Highway & Freeway Driving — California

California motorcycle permit practice test: 329 free practice questions (19 official sample questions · Official driver handbook). Official test format: Multiple choice, pass mark 80% (DMV does not publish the question count). Highway & Freeway Driving: 9 questions. Updated

Entering and exiting freeways, lane changes, overtaking and HOV lane rules.

This topic page is still being reviewed against the official handbook. Until review is finished it is hidden from search engines.

Topic / MetricValue
TopicHighway & Freeway Driving
License testCalifornia Motorcycle permit test
Topic questions9 (3% of 329 total)
Review statusThis topic page is still being reviewed against the official handbook. Until review is finished it is hidden from search engines.

Official handbook

California Motorcycle Handbook (DL 665) ✓ Verified from official source

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Questions (9)

1. If a sign prohibits the use of a moped on a freeway:
  1. Mopeds cannot be used on the freeway. ✓
  2. Mopeds can only be used on the freeway when traffic is moving smoothly.
  3. Mopeds can be used on the freeway if they are not operated at speeds faster than 25 mph.

Answer: A. Mopeds cannot be used on the freeway.

Official handbook: Official handbook
2. HOV lanes can be used by motorcyclists:
  1. But only if they are carrying a passenger.
  2. Unless otherwise posted. ✓
  3. But only on weekends.

Answer: B. Unless otherwise posted.

Official handbook: Official handbook
3. Motorcycles pulling trailers:
  1. Are not allowed in carpool lanes. ✓
  2. Can travel in any lane on a highway.
  3. Must travel no faster than 25 mph.

Answer: A. Are not allowed in carpool lanes.

Official handbook: Official handbook
4. When changing lanes, you should:
  1. Use your mirrors and look over your shoulder. ✓
  2. Use your mirrors. You do not need to look over your shoulder unless you notice something unusual.
  3. Either use your mirrors or look over your shoulder.

Answer: A. Use your mirrors and look over your shoulder.

Official handbook: Official handbook
5. When preparing to pass a vehicle on the left, you should ride in which portion of the lane?
  1. The left portion ✓
  2. The center portion
  3. The right portion

Answer: A. The left portion

Ride in the left portion of the lane when preparing to pass a vehicle on the left. The manual's passing steps begin by telling you to ride in the left portion of the lane at a safe following distance. From that position you can see farther ahead and are more visible to others. After setting up there, you signal, check oncoming traffic, use your mirrors and turn your head to check your blind spot, then move into the left lane when it is safe. So the setup position before a left pass is the left portion.
Official handbook: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), p. 17
6. When cars are merging from an entrance ramp:
  1. A motorcyclist should assume the entering drivers see them.
  2. A motorcyclist should never assume the entering drivers see them. ✓
  3. A motorcyclist should stop.

Answer: B. A motorcyclist should never assume the entering drivers see them.

Never assume that drivers merging from an entrance ramp see you. The manual's merging section says drivers coming down an entrance ramp may fail to see a motorcycle already on the highway. It tells you to give them room, move to another lane if one is open, or adjust your speed to create space when you cannot change lanes. A broader warning says there are no guarantees that others see you, so do not rely on eye contact. That is why you should never assume a merging driver has noticed you; you have to manage the space yourself.
Official handbook: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), p. 4
7. How should a group of motorcyclists pass another vehicle?
  1. In a staggered formation
  2. In pairs
  3. One at a time ✓

Answer: C. One at a time

Official handbook: Official handbook
8. When being passed, moving to the part of your lane that is farthest from the passing vehicle:
  1. Is recommended because you will be farther away from the passing vehicle.
  2. Is not recommended because it invites the other driver to move back into your lane too early. ✓
  3. Is not encouraged or discouraged as it has no impact on safety.

Answer: B. Is not recommended because it invites the other driver to move back into your lane too early.

Moving to the part of your lane farthest from the passing vehicle is not recommended, because it invites the passing driver to move back into your lane too early. The manual tells you to stay in the center portion of your lane when someone passes you from behind. Staying centered keeps you predictable and leaves room to handle a mistake by either driver, since a small error can cause a sideswipe and some mirrors stick out wider than fenders. The manual also warns, in the group-riding section, that sliding over to the far side of the lane can encourage another driver to cut back in before there is enough space cushion, which is the same problem with drifting away from a passing vehicle.
Official handbook: MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th ed.), p. 17
9. When riding on a highway, a motorcyclist should signal _______ before changing lanes.
  1. Two seconds
  2. Five seconds ✓
  3. 10 seconds

Answer: B. Five seconds

Official handbook: Official handbook
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