CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLE
SAFETY PROGRAM (CMSP)
EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026 - 2027
What four items should you consider when choosing a lane position? -
ANSWERS--Visibility
-Line-of-sight
-Space cushion
-Escape route
What is S.I.P.D.E? - ANSWERS-S-Scan ahead
I-Identify vehicles, people, hazards
P-Predict hazard will do
D-Decide what you are going to do
E-Execute plan
How does S.I.P.D.E help make you an expert rider? - ANSWERS-By
learning to anticipate and act on hazards
Where do most multi-vehicle collisions occur? - ANSWERS-
Intersections
,What is a head check? - ANSWERS-Looking over shoulder prior to
changing lanes or turning
What can you do to reduce reaction time in hazardous situations? -
ANSWERS-Use SIPDE
How do you know if you are overriding your headlight? -
ANSWERS-Unable to see and react to hazards past your headlight
field
What are the leading causes of single-vehicle crashes? - ANSWERS-
Failure to negotiate turns.
At what point should you turn toward the apex? - ANSWERS-After
you've entered the outside of the turn.
How do you link turns smoothly? - ANSWERS--Use a late apex line.
-Start outside, aim towards apex as soon as you see exit of turn, then
towards outside for next turn.
When should you turn your head for cornering? - ANSWERS-As
soon as you can see your target.
How is the front brake applied to stop quickly in a straight line? -
ANSWERS-Smooth, firm and with increasing pressure.
, How is the rear brake applied to stop quickly in a straight line? -
ANSWERS-Light to lighter pressure.
What two methods are the quickest way to stop in a curve?
(2) - ANSWERS--Straighten, then brake.
-Braking in a lean.
When braking in a lean, what is important to remember? -
ANSWERS-The more friction used in the lean, the less traction
available for braking.
What should you always avoid while swerving? - ANSWERS-
Braking
Where should you look when crossing obstacles? - ANSWERS-
Ahead, forecast your path of travel.
What approach angle is recommended when crossing obstacles? -
ANSWERS-90 degrees
What indicates a potential change in roadway traction? - ANSWERS-
Shiny surfaces.
How should you ride across low-traction surfaces? - ANSWERS--
Slow down
-Decrease lean angle.
SAFETY PROGRAM (CMSP)
EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026 - 2027
What four items should you consider when choosing a lane position? -
ANSWERS--Visibility
-Line-of-sight
-Space cushion
-Escape route
What is S.I.P.D.E? - ANSWERS-S-Scan ahead
I-Identify vehicles, people, hazards
P-Predict hazard will do
D-Decide what you are going to do
E-Execute plan
How does S.I.P.D.E help make you an expert rider? - ANSWERS-By
learning to anticipate and act on hazards
Where do most multi-vehicle collisions occur? - ANSWERS-
Intersections
,What is a head check? - ANSWERS-Looking over shoulder prior to
changing lanes or turning
What can you do to reduce reaction time in hazardous situations? -
ANSWERS-Use SIPDE
How do you know if you are overriding your headlight? -
ANSWERS-Unable to see and react to hazards past your headlight
field
What are the leading causes of single-vehicle crashes? - ANSWERS-
Failure to negotiate turns.
At what point should you turn toward the apex? - ANSWERS-After
you've entered the outside of the turn.
How do you link turns smoothly? - ANSWERS--Use a late apex line.
-Start outside, aim towards apex as soon as you see exit of turn, then
towards outside for next turn.
When should you turn your head for cornering? - ANSWERS-As
soon as you can see your target.
How is the front brake applied to stop quickly in a straight line? -
ANSWERS-Smooth, firm and with increasing pressure.
, How is the rear brake applied to stop quickly in a straight line? -
ANSWERS-Light to lighter pressure.
What two methods are the quickest way to stop in a curve?
(2) - ANSWERS--Straighten, then brake.
-Braking in a lean.
When braking in a lean, what is important to remember? -
ANSWERS-The more friction used in the lean, the less traction
available for braking.
What should you always avoid while swerving? - ANSWERS-
Braking
Where should you look when crossing obstacles? - ANSWERS-
Ahead, forecast your path of travel.
What approach angle is recommended when crossing obstacles? -
ANSWERS-90 degrees
What indicates a potential change in roadway traction? - ANSWERS-
Shiny surfaces.
How should you ride across low-traction surfaces? - ANSWERS--
Slow down
-Decrease lean angle.
