Questions, answered
Can I really take the DMV motorcycle test on a scooter?
You need a two-wheeled motorcycle to take the California DMV motorcycle skills test, and a seated scooter like the PCX is one. (The DMV's stand-up "motorized scooter" category is a different thing and can't be used for a skills test.) The handbook notes the gear-shift portion is only performed on bikes with a clutch and gears. Rules can change, so always double-check at dmv.ca.gov.
What's on the skills test?
Per the DMV handbook: a pre-trip inspection (naming controls like the starter, kill switch, throttle, brakes, signals and horn), plus a serpentine cone weave, circle rides and a slow ride inside marked lines. If you're applying for a motorcycle-only license and have never been licensed, an observation road test may also be required.
What do I handle with the DMV myself?
The application and fee, vision exam, knowledge tests, and booking your motorcycle driving test appointment (they're by appointment only). Bring your motorcycle instruction permit or license; the DMV says you must have one with you to ride. The DMV also requires proof of insurance for the vehicle used in the skills test. Gus's scooter is insured, and insurance is included in both options (the Test-Day Quick Ride and both versions of the Course Warm-Up). Easy Tide Rides provides that proof of insurance for the scooter. You just bring your own valid ID and your permit and appointment documents.
How much is it?
Two options: the Test-Day Quick Ride ($129.99) at the San Marcos DMV, where you meet Gus 30 minutes before your exam for 30 minutes of parking-lot practice, then take your test on his scooter (helmet, insurance, registration, the bike, and gas included); or the Course Warm-Up ($179), which includes everything in the Quick Ride plus practice on the actual test course, booked one of two ways, with the exam at the San Marcos DMV either way. Day-before: 45 minutes of practice on the actual test course at the Oceanside DMV a day or a couple of days before your exam (after 5 PM), then you meet Gus at the San Marcos DMV 30 minutes before your exam and test on the same scooter. Same-day: meet Gus at the San Marcos DMV at 7:20 AM for 45 minutes of practice on the actual test course before the DMV opens, another 20 minutes in the parking lot after 8 AM, then take your test. DMV fees are separate: the DMV's $46 application fee covers your motorcycle instruction permit, the knowledge test, and your first skills test, with no separate charge for the first skills test. A retest is $9.
Can I practice on the actual DMV test course?
Yes, with Option 2, the Course Warm-Up. It's the only way to practice on the actual DMV test course. You can meet Gus after hours at the Oceanside DMV a day, two, or even three days before your exam. Or, if your exam is early (say 8:30 AM), you can meet 45 minutes before the DMV opens and practice on the real course before it opens. Option 1, the Test-Day Quick Ride, doesn't include practice on the actual course. Gus meets you 30 minutes before your test during DMV hours, and the DMV doesn't allow practice on the course during business hours, so Option 1 is a parking-lot warm-up only. Most customers choose Option 2.
Should I skip the CMSP course?
Is your bike too big, too bulky, with a clutch and gears? Put it aside and take the test on one of the easiest bikes allowed on the DMV test: the Honda PCX 150. No clutch, no gears, nothing bulky. Legally cheating. For reference, the CMSP course is 15 hours (5 in the classroom, 10 riding) and costs $425.
I'm under 21. Is this for me?
California requires riders under 21 to complete the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) training course, which waives the DMV skills test. So Easy Tide Rides is for riders 21 and over. More at motorcyclesafetyca.com.
Will I pass?
Nobody can promise you'll pass, and we won't. But we can promise to put the odds in your favor. The Honda PCX 150 has no gears to worry about, no clutch to worry about, and it's not a big, bulky bike where you can't see the lines. It's one of the easiest bikes allowed on the exam. Almost like cheating, legally. Chances are you'll pass, because that's what this whole thing is about: putting the odds on your side as much as possible.
Do I need a helmet?
Yes. California law requires a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet on a motorcycle, including for the DMV motorcycle skills test. Both options include a helmet if you need one, including the Course Warm-Up practice (day-before or same-day).
Where do we meet?
It depends on your option. Test-Day Quick Ride: at the San Marcos DMV (590 Rancheros Dr, San Marcos, CA 92069), 30 minutes before your exam. Course Warm-Up, day-before: at the Oceanside DMV (4005 Plaza Dr, Oceanside, CA 92056) for 45 minutes of practice a day or a couple of days before your exam, after 5 PM, then at the San Marcos DMV 30 minutes before your exam. Course Warm-Up, same-day: at the San Marcos DMV at 7:20 AM, before the DMV opens. Course Warm-Up exams are at the San Marcos DMV, because the Oceanside DMV isn't currently doing M1 exams.
