CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLE
SAFETY PROGRAM (CMSP) TEST
2026 | QUESTIONS & CORRECT
ANSWERS (GRADE A+)
Give five reasons why motorcycling is more risky than driving a car. - answer-1. More
vulnerable
2. Maneuvers are more dangerous
3. Have to balance.
4. Skids and spins
5. Exposed to wind and rain
What does it mean to "accept your responsibility"? - answer-Choose to ride within your
limits every single time
What five items make up Rider Readiness? - answer-1. Mentally readiness (focused
unimpaired distraction free)
2. Physical Readiness (rested, healthy, free of stress/impairements)
3. Proper riding gear
4. Understanding your abilities and limitations
5. Knowledge of the riding conditions (road and weather etc.)
6. Motorcycle in good condition and awareness of your motorcycles capabilities and
limitations
What are the three benefits of wearing apparel specifically designed for motorcycling? -
answer-Improves
-Comfort
-Concentration
-Safety
,What is the difference between retro-reflective and reflective? - answer--Retro reflective
reflects the light back to the source.
-Reflective can reflect in any direction.
Why aren't ordinary glasses or sunglasses sufficient eye protection? - answer--Not
impact resistant (not shatter proof)
-Not secured
What three items should you consider when shopping for riding gear? - answer-
Increases:
-Comfort
-Protection
-Visibility
Where do you find the recommended maintenance schedule for your
motorcycle? - answer-Motorcycle Owners Manual (MOM)
What are the five primary controls and where is each located? - answer--Throttle
-Clutch lever
-Gearshift lever
-Front brake lever
-Rear brake pedal
What is the purpose of the engine cut-off switch and where is it located? - answer--
Shuts off engine.
-Right handgrip.
, What must you remember when using your motorcycle turn signal? - answer--Does not
self cancel
What is ONE-C? - answer-It's how you start your motorcycle:
-O - ignition/fuel turn ON
-N - Neutral
-E - Engine cut-off switch to on
-C - Clutch pull in and press starter button
How do you use the friction zone? - answer-Uses minor clutch slipping to ease power to
wheels - SMOOTHLY let the clutch out until you feel power start to deliver to the rear
wheels and ease on the gas as you smoothly let the clutch slip out the rest of the way
Describe three components of good riding posture. - answer--Sitting up
-Relaxed
-Neutral
What are the four steps to turning? - answer-1) Speed, Position, Aim, Steer (Course)
2) Slow, look, press, roll (DMV)
Why is the "aim" step important? - answer-Because your likely to ride where you look
and aim.
What does lifting or pressing on the shift lever accomplish? - answer-Change gears
Which brake provides more stopping power? How much does it provide? - answer-Front,
70%
How should you release the clutch when downshifting? - answer-Slowly - SMOOTHLY
SAFETY PROGRAM (CMSP) TEST
2026 | QUESTIONS & CORRECT
ANSWERS (GRADE A+)
Give five reasons why motorcycling is more risky than driving a car. - answer-1. More
vulnerable
2. Maneuvers are more dangerous
3. Have to balance.
4. Skids and spins
5. Exposed to wind and rain
What does it mean to "accept your responsibility"? - answer-Choose to ride within your
limits every single time
What five items make up Rider Readiness? - answer-1. Mentally readiness (focused
unimpaired distraction free)
2. Physical Readiness (rested, healthy, free of stress/impairements)
3. Proper riding gear
4. Understanding your abilities and limitations
5. Knowledge of the riding conditions (road and weather etc.)
6. Motorcycle in good condition and awareness of your motorcycles capabilities and
limitations
What are the three benefits of wearing apparel specifically designed for motorcycling? -
answer-Improves
-Comfort
-Concentration
-Safety
,What is the difference between retro-reflective and reflective? - answer--Retro reflective
reflects the light back to the source.
-Reflective can reflect in any direction.
Why aren't ordinary glasses or sunglasses sufficient eye protection? - answer--Not
impact resistant (not shatter proof)
-Not secured
What three items should you consider when shopping for riding gear? - answer-
Increases:
-Comfort
-Protection
-Visibility
Where do you find the recommended maintenance schedule for your
motorcycle? - answer-Motorcycle Owners Manual (MOM)
What are the five primary controls and where is each located? - answer--Throttle
-Clutch lever
-Gearshift lever
-Front brake lever
-Rear brake pedal
What is the purpose of the engine cut-off switch and where is it located? - answer--
Shuts off engine.
-Right handgrip.
, What must you remember when using your motorcycle turn signal? - answer--Does not
self cancel
What is ONE-C? - answer-It's how you start your motorcycle:
-O - ignition/fuel turn ON
-N - Neutral
-E - Engine cut-off switch to on
-C - Clutch pull in and press starter button
How do you use the friction zone? - answer-Uses minor clutch slipping to ease power to
wheels - SMOOTHLY let the clutch out until you feel power start to deliver to the rear
wheels and ease on the gas as you smoothly let the clutch slip out the rest of the way
Describe three components of good riding posture. - answer--Sitting up
-Relaxed
-Neutral
What are the four steps to turning? - answer-1) Speed, Position, Aim, Steer (Course)
2) Slow, look, press, roll (DMV)
Why is the "aim" step important? - answer-Because your likely to ride where you look
and aim.
What does lifting or pressing on the shift lever accomplish? - answer-Change gears
Which brake provides more stopping power? How much does it provide? - answer-Front,
70%
How should you release the clutch when downshifting? - answer-Slowly - SMOOTHLY
