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2009 California Motorcycle Handbook- Table of Contents

Disclaimer

Where To Write

DMV Information

Introduction

Two-Wheel Vehicle Operation

Motorcycles

Motor-Driven Cycles

Motorized Bicycles

Motorized Scooter

License Requirements

Earning Your License

Basic Rider Course

Application Requirements — All Drivers

Minors’ M1/M2 Permit Requirements

Minors’ M1/M2 License Requirements

Adults' M1/M2 Permit Requirements

License Requirements — All Drivers

Motorcycle Skills Test

Preparing to Ride

Wearing the Right Gear

Helmet Use

Helmet Selection

Eye and Face Protection

Clothing

Know Your Motorcycle

The Right Motorcycle

Get Familiar With the Motorcycle Controls

Check Your Motorcycle

Know Your Responsibilities

Ride Within Your Abilities

Basic Vehicle Control

Body Position

Shifting Gears

Braking

Turning

Keeping Your Distance

Lane Positions

Following Another Vehicle

Being Followed

Passing and Being Passed

Passing

Being Passed

Lane Sharing

Merging Cars

Cars Alongside

Search, Evaluate, and Execute (SEE)

Search

Evaluate

Execute

Intersections

Blind Intersections

Passing Parked Cars

Parking at the Roadside

Increasing Visibility

Clothing

Headlight

Turn Signals

Brake Light

Using Your Mirrors

Head Checks

Horn

Riding at Night

Crash Avoidance

Quick Stops

Swerving or Turning Quickly

Cornering

Handling Dangerous Surfaces

Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles

Slippery Surfaces

Railroad or Trolley Tracks and Pavement Seams

Grooves and Gratings

Mechanical Problems

Tire Failure

Stuck Throttle

Wobble

Chain Problems

Engine Seizure

Animals

Flying Objects

Getting Off the Road

Carrying Passengers and Cargo

Equipment

Instructing Passengers

Riding With Passengers

Carrying Loads

Group Riding

Keep the Group Small

Keep the Group Together

Keep Your Distance

Being In Shape To Ride

Blood Alcohol Concentration

Alcohol and the Law

Minimize the Risks

Fatigue

Motorcycle Insurance Facts

Evading a Peace Officer

Tread Lightly!