Just wanted to get your input on what you think of the letter. Thanks all.



To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Chris Yoosefi. I live in Valley Village, California. I am a citizen of the United States of America and I have a concern. My concern has to deal with the current DMV Motorcycle Skills test. Before I go into detail about how I came to write this letter, I will first voice my concern. Simply put; I believe that the current Motorcycle Skills Test for the M1 License is unsatisfactory and should be modified to fit the needs of today’s motorcycle rider. As of currently, the motorcycle skills test consists of four (4) parts:

1) Serpentine Ride – Maneuvering around five cones 12ft. apart
2) Circle Ride – Two circles in a clockwise direction after completing the Serpentine portion
3) Slow Ride – Down parallel lines, two counter-clockwise circles and returning up parallel lines
4) Gear Shift Ride – Shifting up twice and down twice, making turn and returning with easy stop

As an avid Non-Licensed (Permit only) rider I can state from my own experience that I have NEVER used the circle maneuver in its entirety (I have made U-Turns) while on the road and operating my motorcycle. I have many licensed friends that have also said to me that they have never made such maneuvers while operating a motorcycle. These friends of mine range in age and experience level; however I also have had friends who were not experienced riders who have lost their lives due to poor maneuvers and handling of their motorcycle. This could be due to a few things as I see it: Improper training, Negligence, Road hazards/conditions or Other drivers on the road. Out of these four scenarios I can see that ONE would be a rider’s fault. As goes with someone operating an automobile, negligence is something we cannot control as the public; only as the person behind the wheel. Negligence is defined as carelessness or disregard and all humans will go through this at one time in their life or another, it’s the time and place of that occurrence that makes it a life or death scenario. The other three things I mentioned above could all be helped with a proper driving test.

The M1 Motorcycle Skills Test as it is today is not sufficient enough for today’s riders. It does not test you on the ability to:

1)Swerve if a car pulls out in front of you
2) How to brake if it’s raining
3)How to keep balance after a sudden stop and then get out of harm’s way
4)How to make a sudden stop

These four things are just thoughts off the top of my head on what the test SHOULD be testing a rider on. The ability to keep balance while going in two circles would never be used in an actual driving application. There are some parts of the test which I feel are beneficial to new riders and should be kept as part of the testing process such as the Gear Shift Ride and the Serpentine Ride. My main concern is the circle test. I am concerned with this part because of this: Some riders who cannot pass the test the first or even second time around have been known to rent/borrow a smaller motorcycle, 150cc or greater, to pass the test and then receiving their M1 endorsement go out and buy a bigger, faster and harder to handle motorcycle only to end up in a motorcycle vs. Car, Truck, Wall, etc. accident and perish. A great deal of these riders are “New” riders and have not had the opportunity to learn real skills on a motorcycle and be tested on things that will actually save their lives. When you are younger you believe that you are invincible; this is a common thought of young people and unfortunately that belief is far from true. What our riders need is a test that assesses their actual ability to handle a motorcycle in a dangerous or life threatening situation. The DMV automobile test has been around a long time and goes over the basic skills for the driver to be able to handle him/herself on the open road. There are no precautionary behind the wheel tests for an automobile driver, that I am aware of, which involve life or death situations. Motorcycle riders deal with this every time we get on the bike. If we are not paying attention or do not know how to maneuver, it could be our last ride.

What I propose is for the DMV and or its affiliates to give the M1 Motorcycle Skills test a thorough investigation to determine whether the current test will satisfy the needs of our motorcyclists. I am aware that the CHP offers a program for riders (CMSP) and that if one chooses they can take this course in lieu of the Motorcycle Skills Test. I think this is a good option, but the concern here is the cost. The price of the course, per the website, is $250 for anyone 21 and older and $150 for anyone under 21 years old. I don’t really understand the reason for the increase and am appalled that the price does NOT include the associated DMV licensing fees. If the prices were drastically lowered and ALL DMV M1 licensing fees included in the tuition I could see this alternative as being the solution to the problem. If not, I have some ideas as to what kind of tests would be beneficial for today’s riders and would be more than happy to discuss those if given the opportunity to do so. As far as a poll is concerned; I am a member on a few motorcycle forums and know a rather large handful of motorcycle riders. I would be happy to conduct a poll of what our current riders have to say about the test both Pros and Cons and options as consumers.

I want it to be known that I am not trying to create waves within the current system, but rather just make it better and safer for the riders of tomorrow.

 

Indeed going in 2 circles wouldn't really be something you'd do all the time while on a bike but I think the circle test is used to test your throttle and clutch control as well testing your balance while at slow speeds.

I'm sure the DMV has done research on what would be the best way to test motorcyclists and sure there are some other things they could add but they must have decided the current test would be sufficient enough. I believe they also actually recommend taking an MSF course over the DMV skills test..and for good reason, as they teach you many if not all the skills you'd like to see included in the skills test. It is a bit costly, but I've heard from all the bikers I know in person that it's the best route to take.

If they haven't changed the test yet I doubt they will anytime soon cuz I'm sure they've had plenty of people already complain about that circle test too by now. But I'm not gonna stop you from sending the letter lol

 

remember, they're a government organization. it's not supposed to make sense.

 

thats a letter that will prolly not make it to the rite desk to sit on and collect dust for months. I'd practice circles and go with the flow , too big of an animal to tackle...IMO

 

I understand what you guys are saying. I sent it to the Mayor and my Assemblyman as well though. If it changes...cool. if not, well....at least I can say I tried.