california skills test?

[zac6164]

I was thinking of going to the dmv and see the course.  does anyone know what the test entails?
thanks

[Kerry]

HERE is one thread that should help you a bit.

And HERE is a somewhat related one that talks about skills practice.

[V8Pinto]

If you go to any DMV you will be able to find the painted test in their parking lot somewhere.  It is actually a difficult test.  I've been riding a long time and I found it very challenging on the GS-E.  If you have the option, I would recommend taking the test on an enduro type bike.  The bar leverage and tighter turning will pay you dividends.

I was very sick the morning that I took the test but even if I hadn't been sick, I would have found the test challenging.  I know very experienced riders that have failed the test on Harley's because the bikes were tough to turn tight.

A buddy of mine failed the test and went and took the MSF course to get his license.

[themaffeo]

I just took (and passed) the test on Tuesday - and as others have pointed out - it is challenging. Or at least the circle is.

The test area has a double lined circle at one end, and two parallel sets of double lines leading to both ends of the circle.  between the two sets of double lines are some round dots  - these are where the cones are placed.

My test:

1) Zig-zag between the cones (about 5 of them) until I get to the circle.  Go around the circle twice (my choice of direction) and then  come out by zig-zaging between the cones again.  Knock over a cone, put your foot down, or have the bikes front tire go out of the double-lined circle you fail.

2) Drive down one set of double lines leading to the circle. Go around the circle twice.  Come back the other set of double lines. Same rules as test 1.

My instructor was pretty cool. she said to keep my front tire "basically" inside the lines. Said I got a practice run, but it would "count" if i did it right. On the second test my foot went down real quick on the last quarter of the second turn - but she pretended not to see (i know she had to of).

Best advice I would give:

1) Practice it before.  My dmv has the lot open after closing so i could drive up behind the building and practice to my hearts content.

2) Ride the clutch.  Initially when i was practicing, i wasn't sure if there was a "minimum speed" so i practiced witht the bike completely in first gear.  Due to the slightly rough idling of my GS, it was VERY hard to control - not to mention pretty fast.  Just use the clutch to go around the circle and between the cones - MUCH MUCH smoother.

[JMyrick]

Here in MD I failed an am going to take MSF the first week in Aug