f*** yes it is. Depends. I found the written test to be slightly difficult, only because I felt some of the questions could have more than 1 answer, or being in the left or right side of a lane in a certain situation, it's all variables in real life.
Damn DMV, I can't even get my license until I turn 21, or I have my permit for 6 months, which I have an appointment next week to get my motorcycle license
If you take a motorcycle safety course, you bypass the CHP motorcycle test at the DMV, which could be harder from what I hear. The test at the DMV, if you take it on a small bike, you're only licensed to ride small bikes under a certain size. If you pass on a big bike, you can ride whatever you like.
For me, I passed the MSC 100% flawlessly in every test, they had no complaints for me. But I still have to wait 6 months to get my license. Only difference from permit and license is no 2 up riding, riding at night, or highway riding. I can't and refuse to ride my little dirtbikes on the highway, so I'm good there. I don't 2 up it. But I do ride at night, since I have to work till after 11 PM.
Mind you, these are just the laws for California! Texas, Florida, and Hawaii have no helmet laws, sadly.