How to Get A California Motorcycle License

Ready to hit the open roads of California on your motorcycle? Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to the world of motorcycling, obtaining a California motorcycle permit is your essential first step. To legally ride any two-wheel motorcycle, you'll need a Class M1 license, also known as a motorcycle endorsement. By meeting the basic requirements outlined below, you’ll soon be enjoying all the scenic rides California has to offer.

Motorcycle drivers who are 21 years old or older

Must complete a California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) or pass a motorcycle driving test at a local DMV office.
Present your California driver license or I.D.
Complete a DL 44 form.
Pay the $33 application fee.
Pass the vision test.
Pass the written test.
Provide a thumbprint.
Take a photo for the motorcycle permit.

Motorcycle drivers who are under 21 years old must also:

Be at least 16 years old.
Complete a CMSP training course.
Have a motorcycle learner permit for at least six months.

*Drivers under the age of 18 must also provide proof of completion for a state-approved driver training and education course or already have a Class C license.

**If you already have a California Class C license you can operate a three-wheeled vehicle.

***If you don’t yet have a California driver license or ID you’ll need to provide extra documentation. (See below)

Get your motorcycle license so you can ride your bike on these incredible roads

Current California Residents

OPTION 1 - Take a Motorcycle Driver Training Course

Step 1. Complete a state-approved motorcycle training course. You can pick up vital skills and streamline the licensing process by passing a state-approved California Highway Patrol (CHP) CMSP. Drivers that pass a motorcycle safety course and earn a Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389) are exempt from taking the skills test at the DMV.

Step 2. Schedule a test time at the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Visit your local DMV to present your motorcycle training certificate of completion and supply the required information for getting a motorcycle license.

Step 3. Pass the knowledge tests. You’ll be required to take the motorcycle knowledge test and possibly the driver knowledge test. Knowledge test questions are based on the information found in the California Driver Handbook.

If you need to get a motorcycle license plate or registration you can handle that at the DMV office as well.

OPTION 2 - Take the California Motorcycle Driver Skills Test

Step 1. Schedule an appointment and present required documents at a California DMV.

Step 2. Pass the knowledge tests.

Step 3. Pass the motorcycle skills test. Drivers who are 21 and older can skip the motorcycle safety training courses in lieu of taking a driving skills test at the DMV. The test will either be in a real traffic environment or controlled off-street area. It’s a pass/fail test that includes:

Pre-trip inspection
Riding on different track paths
Slow riding
Gear shifting

OPTION 3 - Get a Motorcycle Learner Permit

Step 1. Complete an approved motorcycle driver education and training course.

Step 2. Get a Class M1/M2 instruction permit. Drivers that are under 21 years old must have a restricted Class M1/M2 motorcycle instruction permit for at least six months. To get a California motorcycle learner permit you’ll need to provide the DMV with the necessary documentation and forms, pay the application fee and pass the knowledge tests.

Step 3. Upgrade to a motorcycle license. After six months you can apply with the DMV to add an endorsement or upgrade your restricted driver permit to a motorcycle license. This must be done within 12 months of receiving a permit.

Option for New California Residents With an Existing Motorcycle License

Are you new to the West Coast motorcycle scene? Get ready for more ideal motorcycle driving days than you ever thought possible. Even though you have a motorcycle driving license from your current state, you’ll have to get a California license within 10 days of moving.

In addition to passing the motorcycle skills and knowledge tests, there are a couple of extra requirements for motorcycle riding if don’t have a California

license or I.D. You must:

Provide documentation that proves birth date and legal status.
Present documents that prove residency.
Provide your social security number for verification.

Make sure you’re ready to take your written exam and road test with our California online drivers ed course. Our state-approved mobile courses can be accessed via app from home, school or on the road!

Updated 08/15/2024