DMV Test
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 125
Likes: 14
From: Bentonville, AR
I passed my test on my Triumph Thunderbird. It was equipped with luggage on sides of bike and passenger seat. I had put a lot of miles on it discovering California before I went to DMW test 
I had my Ukrainian motorcycle driver license so I could ride on freeways freely.
I had my Ukrainian motorcycle driver license so I could ride on freeways freely.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: O'fallon IL
I am curious on how many people have passed the DMV driving test on a big bike. I have a 2010 SG and have been riding since I was 7 and have passed the test on much smaller bikes. I need to go get my license again and I drove out to DMV over the weekend to practice the test. I was suprised at how small that damn circle was and how close the cones will be. I might have to take a class to get my certificate because I know I cant pass it on my own bike. Anyone else have this problem?
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 390
Likes: 1
From: Dark Side of the Moon
I am curious on how many people have passed the DMV driving test on a big bike. I have a 2010 SG and have been riding since I was 7 and have passed the test on much smaller bikes. I need to go get my license again and I drove out to DMV over the weekend to practice the test. I was suprised at how small that damn circle was and how close the cones will be. I might have to take a class to get my certificate because I know I cant pass it on my own bike. Anyone else have this problem?
Last edited by spoonie; Jan 4, 2011 at 07:43 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 328
Likes: 1
From: NW Ohio
I took my test 10/23/10 on a 2006 SG passed it with no problems at all. If you have good balance you will have no problems, at the slow speeds it's all about balance
Last edited by blackswampbiker; Jan 4, 2011 at 08:09 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: southeastern MA near RI
MA was pretty easy, I just walked into the DMV and asked to take a written test for a motorcycle permit. I didn't study or anything just walked in the door took the test and walked out with a permit. Of course I had to pay for it. I rode on my permit for a while and then made an apt for the actual license. I took my test on my 04 sportster. The DMV guy had me do figure 8's in opposite directions, ride in a circle, and ride to the other end of the parking lot to make sure I can shift gears. Humm I looked at him with a puzzled face since I rode through several townes and cities to get there. He told me use the whole parking lot to due the figure 8's and circles. I did everything in 1 shot with out stopping or missing a beat and that was 3 years ago.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
*IF* your state allows you to take the Safety Course in place of the DMV skills test, TAKE IT! There is always so much to learn/re-learn. I had my M endorsement for many years and let it lapse (back then you were restricted by engine size). Getting back into riding 4 years ago, I thought it would be a breeze. The techniques I held were still there but the updated riding concepts had changed. I'm assuming you already ride. If that's the case, you can just sign up for 1/2 the course-a shorter version-for the seasoned rider. They do the quick classroom and valuable skills test on either provided bikes or bringing your own. Most everyone passes unless you have a major fall/mishap or screw up the written. Most HD dealers offer these classes but so do independents and some of the community colleges. I paid $225. The full class runs around $300-350 in WI. Learned info that I thought I already knew. They even offer classes to just sharpen your riding skills-no looking for a license-and that class was full! Great day when I walked into the DMV with my passing papers and no hassle for my license. Got 20% off my insurance too. I felt safer and wiser for taking the class.
ps/I also know many people who just borrow a smaller bike and do the test. I vote take the class.
ps/I also know many people who just borrow a smaller bike and do the test. I vote take the class.
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From: Logan Ohio
passed mine,100%, in Ohio on my Roadking
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 560
Likes: 10
From: Livermore, CA
I did the California DMV skills test on my Dyna and was hanging off the side, clutching and braking simultaneously to stay in between the circle lines. The evaluator said I "passed barely". I later find out that the DMV where I took the test has a tighter course (due to parking lot constraints) than the next closest DMV. If you can, practice the course on the weekend when they are closed.