck with the test!
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