I took the California DMV test as well as doing the MSF.
The DMV test was tougher than shit. I was on a Ninja 250 at the time. There was another guy there on a Ninja 7r (an old one) that looked like it had been dropped 50 times. He said he failed the test 2 times already.
Well, the cones part was easy, but the turning circle was tough, even on the 250. With the slow speeds you want to put your foot dow, but you can't. Also the speed is so slow you almost tip over. The circle is so small even on the 250 the bars were locking.
Well, that guy passed (third try) and so did I (first try) but I did screw up the counter-clockwise circle. I lied and told the instructor (about a 55 year old female) I couldn't see the front tire and I thought I was within the circle. I asked if I could do it again and I'd make sure I was in the circle. She said yes and I made it that time. Thank goodness.
Now, about 4 months later I took an ex GF out to practice on the DMV test on a Saturday. She dumped the bike twice trying to do the slow speed circle clockwise. Two times was enough, we went home after that.
The test seems to be a breeze on a dirt bike or a 250 or other smaller bike. Smaller the better. I can't imagine having to take the test on my 6r. No way I'd want to drop my baby.
So best advice is to take an MSF course that waives the DMV skills test.
-Flash
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but habit" -
Aristotle