January 20, 2022January 21, 2022

How to Get a Motorcycle License in California | GoRollick

Written by: Carolyn Jackson

If the pavement is calling your name and you are considering investing in a motorcycle, you also need to think about getting a motorcycle license. Although driving a motorcycle has some similarities to driving a car, there are some key differences and highly important safety considerations motorcycle riders need to know. Because of this, most states require anyone who owns and plans to drive a motorcycle to have a specialized motorcycle license, usually called a Class M license.

This article will cover some of the top FAQs you might have if you are dabbling with the idea of getting a motorcycle license in California and step-by-step instructions for how to get Class M certified in the state of California.

Key Takeaways:

● Getting a motorcycle license in California is fairly straightforward. If you are over 21, you can either take a safety course or a skills test (plus a written exam) to receive a motorcycle license or endorsement.

● If you are under 21 years of age, you will need to apply for a permit and hold that permit for 6 months before you can apply for a Class M license or endorsement.

● Most bi-ped motorized vehicles do require a Class M license in California except for a motorized scooter.

Table of Contents

Is a Motorcycle License Different from a Driver’s License?

In the state of California, there are two Motorcycle Licenses you can apply for, Class M1 and Class M2. Here is the difference between the two license types:

● Class M1: Authorizes you to operate any two-wheeled motorcycle and all vehicles listed under Class M2.

● Class M2: Authorizes you to operate a motorized bicycle, moped, or any bicycle with an attached motor.

If you have a valid California Driver’s License, you are already one step closer to getting your M1 or M2. However, even if you do not have a valid California (or another state) driver’s license, you can still apply for an M1 or M2 in California.

If you do not currently have a valid driver’s license, you will need to complete both California driver education and driver training courses and then submit proof of completion when applying for an M1 or M2.

To apply for an M1 or M2, you will also need to provide a certification of completion of Motorcycle Training from the state of California. This certificate requires the applicant to take a written test and possibly an observation test.

Pro Tip: If you want to apply for a Real ID, you will also need to provide proof of your identity, social security number, and two proofs of residency on the list of acceptable Read ID documents.

Some examples of Real ID proofs of residency documents:

● Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card

● Original or Certified copy of U.S birth certificate (issued by a city, county, or state vital statistics office). “Abbreviated” or “Abstract” certificates are NOT accepted

● U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad or Consular Report of Birth Abroad of U.S. Citizen

● Unexpired foreign passport with valid U.S. Visa and approved I-94 form

● Certified copy of a birth certificate from a U.S. Territory

● Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship

● Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card

● And more…

Do I Need a Motorcycle License in California?

Yes, if you want to operate any two-wheeled motorized vehicle, you will need a Class M1 or Class M2 license in California.

This is for street legal, two-wheeled motor vehicles that you operate on any public road. If you operate a two-wheeled motor vehicle on private property you do not technically need an M1 or M2 license, although we still strongly encourage you to apply for one and take the required safety and training courses.

Also note that motorized scooters do not require a motorcycle license, but do require a regular driver’s license. Read on to find out more about moped, scooter, and motorized bicycle license and registration requirements in California.

Do Scooters and/or Mopeds Require a Motorcycle License?

Yes and no. Motorized scooters do not require an M1 or M2 endorsement on your license to drive on a public road, but you will still need to have a valid regular driver’s license.

Outside of motorized scooters, you can safely assume that any two-wheeled motorized vehicles require a Class M license in the state of California. There are two options for a Class M license, M1 and M2. If you only have a dirt bike or scooter, you will only need a Class M2, which allows you to legally operate a motorized bicycle, moped, or any bicycle with an attached motor.

Do Scooters or Mopeds Need to be Registered in California?

Mopeds, scooters, and motorized bicycles are each defined and treated differently by California law. In California, you don’t need a motorcycle-specific license or DMV registration for scooters and motorized bikes. Riding a moped, on the other hand, requires both valid registration and an M1 or M2 license. Operating a moped on California roads also requires liability insurance.

Scooters:

Under California state law, a scooter is defined as a vehicle that has:

● Two wheels

● Handlebars

● A floorboard that can be stood upon while riding

● A motor that powers the vehicle

● A motorized scooter can have a seat for the operator, but this isn’t a defining feature of a scooter under California law

You can operate a scooter with any class of driver’s license in California. This means that you don’t need a license specifically for scooters, but you do need to have a regular driver’s license. And while motorized scooters are street-legal, they don’t need to be registered with the DMV or carry license plates.

Mopeds:

● Under California state law, a moped is defined as a vehicle that has:

● Two or three wheels — four-wheeled vehicles are generally considered cars or off-road vehicles

● An electric motor and automatic transmission. A moped may also include pedals if it’s not entirely propelled by its motor

● Maximum speed of under 30 miles per hour on level ground

You will need a class M1 or M2 endorsement on your driver’s license if you want to drive your moped on public roads in California. You will also need to register your moped with the DMV and obtain a license plate for it. However, the good news is that, unlike registering a car, registering a moped is a one-time process and does not require renewal.

Are There Different Types of Motorcycle Licenses?

Yes, there are two, Class M1 and Class M2. The difference depends on what type of vehicle you want to ride. Here is how the state of California differs between different types of bi-ped motor vehicles:

Motorcycles

A motorcycle is a motor vehicle with a seat or saddle for the rider and is designed to travel on not more than three wheels.

Motor-Driven Cycles

A motor-driven cycle is a motorcycle with less than a 150 cc motor size.

Pro Tip: You may not operate a motor-driven cycle on a freeway or expressway if signs are posted to prohibit motor-driven cycle operation.

Motorized Bicycles Or Moped

A motorized bicycle or moped is a two or three-wheeled device, capable of no more than 30 miles per hour (mph) on level ground, and equipped with:

● Fully operative pedals for human propulsion.

● A motor producing less than four gross brake horsepower and an automatic transmission.

● No pedals if powered solely by electrical energy (CVC §406(a)).

● Motorized bicycles may ride in a bicycle lane if authorized by local authority or ordinance.

Electric Bicycles

An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of fewer than 750 watts. Three classes of electric bicycles have been established:

● Class 1: A low speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of 20 mph is reached.

● Class 2: A low speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor used exclusively to propel the bicycle and NOT capable of providing assistance when a speed of 20 mph is reached.

● Class 3: A low speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a speedometer, and a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of 28 mph is reached.

The operator of a Class 3 electric bicycle:

● Must be 16 years old or older.

● Must wear a bicycle safety helmet.

● Must not transport passengers.

● May ride an electric bicycle in a bicycle lane if authorized by local authority or ordinance.

Pro Tip: All electric bicycle classes are exempt from the motor vehicle financial responsibility, DL, and license plate requirements (CVC §24016).

Motorized Scooter

A motorized scooter is defined as any two-wheeled “device” with:

● A motor, handlebars, and a floorboard for standing on when riding, and

● The options of having:

○ A driver seat that cannot interfere with the operator’s ability to stand and ride.

○ The ability to be powered by human propulsion.

Pro Tips: A motorized scooter may be driven with any class DL. A motorized scooter may not be used to take a skills test. A motorized scooter’s exhaust system must not be modified or altered.

There is also a Class C license in California that allows applicants to operate a motorcycle with a sidecar attached, three-wheel motorcycle, or motorized scooter.

Which Type of Class M License Do I Need in California?

Here is a table of some example bi-ped motorized vehicles and which license is required to operate each type of vehicle in the state of California.

Type of Vehicle	Type of License	Vehicle Definition	Example
Motorcycle	M1	A motorcycle is a motor vehicle with a seat or saddle for the rider and is designed to travel on not more than three wheels.
Motor-Driven Cycle	M1*	A motor-driven cycle is a motorcycle with 149 cc or less motor size*. A motor-driven cycle does not include motorized bicycles.
Motorized bicycle or moped (capable of no more than 30 mph)	Any Class of License**	A two- or three-wheeled device, capable of no more than 30 mph on level ground, and equipped with fully operative pedals for human propulsion or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical energy, a motor producing less than four gross brake horsepower, and an automatic transmission.
Electric Bicycle	Not Required	A bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of fewer than 750 watts. There are three electric bicycle classes: ● Class 1 and 2 are capable of speeds of no more than 20 mph ● Class 3 is capable of speeds of no more than 28 mph
Motorized Scooter	Any Class of License***	A motorized scooter is defined as any two-wheeled device with an electric motor, handlebars, a floorboard for standing on when riding, and the option of having a driver seat which cannot interfere with the operator’s ability to stand and ride and/or the ability to be powered by human propulsion.

Notes:

* Motor vehicles with a 149 cc or less motor size do not have the engine capability to be safely driven on a freeway or expressway.

** A person holding a valid California driver license of any class may operate a short-term (48 hours or less) rental motorized bicycle without taking any special examination for the operation of a motorized bicycle, and without having a class M2 endorsement on that driver license.

*** A person holding a valid driver license of any class may operate a motorized scooter.

How Do I Get My Motorcycle License in California?

The steps to obtain a Class M1 or Class M2 endorsement on your California Driver’s License differ greatly dependent on two things:

The age of the applicant
The type of motorized vehicle the applicant wants to operate on public roads

Here is a table of what different things might be required to apply for a Class M1 or Class M2 endorsement depending on the applicant’s age:

Requirements	Minors Age 15 ½ to 17*	Adults Age 18 to 20**	Adults 21 and Over***
Driver education and behind-the-wheel driver training certificates of completion	Required	Not Required	Not Required
Certificates of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389)	Required	Required	Not Required
Complete a Driver License or Identification Card Application (DL44 or DL44C)	Required	Required	Required
Complete a Driver License or Identification Card Application (DL44 or DL44C)	Required	Not Required	Not Required
Parent(s) or guardian(s) signature (if a minor)	Required	Not Required	Not Required
Pass a vision exam	Required	Required	Required
Fingerprints	Required	Required	Required
Payment of required fees	Required	Required	Required
Have your photograph taken	Required	Required	Required
Pass the applicable knowledge and skills test****	Required	Required	Required
Have an instruction permit for at least 6 months	Required	Required	Not Required
Permit Restrictions	The Class M1/M2 instruction permit includes the following restrictions: ● No carrying passengers ● No freeway driving ● No nighttime driving	The Class M1/M2 instruction permit includes the following restrictions: ● No carrying passengers ● No freeway driving ● No nighttime driving	The Class M1/M2 instruction permit includes the following restrictions: ● No carrying passengers ● No freeway driving ● No nighttime driving

Notes:

*Minors 15½ years old or older, but under 17½ years old, must submit a DL 389, bring proof of completion of both driver education and driver training or have a Class C driver license, and pass both the driver knowledge and the motorcycle driver knowledge test.

**Applicants 18 years old or older, but under 21 years old, must submit a DL 389, and pass both the driver knowledge and the motorcycle driver knowledge test.

***While not a requirement, motorcycle license applicants 21 years old or older, are encouraged to enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) training course.

****Tests include at least the driver knowledge, motorcycle knowledge, and motorcycle skills. An observation road test is required for applicants who have never been licensed for any class of motor vehicle and apply for a motorcycle only license.

Steps to Apply for a Motorcycle Driver’s License in California

If you are over 21 years of age OR have held a Class M permit for at least 6 months, these are the steps you will take to receive a new motorcycle license in California.

First, you will need to either complete a California Highway Patrol (CHP) approved California Motorcyclist Safety Program training course OR pass a motorcycle driving test at a DMV office.

Then, you will need to fill out a Driver’s License or Identification Card Application.

After you complete the above requirements, you will need to go to a California DMV and bring the following documents:

● Proof of social security number

● Verify your identity with an acceptable identity document

○ Your current name needs to match the name on the identity document

● California DL/ID card (if you have one)

● Acceptable residency documents (if you have never had a California DL/ID card)

Then you will need to:

● Pay the nonrefundable application fee (application and fee valid for 12 months)

● Pass a vision exam

● Have your fingerprint scanned

● Have your photo taken

● Pass the knowledge test(s)

● Provide a Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389) or take the motorcycle driving test.

Pro Tip: You get three attempts to pass the knowledge tests. If you fail the same test three times, your application is no longer valid and you will need to reapply.

Simply put, you will either need to complete a state-approved motorcycle training course and then pass in-person written knowledge tests at a local California DMV OR you can take the in-person written knowledge tests and then perform a motorcycle skills test at a local California DMV to receive a Class M license or endorsement (if over 21).

– Find a California Approved motorcycle training course near you

How to Schedule a Motorcycle Driving Test:

Use this link to schedule an in-person motorcycle driving test to receive a Class M license or endorsement in California.

– You may also call 1-800-777-0133 during the regular business hours to make an appointment.

You will also need to provide proof of financial responsibility that meets or exceeds the California Insurance Requirements. You will need to provide a motorcycle for the test as well as an observation vehicle and driver.

The motorcycle driving test includes a pre-trip inspection, riding in different track paths, slow riding, and gear shifting.

How Long Will it Take Me to Get My Motorcycle License in California?

Typically, after completing all the required courses and providing the necessary documentation, you can get your Class M license immediately. However, the state of California will issue you a temporary license and you can expect to receive the new license in the mail within 60 days.

How Much Does a Motorcycle License Cost in California?

On average, you will pay .Here is a list of the fees for both M1, M2, and a regular driver’s license in the state of California.

License Class	Application	Fee
Class C	● Original ● Renewal ● Adding a motorcycle license (Class M1/M2)	$38
Class C	● Replacement (lost or stolen) ● Info update ● Adding a firefighter endorsement	$30
Class M1/M2	● Original ● Renewal	$38
Class M1/M2	● Replacement (lost or stolen) ● Info update	$30
Class M1/M2	Driving (behind-the-wheel) retest	$8

Can I Purchase a Motorcycle Without a Motorcycle License?

Yes, you can legally purchase a motorcycle in California without having a Class M license. In other words, you do not need a Class M license to purchase a motorcycle, but you DO need a Class M license to drive the motorcycle on public roads.

If you are going to finance the motorcycle through a bank or private lender, it is important to know that they usually do not require you to have a motorcycle license or endorsement, BUT they do require you to have a valid driver’s license.

Also, please note that most lenders require the buyer to be at least 18 years of age or older to acquire a loan.

Check out more helpful motorcycle guides and articles:

Getting your motorcycle driver’s license is step one on your journey to becoming an official motorcyclist. If you are considering purchasing a new or used motorcycle, finding great riding paths, cleaning and maintaining your motorcycle, or just perusing existing motorcycles on the market, we’ve got you covered. Check out some of our other articles on motorcycles:

● Motorcycles 101: Your Top Questions Answered

● How to Ride a Motorcycle

● Best Motorcycle Helmets

● How to Wash a Motorcycle

● The Definitive Guide to the Different Types of Motorcycles (2020)

● 15 Best Beginner Motorcycles: The Definitive Guide

● The Best Motorcycle Accessories (2021)

● Motorcycle Insurance: What to Consider Before Your Purchase