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United States · Permit test

The motorcycle license road test

It’s a riding test on your own motorcycle, usually after you’ve held a permit. California’s is a set course of cones and circles, New York’s is on public streets, and Texas and Georgia test you on a motorcycle you bring. In all four states, an approved course can take the place of the motorcycle license road test for some riders.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

What’s on the motorcycle license road test?

California publishes the most detail. Its skills test starts with a pre-trip check where you point out the starter, kill switch, clutch, throttle, gear selector, headlight dimmer, brakes, turn signals and horn. Then you ride:

  • A serpentine through five cones set 12 feet apart
  • Two circles in each direction, keeping your front wheel in the tracking path
  • A slow ride between lines one foot apart
  • A gear-shift ride with a U-turn and a smooth stop, on motorcycles with gears

New York’s road test includes left and right circles and figure-eights on public streets, with traffic around you. If you take it on a three-wheeler, your license is limited to three-wheelers.

Can a course replace the road test?

As of October 2026. Other states’ waivers are on our by-state page.

StateCourse waiver
CaliforniaThe DL 389 from a CMSP course waives the skills test for 12 months. Out-of-state courses don’t count. You may still get an observation test
New YorkAn approved New York course waives it if you’re 16 or older and already hold another New York license. Show the card within 2 years
TexasWaived for adults with a valid, unrestricted Class A, B or C license who finished the course. Everyone under 18 takes it
GeorgiaThe Basic RiderCourse gives a 90-day waiver of the knowledge and on-cycle skills tests
Motorcycle license requirements by state →

What to bring

  • Your permit (New York asks for the photo permit)
  • A registered motorcycle that works properly. In New York it must also be inspected
  • In New York and Texas, a car and a licensed driver to carry or follow the examiner
  • In California, proof of insurance that meets state requirements

If you fail

In California, one application covers three tries at the riding test within 12 months, with a retest fee each time. After three fails you apply again. In Georgia, your knowledge test score lasts a year, so if you haven’t passed the skills test by then you take the knowledge test again.

Retest fees →Book the road test →

Explore

Everything else, in one place

OverviewMotorcycle permit testHow many questionsHow many questions are on a motorcycle permit test?DMV appointmentBooking a DMV motorcycle license appointmentCostHow much is a motorcycle license?Online testCan you take the motorcycle permit test online?Permit rulesMotorcycle permit restrictions: what you can and can’t doDo you need one?Do you need a motorcycle license?How to get oneHow to get a motorcycle licenseCaliforniaGetting a motorcycle license in CaliforniaNew YorkGetting a NYS motorcycle permit and licenseTexasGetting a motorcycle license in TexasGeorgiaHow to get a Georgia motorcycle licenseBy stateMotorcycle license requirements by stateAge requirementsMotorcycle license age: how old do you have to be?Motorcycle handbookMotorcycle permit study guide: your state’s manualPractice testMotorcycle permit practice testWhere to learnChoosing a motorcycle license class and study optionsStudy plannerHow to pass the motorcycle permit test
Sources: California Motorcycle Handbook, California DMV, NYS DMV and 4 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.