The state of California has one of the nicest roads and places to visit, making it one of the best places in the US for enjoying motorcycle rides. You can enjoy scenic views and diverse terrain, making it one of the top riding destinations.
Like in every other country, you need to have a valid motorcycle license before you can sit on a motorcycle and enjoy the ride. In this article, we will tell you all information you need to know to get a motorcycle license in the state of California.
So how do you get a motorcycle license in California? As a whole process of getting a Californian motorcycle license, you need to get a California motorcycle learner’s permit, finish the California Motorcyclist Safety Program Course, Pass the traffic laws and signs test, pass the motorcycle skills and vision tests and pay the license registration fee.
This article will cover everything related to getting a motorcycle driver’s license in the state of California. Stay with us to learn everything you need to know about getting a motorcycle license and getting the best preparation possible. Here we go.
Table of Contents
How to Get a Motorcycle License in California?
Before we dive deep into the procedure of getting your Californian motorcycle license, you should get yourself a copy of the California Motorcycle Handbook. You can get a copy in the nearest DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) or search for it online.
I advise you to set an appointment in the DMV to get copies of the forms, pay the application fee and schedule your exams.
California Motorcycle License Types
In California, United States, there are two motorcycle license classes:
- M1 class
- M2 class
The M1 class driving license allows you to ride any type of two-wheel motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, motorized scooters, and all vehicles included in the M2 class. You need to be a minimum of eighteen years old to apply for an M1 license.
The M2 class driving license allows you to ride only mopeds, motorized bicycles, or motorized scooters. You need to be a minimum of sixteen years old to apply for an M2 license.
These two types of motorcycle driving licenses have different requirements that you need to comply with in order to get the license.
Obtain Your California Motorcycle Learner’s Permit
Before you get a motorcycle license, you need to obtain your California motorcycle learners permit, which is a prerequisite for getting a motorcycle license. This permit is valid for only six months and what I advise you to do in that period is to use it to learn as much as possible about riding a motorcycle since you will need that knowledge later in the process.
This learner’s permit enables you to practice until you get yourself fully comfortable with motorcycle riding.
Note: You just need to know that this learner’s permit doesn’t let you ride on highways and other major roads, so have that in mind and be careful.
Everyone who wants to applicate for a learners permit must meet the following conditions:
- Be minimum of 15 ½ years old.
- Owns a California driver’s license.
- Submitted proof of completion of drivers education and drivers training course in case of not having a driver’s license.
- Certification of completion of motorcycle rider training course from California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Complete the CMSP Training Course
CMSP or California Motorcyclist Safety Program must be completed by any person younger than 21 years of age, and it is advised that persons above 21 years old complete it as well. This course will give you knowledge about motorcycles that is beneficial for both beginner riders and expert ones that have been enjoying motorcycle rides for years.
After you finish this entire course, you will get the Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training or DL 389, and this certificate is valid for one year. The DMV motorcycle skills test will be waived once a rider submits this certificate. Still, you need to keep in mind that the motorcycle skills test won’t be substituted for any other motorcycle course type and that courses completed out of state won’t be admitted.
Pass the Traffic Laws And Signs Test
California Motorcycle Handbook will be your best friend for passing the traffic laws, and signs test since everything you need to know is written to pass this test.
The traffic laws and signs test is a written exam whose purpose is to test your knowledge and determine how much you know about California traffic laws and traffic signs since these two elements are vital for efficient and safe riding.
Tip: If you want to practice for this exam, you can take online tests that will help you to get familiar with the material that you will have on the test, and this will also help you to know what to expect once the time comes for you to write the real test.
Pass the Motorcycle Skills Test
The motorcycle skills test is a test specially designed to test the driving abilities and comfort levels while riding a motorcycle. In this test, a rider needs to pass a situation that simulates the normal traffic conditions, and this is a test that you can either pass or fail, so let’s make everything that we can to pass this test.
Note: As I said earlier in this article, if you have the Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training or DL 389, you won’t have to take this exam. This will be enough for you to get a learner’s permit.
After completing this step, you may need to pass an observation test before getting an M1 or M2 Class license.
Observation Test
An observation test is a test that needs to be done by riders who applicate only for motorcycle licenses and not the driver’s license. This is a test where a rider gets the route from starting point “A” and need to ride to the finishing point “B” while being monitored and observed during this ride. The instructor who observes you will assess your riding skill after you reach the finishing point, and there is no fixed examination in this type of test.
Pre-Trip Inspection
The pre-trip test is designed to test the rider’s knowledge about motorcycles and determine the rider’s capability to maneuver through the traffic. This test consists of identifying the basic motorcycle parts like the clutch, starter, gear selection, kill switch, turn signals, horn, throttle, brakes, and headlight dimmer switch.
Skills Demonstration Test
Skills demonstration test requires the rider to demonstrate his motorcycle riding skills which include:
- Riding through tracking paths.
- Serpentine Ride: The serpentine ride is a test designed to test the rider’s ability to weave through traffic cones. This test usually includes five traffic cones placed along the tracking path, and at the end of the ride, the rider must perform the circle ride.
- Circle Ride: The circle ride is a test designed to test the rider’s ability to ride around the circular tracking path, which needs to be done two times and in a clockwise direction. After a rider is done with this stage, he needs to weave through the five traffic cones one more time and end the test at the starting point of the serpentine ride test.
- Slow Ride: The slow ride test is designed to test the rider’s ability to ride slowly among two parallel lines, and once the rider gets to the end of the path, he needs to do the circle ride once again two times. This time is in a counterclockwise direction, not in a clockwise direction like in the circle ride test.
- Gear Shift Ride: The Gear Shift Ride test is designed for a rider to follow a straight path while at the same time the rider needs to shift the gears up and down. After completing gear shifting, the rider needs to do a smooth U-turn and return to the starting point.
Here is a nice video from MOTO PILOT that will help you to pass the moto test:
Pass the Vision Test
Passing the vision test is mandatory to get a license application and renewal. The vision test will show you the quality of your eyesight and ensure that it meets the minimum standard required for riding your motorcycle safely.
This test is performed so that a testing officer asks you to look on the eye chart and read the lines that he points you to. You will be tested on both eyes to ensure that both of your eyes are healthy.
The candidates who wear contact lenses or prescription glasses need to wear them when taking the vision test. This will be written on your license, and the license will be restricted to “corrective lenses”.
If you notice any difficulties while reading the eye chart, the testing officer will take you to a vision testing machine, where he will measure your distance vision. You need to satisfy the minimal vision acuity screening standards, which are:
- 20/40 for both eyes
- 20/40 for one eye and 20/70 for another
Note: If you fail the vision test, don’t worry because you can repeat it after a few months after taking the necessary steps that will help you correct your vision, and once it gets better, here is your new shoot.
Tip: If you fail the test, go to your eye doctor and ask him for the helpful tips that will make your eyesight better, or if necessary, ask for corrective lenses that will correct your vision and make you prepared next time you take the vision test.
After you have been wearing the corrective lenses for a couple of months, you can ask for DL62 or a Report of Vision Examination, which will allow you to get qualified for reapplying at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
There is a possibility that your license will have restrictions, or you will be asked to wear corrective lenses, or there is even possible that you will only be able to ride your motorcycle during daylight time only. Your license can be limited to a determined time, like one or two years, as long as you will have to get your vision reassessed.
Pay For the License Registration Fee
You will get your full license after paying the registration fee of 32$.
Final Thoughts
Everyone who wants to ride a motorcycle needs to have a valid license to be able to ride motorcycles legally. This article will help you get your license in the state of California since these are the steps that you need to get a valid license.