What's the Passing Score on the California Motorcycle Permit Test?
The California DMV's motorcycle written knowledge test is most commonly cited as requiring roughly 80% correct answers to pass, in line with the standard passing threshold used for California's other DMV knowledge tests, though you should confirm the current requirement with the DMV before your appointment.
How the score is calculated
An 80% passing threshold means you have some margin for error, but missing more than about one in five questions typically means a retest is required.
The DMV sets and can adjust this threshold, so confirm the current passing score for the motorcycle knowledge test on the official CA DMV website before your appointment.
Setting a practice target
Since roughly 80% is the minimum, a reasonable practice goal is to consistently score 90% or higher across all 14 motorcycle topic areas before your appointment, giving yourself a safety margin.
Our practice tests show your score as a percentage immediately after each 25-question set, along with a topic-by-topic breakdown so you know exactly which rules to review again.
Where riders commonly lose points
Lane positioning, cornering technique, and California's specific lane-splitting and lane-filtering rules are common areas where new riders lose points, since these differ from general driving knowledge and from other states' motorcycle rules.
Reviewing the explanation after every practice question, not just the correct answer, is the fastest way to close these gaps before test day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions can I miss on the California motorcycle test?
With a passing threshold commonly cited around 80%, you can typically miss roughly one in five questions and still pass, though the exact number depends on the total question count used for your specific exam. Confirm current details with the CA DMV.
Is the motorcycle test passing score the same as the regular permit test?
The two tests are scored independently and can have different thresholds. Check the official CA DMV website for the current requirement for the specific test you're taking.
Does rider training affect the passing score requirement?
Rider training completion can affect skills-test requirements, but the knowledge test's passing score is set by the DMV. Confirm current rules directly with the DMV or your training provider.
Ready to put this into practice?
Start a free California motorcycle practice testLast reviewed: 2026-07-06