Furthermore, the minor must prove they have passed a driver’s education course and driver’s training course.

Under the age of 18, minors can apply for either a class M1 or M2 permit at the age of 15 1/2 or older. However, California law restricts what drivers are able to do if under the age of 18. The legal licensed driving age in California is 16. Additionally, they must complete and pass an CHP approved skills training course. 18- to 21-Year-Old AdultsĪdults between the ages of 18-21 that wish to apply for a California motorcycle license must meet all the prior outlined requirements. If you choose, you can forgo the DMV skills test if you pass a CHP approved training course. Once the six months has passed, you are eligible to complete the road skills test. The permit has several restrictions and allows the permit holder to operate the vehicle on public roads, but not after dark, with any passengers or on freeways. Similar to other age classes, you must hold the permit for six months before you are eligible to qualify and test to earn a full M1 or M2 license. Once you pass the written test, you will be issued a learner’s permit. The motorcycle written test is about 50% shorter than the usual class C license test. First, all applicants must pass both the written motorcycle examination and skills test. If you are over the age of 21, obtaining your California motorcycle license is fairly straightforward. Applying for Your California Motorcycle License 21 and Over Additionally, it allows a valid license holder to operate motorcycles with side-cars and 3-wheeled vehicles. It allows you to operate cars and light trucks. Some might call this the “ordinary” driver’s license. The class C license is what most California licensed drivers have. The M2 license is more restrictive than a M1 license and limits the holder to a motorized bicycle, moped or scooter only.

This includes anything with an attached motor or any scooter that has a motor. The M1 license allows you to ride any classification of motorcycle. These vehicles include, as defined by California law, motor-driven cycles, mopeds, and motorized scooters. Each license endorses use of a specific type of 2-wheeled motorized vehicle.

The requirements for each of these licenses are different, and both can be added to an existing license (e.g., Class C license). Operation of a motorcycle or other 2-wheeled motorized vehicle in California requires special considerations and a California motorcycle license.Ĭalifornia uses two different driver’s license classifications to legalize the operation of a 2-wheeled motorized vehicle. Driving down a sunny California highway next to the Pacific Ocean on a motorcycle can be exhilarating.

Dmv motorcycle license california