Your Guide to California Bike Licence Requirements

Navigating the roads of California on two wheels offers freedom and exhilaration. However, before you hit the open road, understanding the specific Bike Licence Requirements is crucial. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about obtaining the correct licence to legally and safely operate your motorcycle, scooter, or moped in California.

Understanding California Motorcycle Licence Classes

California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) categorizes licences for two-wheeled vehicles into distinct classes, ensuring riders operate vehicles appropriate to their skills and knowledge. The primary classes you need to be aware of are Class M1 and Class M2.

• Class M1 Licence: This is the most comprehensive two-wheel vehicle licence. Holding a Class M1 licence permits you to operate:

  • Any two-wheel motorcycle
  • Motor-driven cycles
  • Motorized scooters
  • All vehicles listed under Class M2

• Class M2 Licence: This licence is for smaller, less powerful two-wheeled vehicles. With a Class M2 licence, you are authorized to operate:

  • Motorized bicycles (mopeds)
  • Motorized scooters

Interestingly, a standard Class C driver’s licence also allows you to operate certain types of motorcycles:

• Motorcycle with a sidecar attached
• Three-wheel motorcycles
• Motorized scooters

To clarify the distinctions, refer to the chart below which details vehicle types, applicable California Vehicle Code sections, required licence classes, vehicle definitions, and examples:

TYPE OF VEHICLE	CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE SECTIONS (§§)	TYPE OF LICENSE	VEHICLE DEFINITION	EXAMPLE
Motorcycle	400, 12804.9(b)(4)	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	405, 12804.9(b)(4)	M1*	A motor-driven cycle is a motorcycle with 149 cc or less motor size*. A motor-driven cycle does not include motorized bicycle.	Example of two smaller motorcycle in beige and blue.
Motorized bicycle or moped(capable of no morethan 30 mph)	406(a), 12804.9(b)(5)(A)(i)	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	312.5(a),12804.9(b)(5)(A)(i)	Not required	A bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less 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 than28 mph.	small motorized dark green bicycle
Motorized scooterNote: Cannot be used for a skills test.	407.5, 12804.9(b)	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.
* 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.

Alt text for the first image: Examples of motor-driven cycles, smaller motorcycles requiring an M1 licence in California.

Alt text for the second image: Example of an electric bicycle, which does not require a licence in California.

How to Obtain Your Motorcycle Licence in California

Earning your motorcycle licence is a process designed to ensure all riders possess the necessary knowledge and skills for safe operation. The DMV emphasizes testing as a crucial method for objectively assessing these abilities, as individuals often overestimate their riding proficiency.

To apply for a Class M1 or M2 licence, you can visit any DMV field office offering Driver Licence services. The process involves several key steps, including passing knowledge tests and a motorcycle skills test, or completing a California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) training course.

The knowledge tests cover information from the California Motorcycle Handbook and the California Driver Handbook. The motorcycle skills test evaluates your ability in a real traffic environment or a controlled off-street area.

Alternatively, completing the CMSP training course and obtaining a Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389) can waive the motorcycle skills test requirement. The DL 389 certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

To find a DMV field office that administers the motorcycle skills test or to schedule an appointment, visit the official DMV website at www.dmv.ca.govor call 1-800-777-0133.

Requirements for M1 and M2 Licences: Age-Based Breakdown

The specific requirements for obtaining an M1 or M2 licence vary slightly depending on your age. Here’s a breakdown of the requirements for minors, young adults, and adults:

*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.

Note 1: 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.

Note 2: 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.

Note 3: While not a requirement, motorcycle licence applicants 21 years old or older are encouraged to enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) training course.

Note 4: The Class M1/M2 instruction permit includes the following restrictions:

• No carrying passengers.
• No freeway driving.
• No nighttime driving.

California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP)

The California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) plays a vital role in motorcycle safety. For applicants under 21, completing a CMSP training course is mandatory before they can even receive a motorcycle instruction permit. While not mandatory for those 21 and over, it is strongly encouraged.

The CMSP course offers hands-on training for riders of all experience levels, from beginners to experienced individuals looking to refine their skills. A significant benefit of completing the CMSP course is the waiver of the DMV motorcycle skills test upon submission of the DL 389 certificate. It’s important to note that the DMV only waives the skills test based on the CMSP program, not out-of-state programs or course completion cards intended for insurance discounts.

For more information about the CMSP, you can contact them at 1-877-RIDE-411 or visit their website at www.motorcyclesafetyca.com. Remember, the DL 389 certificate is valid for 12 months from its issue date.

What to Expect in the Motorcycle Skills Test

If you choose to take the motorcycle skills test at the DMV, instead of completing the CMSP, it’s important to know what to expect. This test assesses your basic vehicle control skills and ability to maneuver in typical traffic situations. Presenting a valid DL 389 certificate can waive this test, but an observation test may still be required for motorcycle-only licence applicants.

The motorcycle skills test is a pass/fail assessment and includes a pre-trip inspection and a riding skills demonstration.

Pre-trip Inspection: You will be asked to locate and identify the following components on your motorcycle:

• Starter
• Kill switch
• Clutch (if equipped)
• Throttle
• Gear selector
• Headlight dimmer switch
• Brakes
• Turn signals
• Horn

Skills Demonstration: You will need to demonstrate the following riding skills:

• Riding in tracking paths: Maintaining your motorcycle within designated lane lines.
• Serpentine Ride: Weaving through a line of five cones, starting from the right of the first cone, and transitioning into the circle ride.
• Circle Ride: Riding in a clockwise circle twice, keeping the front wheel within the lane, and then weaving back through the cones to the starting point.
• Slow Ride: Riding slowly between parallel lines, keeping the front tire within the lane, and then performing two counterclockwise circle rides.
• Gear Shift Ride: (For motorcycles with clutch and gears) Riding straight, shifting gears up and down, performing a U-turn, returning, shifting gears again, and stopping smoothly at the start.
• Observation Test (Motorcycle-Only Licence Applicants): If you are applying for a motorcycle-only licence and have no prior licence, you will be observed riding in a route near the DMV to assess your real-world riding ability.

The skills test area dimensions are as follows: parallel ride lane width is one foot, circle ride lane width is two feet, outside circle diameter is twenty-four feet, cones are spaced twelve feet apart, and the cone area width is eight feet.

Important Information and Regulations

It’s critical to be aware of certain regulations and policies during the licence application process:

• No Cheating: The DMV strictly prohibits the use of any testing aids during knowledge tests, including handbooks, notes, or electronic devices. Using such aids will result in test failure and potential action against your driving privileges.
• Permit Restrictions: If you are riding with a motorcycle instruction permit, remember the restrictions: no passengers, no freeway riding, and no nighttime driving.

By understanding and adhering to California’s bike licence requirements, you ensure your safety and legality on the road, allowing you to fully enjoy the ride.