California Motorcycle License: Step-by-step Process

With its vast winding roads and stunning scenery, riding a motorbike in California can be a fun and fulfilling pastime. Many people enjoy joy-riding as a calming activity and a terrific way to unwind. Furthermore, driving a motorcycle for everyday commuting can be a practical option for driving a car or truck, saving you gas and making finding a suitable parking space significantly easier. Regardless of your motive for driving a motorbike, all California drivers who want to operate a street-legal motorcycle must first obtain a motorcycle license. Those who do not follow the law face harsh consequences, including tickets, license suspension, fines, and, in some circumstances, physical injury to themselves or other drivers on the road.

Types of CA Motorcycle License

The first thing to understand is that California has two types of motorbike licenses. The DMV refers to two distinct levels when it refers to courses (more than two types of motorcycle safety classes but more on that later).
  • Class M1: This license lets you operate any two-wheeled motorbike, motorized bicycle, moped, or bicycle with an attached motor.
  • Class M2: This license only allows you to ride a motorized, moped, or any bicycle with an attached motor as long as it does not go faster than 30mph.  These type of vehicles must also have pedals in addition to the motor.

How To Get Your Motorcycle License in California

Are you interested in learning how to get a California motorcycle license? The process is time-consuming because you must first obtain a learner's permit and pass either a DMV driving test or, preferably, a California Highway Patrol-approved safety course.

Step 1: California Motorcycle Learner's Permit

You must first obtain a learner's permit before completing the California motorcycle license process for a full license, no matter your age. In California, obtaining a learner's permit is equivalent to obtaining a normal motorcycle license. To earn your permit, you must first complete the CHP-approved California Motorcyclist Safety Program and receive a certificate of completion if you are 15 to 21 years old. After that, you can apply for a learner's permit. If you do not already have a California driver's license or ID, you must present proof of residency as well as a certified copy of your birth certificate or U.S. passport. A knowledge test is also required to obtain a learner's permit. You must answer at least 21/25 questions correctly. However, you have three chances to take the test before reapplying and pay a fresh $37 application fee. If you are under 21, you must hold a learner's permit for at least 6 months before applying for a motorbike license. If you're over the age of 21, you can apply for a California motorcycle license as soon as you're confident in your abilities.

Step 2: Complete The CA Motorcycle License Application

When you're ready, you can start the California motorcycle license application process by going to a California DMV location and submitting a motorcycle license application. You will fill out a Driver's License or Identification Card Application at your local DMV office, which you can also do online. Along with the application, you must present acceptable identification, such as a driver's license or a U.S. passport, as well as evidence of residency if you do not have a California driver's license or ID. You must pay a $37 nonrefundable application fee and pass a vision exam.

Step 3: Pass The Written Test

Passing a written knowledge test is the next stage in obtaining a California motorcycle license. You have three chances to take the test before you must reapply and pay the cost. There are 25 questions, and you must answer 20 of them correctly (80%). You can prepare for your test by reading the California Motorcycle Handbook. Before taking the real exam, you can also take a practice California motorcycle license test online. The practice test is available through the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Step 4: Pass The Driving Test

The driving exam to obtain a California motorcycle license is one of the most nerve-racking components of the procedure. You can take the test in one of two ways:
  • Provide a Motorcycle Training Certificate of Completion (DL 389)
  • Take the DMV driving test in California.
To take the test through the DMV, you must schedule it ahead of time. They are only available by appointment. During normal business hours, contact 1-800-777-0133 or go to the DMV appointment page to schedule an appointment. You will also need to demonstrate financial responsibility when taking the California DMV motorcycle driving exam. This test will include a pre-trip inspection of your motorcycle and testing of your slow riding abilities, gear shifting, and riding on various track patterns.

New To California?

Are you new to the motorcycling scene in California? Prepare to have more ideal motorbike driving days than you ever imagined possible. Even if you have a motorbike license in your current state, you must obtain a California license within 10 days after moving. In addition to completing the motorcycle skills and knowledge examinations, there are a handful of additional requirements for motorcycle riding if you do not have a California license or identification. You are required to:
  • Provide proof proving your birth date and legal status.
  • Bring documentation proving your residency.
  • For verification, please provide your social security number.