Anyone know off hand the specifics for the California Motorcycle skills test... like what they make you do?   I'm trying to get my wife ready for her test - I took the MSF course, so I was able to avoid the whole process.

I know there is a large circle you are required to go around in - anyone know how large it is... I'd like to set-up a test track for her to practice in...

Thanks.


Rolly

The painted circle is at the DMV, I don't know why you couldn't just go over there when they're closed on a Sunday and practice there.

When I took it I also had to slalom 3 cones, and ride the bike straight at the instructor, go up through 3 gears (or up to 3rd gear), and stop before hitting him. I guess I should state that when I took the test it was 1986.

You'd probably want to still consider having your wife take the MSF class.  I took the class in Hollywood in 2002 and my wife took the same class there a few months ago...  it's such a good experience and will potentially help save her life.

ASLAM.

Quote from: aslamYou'd probably want to still consider having your wife take the MSF class.

Agree!
If you took one, why dont you make her take MSF??

I wanted my wife to take the MSF... Cos I have never taken it... and I learned to ride before I learned to walk... but I wanted her to take it and tell me what all they told her... so I can see if I need the advanced course or not... (yea yea I am already above the beginers) but they had like a 8 month wait... Somehting liek if you book in April... they give you a december date.... hell I guess you could book in november and get a december date... No Idea...
Cool.
Srinath.

If the classes are full when you try to get in, see if you can get on standby or all else fails just show up the day of the first class and see if someone doesnt show. Thats how I got in early, took me two tries and only bit of time on a friday night to try.

I certainly appreciate everyone pointing out the virtues of the msf course... however, we are not going to go that route for now.  

I took the course because it is my primary mode of transportation and I would save a bundle on insurance and I could not get my license until I took the course - I was 16 at the time.  She is over 21, so it would cost us $200 plus a 4 month wait to be on the list.  She wants her license and we can't afford the $200... we already have the bike, the gear, and everything else from when we were both working and had extra money to spend.  Now wife rising gas prices and the cost of living in San Diego, we need to save money where we can so she would like to commute on her bike more and use her car less.

Thanks.

The Escondido DMVs course is closed after hours and during the weekends, so I guess I can go over during the day and try to figure out what the course is...


Rolly

You could go during hours and watch what the course is and what has to be done, then go after hours and do the course.

My father was the same way after not riding a bike for about 10 years he wanted one again since I got into bikes. He didnt need the MSF course (its only $25 here) and so he did the riding course and we just went over there and tested it. The stuff I had him do was even harder than the actual test the DMV tester had him do. It was so simple it wasnt funny. But the tester didnt mind me watching and a couple other people were there.

The wait in LA for MSF has never been very long because I guess they can run the class all year around.  Unlike other spots.

And if you decide to change your mind on the money dilemma, you can almost surely get in the class by showing up as a standby.  There's always people who fail to show up.

ASLAM.

Oh... I thought the wait for the class isn't that loong in LA cos the bikers there are usually like... MSF... we dont need no steekin MSF...
Cool.
Srinath.

Heck they dont even need to have a motorcycle endorsement! I think the statistic is something like over 50% or riders dont even have a motorcycle license. Makes you wonder how they get insurance on the bike.