This was very helpful! I’m a new Vespa owner with my new permit. I just started going down to my local DMV parking lot to practice for the skills test. Mad respect on your first video! Also, huge thanks for putting this together. The skills test looks easy, but it takes a lot of practice. I don’t have a frame of reference with geared motorcycles, but I can say maintaining steady low speed with a carbureted CVT Vespa is not quite as easy as it sounds
Howdy! Thanks for checking out the vid and I’m super happy it was helpful:) I was super confident I would knock this skills test out of the park…so wrong. So it was important to me to get this info out. Keep practicing, you’ll get there for sure! If you have the time and finances, I still recommend taking a motorcycle training course but that’s up to the individual. Be safe, I hope you pass and able to hit the streets a full M1 soon:) Cheers
Glad to help Benito thanks. Thats exactly why I threw some time at that for my first vid, I was having a heck of a time finding M1 scooter related material so I thought Id give it a shot. Be safe, cheers.
First off great first video! You’re easy to listen to and explain things well. This past weekend I paid $350 for the CMSP outta Camarillo, Ca. It is a long two days (weekend) With half your day in class and the other half on the course. I ride a Vespa that I purchased two months ago and have been practicing on the weekends & after work . I already took and passed my DMV motorcycle written exam so was certain that I would pass this class with the time and effort I’d put into the training as well as the training I would receive from CMSP. They supply motorcycles and would not allow me to bring my VESPA. I passed their written exam But failed the driving part by….one point. There’s no guarantee that you will pass just because you take the class/course. In my opinion depends a lot on your instructors. For the first day I had two great instructors, two different ones the next day who’s teaching methods for me were not so effective. Now I’m headed back to DMV to take the driving test on my Vespa. Good luck to anyone headed up to DMV or to a motorcycle training program.
Michelle, firstly it’s great to hear from a county neighbor, thanks for the comment! Secondly it’s so cool to see you keep hanging in there until you get your M1..for sure you’ve got this. I still fully back and believe this just takes practice, having good balance or athleticism doesn’t mean an easy pass. And the fail really sucks when you are really trying and confident. Shake it off and keep going and you will certainly make it through. You took the best route with the CMSP classes and sounds like you are well on your way for some great M1 certified ridding. Let us know how you do! You’ve got this! Stay safe , cheers
@@zacmagers GREAT news Zac et al. Had my drivers test, with my VESPA this morning, at the DMV, I walked away with an M1 license! Thank you for your encouraging words, and yes it does suck when you push so hard and still fail. Yet not giving up/Perseverance over fear and finding a channel like yours really, really assisted me in my success. Thank you again. Zoom Zoom. :)
Great video. I had no idea why I found the test so hard, didn’t pass at first try. Using the suggestion to keep the throttle on and pull hard on the brake to fine tune the speed, I passed ! 🥳 Thank you 🙏🏼 🥳
Thank you for the good information in this video I’m very new riding my first motorcycle 06 Honda vtx 1300R big Bike but I’m very happy . And I need to take my test.👍🏻
Did you pass the test already with that big bike? I think easiest is to borrow or rent a 150cc scooter and use that for the skill test, much easier to handle and pass the test. Once you get your M1 that is good for your bigger bike.
Well done - I like the options explained. There is one you missed - rent a bike such as a HONDA PCX 150 with automatic gears.. makes for easier control of the bike, as you only use the throttle and rear brake on the test course, no clutch to have to control. This could be construed as "cheating" but I have seen folks do this after an hours practice and pass...
This is super helpful. Once I buy my Vespa, is there any time period within which I have to start this process? Will I be able to get around on my Vespa and practice before that?
Glad to hear Katie! Congrats on your plans, you will have a great time on your new Vespa it’s well worth it, and good time to buy as dealers get desperate to offload summer stock. Absolutely you should get that permit via passing your written test, and take all the time you need over the next 12 months to practice. If your still not ready for the final riding test, renew your permit and keep going. Having a passenger, freeway rides, and riding in the dark aren’t the best for new riders anyways so take all the time you need with your permit learning and think about taking that motorcycle school route, some good things they teach there. Be safe and have fun:)
Thank you very much! I am very active guy , surf, skateboard, snow skiing, cycling you get the picture. I had a motorcycle license in the 80’s. I bought a 150 scooter for around town easy parking at the beach etc. ok I have a drivers license so I studied and took the written test and passed. I remembered I passed the motorcycle driving test in the 80’s on a motorcycle first time! So I thought I had this! Well scooters have a centrifugal clutch and my technique was to pulsate the throttle to not go too fast and because the momentum was not constant I went out of the lines on the circle 🤬 I hadn’t been that angry in a while. So I found your video and you noted you gave throttle while controlling spend with the rear brake…brilliant! I am heading back on the weekend to practice that technique!
Probably best video out there, I’m practicing at the same spot bro but I just can’t get it right, I feel like since it’s kind of on a hill can also be why it’s a little more difficult for me.
The only way you can get away without a motorcycle license in California is if the bike is electric and it must have pedals as well and not go above a certain speed like 30 and below. If its gas powered it must have a side car.
Another RUclips video I just saw claims you can do a MFS course, instead of doing the driving test. With the MFS certificate you can get your license without doing the driving test. Is that true?
For California, passing a MTC or CMSP course will give you a document you can show to the DMV that will allow you to bypass the driving portion of the DMV motorcycle skills test, however you will still need to take the written exam portion. 25 or so questions, very easy.
You actually can do either one If you feel confident, you can get your M1 as soon as you are ready if you are over 18, without getting a permit. However since you cannot ride a 100cc on the freeway / highway, you may be better off just getting a permit which requires less steps.
From what I recall, you can get your motorcycle permit and apply to take your skills test the very next day ( if you are over 21 ) For 21 and over, the DMV leaves it up to you to decide how long after you receive a permit your ready for the skills test. The only clock that is ticking on having a permit is you have to renew it after a year if you decide not to become M1. If you do not require freeways, night riding or passengers, a permit will work just fine with an annual renewal
Howdy. An M1 license in California allows you to operate any class of two wheel motorcycle, scooter, moped. An M2 will not allow you to operate certain class two wheel. Taking your motorcycle skills test on a moped or scooter does not necessarily mean you can only get an M2. For instance theres the Vespa 300cc scooter you can get an M1 with, but not a 50cc moped such as the one that uses pedal assist. I would recommend is your going for the easiest route, use a 125cc scooter or motorcycle
Howdy Anna, from what I recall if you take a certified motorcycle safety class and pass, you will receive a form to present to the DMV that will exclude you from needing to take the skills test. However you will still need to pass your knowledge test. It’s a piece of cake tho and they will even go over the ones you got wrong before you try again
Pre-Covid, no you could not, at least in Los Angeles. You can walk in and take the written permit with no appointment however. When I set up my first appointment for the skills test and failed in three seconds, the next available time slot for a retry was three months later. The person at the window told me to request to talk personally with the supervisor of the windows dealing with appointments and request that I be put on a standby list for end of day. So if they end up with enough time after all appointments or someone cancels, you are up! That was the only way I was able to get in with the backlog of appointments. Now tho with the major backlogs, Im not sure what its like at the DMV this year. Good luck! Cheers
@@zacmagers hi how can I get motorcycle insurance without license?I have motorcycle permit only?can DMV accept motorcycle skills test with out insurance? thanks
That’s a good couple questions. You can still get insurance with your permit, although having an M1 no doubt probably lowers your premium. Although this seems to be on the honor system, they ask if you have it, you say yes or no, and that’s that. In regards to getting your skills test paperwork in order, current registration and proof of insurance will be required before the test begins.
Hello Matt! From what I can tell, you must take the skills test ( Cali ) on a CC level that requires a M1 to operate and that seems to be the only rule
Im pretty sure an m1 permit or license is required at all times unless the 49cc has a side car attached then you inly need a class C. Thats why I got the motorcycle permit so I dont get caught riding dirty with a class c only on my 49cc street legal scooter.
you see thats stupid on the slow ride, 5 mph right? i did that, went around the circle and i stayed at 5 the whole time, didnt touch a line or go out and the lady still failed me for it, said i went too fast, and i cant do anything about it.
What’s up Kory! They failed you for going 5mph…? That sounds like an instructor who probably is not trained well enough or shouldn’t be an instructor. If you have the skills for it and wanted to go 15mph for example, that is totally acceptable. Sounds like you had a bad apple instructor, sorry to hear about that. I’d find a way to file or call in a complaint, you shouldn’t have to be out of pocket for a second test.
Howdy Brian. So an open track with no after hours gates is at the Glendale DMV on Glenoaks. It’s a pretty popular spot for people practicing on the weekends
Howdy iLL08. So you for sure must stay in the lines but there are two directions on this: Only your front tire must stay between the lines in both the circle and straightaway. Your front tire is allowed to touch and run on the lines, as long as your tire does not exit the outer edges.
Howdy! Thanks for watching. So the test is all based around your feet, and front wheel. Your feet can never touch the ground and your front wheel is what must stay within the lines or on the line, never over. As far as cones, any contact with the cones in any way is a fail. Good luck!
Howdy Mariano, yes indeed you can, as a matter of fact you can use a lower CC scooter. Anything you can drive on the street requiring an M1 can be used to take the test. Makes it a lot easier
This video was totally worth making. It helped me pass on the first try for the skills test. This saved me lots of time and money sir thanks again. 🛵 🛵 👍 👍.
Curious. For the test, Were you riding a Vespa or a scooter of some sort? Did you find it hard to maintain the throttle and the rear break?That’s my Achilles’ heel.
This was very helpful! I’m a new Vespa owner with my new permit. I just started going down to my local DMV parking lot to practice for the skills test. Mad respect on your first video! Also, huge thanks for putting this together. The skills test looks easy, but it takes a lot of practice. I don’t have a frame of reference with geared motorcycles, but I can say maintaining steady low speed with a carbureted CVT Vespa is not quite as easy as it sounds
Howdy! Thanks for checking out the vid and I’m super happy it was helpful:)
I was super confident I would knock this skills test out of the park…so wrong. So it was important to me to get this info out.
Keep practicing, you’ll get there for sure! If you have the time and finances, I still recommend taking a motorcycle training course but that’s up to the individual. Be safe, I hope you pass and able to hit the streets a full M1 soon:)
Cheers
Thanks, first time actually seeing a simple explaining of how to get it the right way.
Great to hear Kai! Stay safe and well
This is actually the best skills test video I’ve seen. Good job.
Glad to help thanks Spencer!
Your voice and way of talking is just so soothing.. thank you!
You have more patience for listening to me talk than I do! Thanks for watching and the encouragement Nizo
Cheers
@@zacmagers btw a quick question - what if I don’t have a motorcycle and want to do the skills test? Can I rent one and use it for the rest?
Informative vid. thanks. I've been searching all of the place for info on getting my M1 due to wanting a 300cc scooter.
Glad to help Benito thanks. Thats exactly why I threw some time at that for my first vid, I was having a heck of a time finding M1 scooter related material so I thought Id give it a shot. Be safe, cheers.
First off great first video! You’re easy to listen to and explain things well.
This past weekend I paid $350 for the CMSP outta Camarillo, Ca. It is a long two days (weekend) With half your day in class and the other half on the course. I ride a Vespa that I purchased two months ago and have been practicing on the weekends & after work . I already took and passed my DMV motorcycle written exam so was certain that I would pass this class with the time and effort I’d put into the training as well as the training I would receive from CMSP. They supply motorcycles and would not allow me to bring my VESPA. I passed their written exam But failed the driving part by….one point. There’s no guarantee that you will pass just because you take the class/course. In my opinion depends a lot on your instructors. For the first day I had two great instructors, two different ones the next day who’s teaching methods for me were not so effective. Now I’m headed back to DMV to take the driving test on my Vespa.
Good luck to anyone headed up to DMV or to a motorcycle training program.
Michelle, firstly it’s great to hear from a county neighbor, thanks for the comment! Secondly it’s so cool to see you keep hanging in there until you get your M1..for sure you’ve got this. I still fully back and believe this just takes practice, having good balance or athleticism doesn’t mean an easy pass. And the fail really sucks when you are really trying and confident. Shake it off and keep going and you will certainly make it through. You took the best route with the CMSP classes and sounds like you are well on your way for some great M1 certified ridding. Let us know how you do! You’ve got this! Stay safe , cheers
@@zacmagers GREAT news Zac et al. Had my drivers test, with my VESPA this morning, at the DMV, I walked away with an M1 license! Thank you for your encouraging words, and yes it does suck when you push so hard and still fail. Yet not giving up/Perseverance over fear and finding a channel like yours really, really assisted me in my success. Thank you again. Zoom Zoom. :)
did you have to pay again the $350? if you did thats bollocks
@@michellefriend8848 congratulations!!
@@JohnnyMacaw no thank god!
Great video. I had no idea why I found the test so hard, didn’t pass at first try. Using the suggestion to keep the throttle on and pull hard on the brake to fine tune the speed, I passed ! 🥳 Thank you 🙏🏼 🥳
Hey Maurizio, that’s awesome news! Congratulations on your successful pass! Stay safe, have fun and enjoy your ride. Cheers
Thank you for the good information in this video
I’m very new riding my first motorcycle 06 Honda vtx 1300R big
Bike but I’m very happy .
And I need to take my test.👍🏻
That is a big bike Juan! That practice at the test center on the weekends really helps....Good luck you got this
Did you pass the test already with that big bike? I think easiest is to borrow or rent a 150cc scooter and use that for the skill test, much easier to handle and pass the test. Once you get your M1 that is good for your bigger bike.
Well done - I like the options explained. There is one you missed - rent a bike such as a HONDA PCX 150 with automatic gears.. makes for easier control of the bike, as you only use the throttle and rear brake on the test course, no clutch to have to control. This could be construed as "cheating" but I have seen folks do this after an hours practice and pass...
Well said Dr John, great idea! Cheers
This is super helpful. Once I buy my Vespa, is there any time period within which I have to start this process? Will I be able to get around on my Vespa and practice before that?
Glad to hear Katie! Congrats on your plans, you will have a great time on your new Vespa it’s well worth it, and good time to buy as dealers get desperate to offload summer stock.
Absolutely you should get that permit via passing your written test, and take all the time you need over the next 12 months to practice. If your still not ready for the final riding test, renew your permit and keep going. Having a passenger, freeway rides, and riding in the dark aren’t the best for new riders anyways so take all the time you need with your permit learning and think about taking that motorcycle school route, some good things they teach there.
Be safe and have fun:)
Thank you very much! I am very active guy , surf, skateboard, snow skiing, cycling you get the picture. I had a motorcycle license in the 80’s. I bought a 150 scooter for around town easy parking at the beach etc. ok I have a drivers license so I studied and took the written test and passed. I remembered I passed the motorcycle driving test in the 80’s on a motorcycle first time! So I thought I had this! Well scooters have a centrifugal clutch and my technique was to pulsate the throttle to not go too fast and because the momentum was not constant I went out of the lines on the circle 🤬 I hadn’t been that angry in a while. So I found your video and you noted you gave throttle while controlling spend with the rear brake…brilliant! I am heading back on the weekend to practice that technique!
Hey Robert, hope you passed !
Probably best video out there, I’m practicing at the same spot bro but I just can’t get it right, I feel like since it’s kind of on a hill can also be why it’s a little more difficult for me.
Keep it up Harut, you will for sure nail it after enough practice!
Thanks for this video!! I feel in ease now!
Safe travels Crist!
Perfect video!!! Thank you so much for all of this information and for creating this video.
Hey thanks Madison! Stay safe, cheers
I guess you have a point! Thanks for share 😉👍
Be safe out there
Cheers!
Thank you brother!!! 🙏 I appreciate this! Awesome tutorial man 💯
I personally got something out your vid. Thanks bud
Very informative. Dis dude lowkey wobbly.
Thank you … new to this thank you
No problem:) Be safe out there
How long ( years) is a California motorcycle licence valid for -- thank you
Hello Klaus, I believe this would be a renewal cycle synced with your drivers license renewal> might have to google that one!
The only way you can get away without a motorcycle license in California is if the bike is electric and it must have pedals as well and not go above a certain speed like 30 and below. If its gas powered it must have a side car.
You can vote without an ID, which is the most dangerous act ever :D , but I can't drive/ride without a licence, amazing
Another RUclips video I just saw claims you can do a MFS course, instead of doing the driving test. With the MFS certificate you can get your license without doing the driving test. Is that true?
For California, passing a MTC or CMSP course will give you a document you can show to the DMV that will allow you to bypass the driving portion of the DMV motorcycle skills test, however you will still need to take the written exam portion. 25 or so questions, very easy.
Thanks man! Im going to be the one person lol
Thats great to hear Dj! Glad this got to one person ha, good luck on the test!
Really helpful bro!
For a 100cc you need a license but not a permit?
You actually can do either one
If you feel confident, you can get your M1 as soon as you are ready if you are over 18, without getting a permit.
However since you cannot ride a 100cc on the freeway / highway, you may be better off just getting a permit which requires less steps.
After you get the motorcycle permit how long does it take for the skills test?
From what I recall, you can get your motorcycle permit and apply to take your skills test the very next day ( if you are over 21 ) For 21 and over, the DMV leaves it up to you to decide how long after you receive a permit your ready for the skills test. The only clock that is ticking on having a permit is you have to renew it after a year if you decide not to become M1. If you do not require freeways, night riding or passengers, a permit will work just fine with an annual renewal
Also in California here. Is it true that if I take the test with a low powered motorcycle you only get an M2 license and not an M1?
Howdy. An M1 license in California allows you to operate any class of two wheel motorcycle, scooter, moped. An M2 will not allow you to operate certain class two wheel. Taking your motorcycle skills test on a moped or scooter does not necessarily mean you can only get an M2. For instance theres the Vespa 300cc scooter you can get an M1 with, but not a 50cc moped such as the one that uses pedal assist. I would recommend is your going for the easiest route, use a 125cc scooter or motorcycle
I used a 150 cc scooter and they issued me a full m1. If it has a real nc license plate and insurance they will give you an m1
So if I do the motorcycle safty class , I don’t need to do a motorcycle knowledge test and skills test?
Howdy Anna, from what I recall if you take a certified motorcycle safety class and pass, you will receive a form to present to the DMV that will exclude you from needing to take the skills test. However you will still need to pass your knowledge test. It’s a piece of cake tho and they will even go over the ones you got wrong before you try again
Can I walk in at the DMV to take the motorcycle skills test with out appointment?
Pre-Covid, no you could not, at least in Los Angeles. You can walk in and take the written permit with no appointment however.
When I set up my first appointment for the skills test and failed in three seconds, the next available time slot for a retry was three months later. The person at the window told me to request to talk personally with the supervisor of the windows dealing with appointments and request that I be put on a standby list for end of day. So if they end up with enough time after all appointments or someone cancels, you are up!
That was the only way I was able to get in with the backlog of appointments. Now tho with the major backlogs, Im not sure what its like at the DMV this year. Good luck!
Cheers
@@zacmagers hi how can I get motorcycle insurance without license?I have motorcycle permit only?can DMV accept motorcycle skills test with out insurance? thanks
That’s a good couple questions. You can still get insurance with your permit, although having an M1 no doubt probably lowers your premium. Although this seems to be on the honor system, they ask if you have it, you say yes or no, and that’s that. In regards to getting your skills test paperwork in order, current registration and proof of insurance will be required before the test begins.
Can I take the skills test on my street legal 49cc chinese scooter?
Hello Matt! From what I can tell, you must take the skills test ( Cali ) on a CC level that requires a M1 to operate and that seems to be the only rule
Im pretty sure an m1 permit or license is required at all times unless the 49cc has a side car attached then you inly need a class C. Thats why I got the motorcycle permit so I dont get caught riding dirty with a class c only on my 49cc street legal scooter.
California has crazy rules but at least I passed the written motorcycle test first try.
I love night riding so im gonna take the skills test on tuesday. I got my permit at the end of jan.
Thanks for making this video. It’s totally going to help me get my cm1 endorsement on my license on Tuesday 👍 👍. This is the best video on youtube
you see thats stupid on the slow ride, 5 mph right? i did that, went around the circle and i stayed at 5 the whole time, didnt touch a line or go out and the lady still failed me for it, said i went too fast, and i cant do anything about it.
What’s up Kory!
They failed you for going 5mph…? That sounds like an instructor who probably is not trained well enough or shouldn’t be an instructor. If you have the skills for it and wanted to go 15mph for example, that is totally acceptable. Sounds like you had a bad apple instructor, sorry to hear about that.
I’d find a way to file or call in a complaint, you shouldn’t have to be out of pocket for a second test.
We live in LA. Is there a lollipop that we can practice on?
Howdy Brian. So an open track with no after hours gates is at the Glendale DMV on Glenoaks. It’s a pretty popular spot for people practicing on the weekends
When going around the circle, do you need to keep both wheels between the lines?
Howdy iLL08. So you for sure must stay in the lines but there are two directions on this: Only your front tire must stay between the lines in both the circle and straightaway. Your front tire is allowed to touch and run on the lines, as long as your tire does not exit the outer edges.
@@zacmagers Thanks so much for the reply! Great video, it helped a lot. I hope to take my test soon!
@@zacmagers what about the cones...if the bike touch it you failed the test?
Howdy! Thanks for watching. So the test is all based around your feet, and front wheel. Your feet can never touch the ground and your front wheel is what must stay within the lines or on the line, never over. As far as cones, any contact with the cones in any way is a fail. Good luck!
option2 and option3 both “slightly insane” lol. good vid though!
Hey dude can you really use that motorcycle mole to take my test. ?
Howdy Mariano, yes indeed you can, as a matter of fact you can use a lower CC scooter. Anything you can drive on the street requiring an M1 can be used to take the test. Makes it a lot easier
This video was totally worth making. It helped me pass on the first try for the skills test. This saved me lots of time and money sir thanks again. 🛵 🛵 👍 👍.
Thats Awesome ! Very happy to hear, and just in time for summer. Stay safe cheers
Curious. For the test, Were you riding a Vespa or a scooter of some sort? Did you find it hard to maintain the throttle and the rear break?That’s my Achilles’ heel.
Oh, and CONGRATULATIONS. :))