Reviewed and updated October 12, 2026 by the SearchSystems.net editorial team. Every fact on this page was read from the California DMV's own pages that day, and the DMV page each fact came from is linked where it appears.
How California licenses motorcycle riders: the M1 and M2 classes, the permit and the six-month rule under 21, the CHP safety course and the DL 389 certificate, the application and tests at 21 and over, the driving test, and the fees. The permit itself is on the learner's permit guide; registering the motorcycle is a vehicle registration matter on the vehicle registration guide.
In this guide: The two motorcycle classes, Under 21: permit, six months, and the course, At 21 and over, The motorcycle driving test, The DMV's answers for riders, Motorcycle license fees, Questions about the California motorcycle license
The two motorcycle classes
A California motorcycle license authorizes a two-wheeled motorcycle, motorized bicycle, moped or any bicycle with an attached motor. The DMV's motorcycle licenses page defines the two classes: Class M1 authorizes any two-wheeled motorcycle and all vehicles listed under Class M2; Class M2 authorizes a motorized bicycle, moped or any bicycle with an attached motor. The DMV's driver's license page lists M1 and M2 among the noncommercial classes, and a motorcycle license can be added to a Class C license.
Under 21: permit, six months, and the course
A rider under 21 must hold a motorcycle instruction permit for at least six months and complete the California Motorcyclist Training Course before applying for the license. The course, the Basic Rider Course, is provided by the California Motorcyclist Safety Program and administered by the California Highway Patrol, which the DMV calls the state's official motorcycle safety and training program; it lists it as 15 hours of classroom and on-cycle training, with a Premier Program of 7.5 classroom and 13.5 on-cycle hours and a Basic RiderCourse2 refresher, with sign-up at ca-msp.org or 1-877-743-3411. The Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389) waives the DMV skills test if submitted within 12 months of its date, though an observation test may still be required. At the office the rider submits the permit to show the six months, proof of driver education and training if they have no California license, the DL 389, and the REAL ID documents if applying for a REAL ID. The permit requirements themselves (15½ and up, driver education and training between 15½ and 17½, the course between 15½ and 21, the Motorcycle Handbook knowledge test at 80 percent) are on the permit guide.
At 21 and over
A rider over 21 does not need an instruction permit first and chooses between completing the CHP-approved course or passing a motorcycle driving test at a DMV office. The application is the same as for any license: the online application, then a DMV office visit with your Social Security number, an identity document matching your current name, your California license or ID if you have one, residency documents if you have never had one, the nonrefundable application fee (valid 12 months), a vision exam, a fingerprint scan, a photo, and the knowledge tests, with three attempts at each and no test within 30 minutes of closing. Then either the DL 389 or the driving test; a rider with no other license may also need an observation test. A REAL ID motorcycle license needs the identity, Social Security and two residency documents.
The motorcycle driving test
The test is by appointment only, booked online or by calling 1-800-777-0133 in business hours, with proof of financial responsibility that meets California's insurance requirements. It includes a pre-trip inspection, riding in different track paths, slow riding and gear shifting. The application fee covers three attempts; after a failure the test is rescheduled for another day with a retest fee, which the DMV's motorcycle page gives as $7 and its fee schedule as $9, and a third failure voids the application. After a pass the DMV issues a temporary motorcycle license valid for 60 days and mails the card; after 60 days without it, the status page.
The DMV's answers for riders
Visitors and new residents. A visitor over 18 with a valid motorcycle license from another state or country may ride in California while that license is valid; a new California resident must get a California motorcycle license within 10 days, and the DMV counts voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner's property tax exemption, or any other privilege not ordinarily extended to nonresidents as establishing residency.
Lost permit or certificate. A lost instruction permit is replaced at a DMV office with a new application, signed by a parent or guardian for a rider under 18. A lost driver education, driver training or motorcycle course certificate is replaced by the school that issued it. The DMV also reminds riders that a permit or license of the right class must be carried whenever riding, at any age, which is why the permit comes to the driving test.
Lane splitting and safety. The DMV's motorcyclists guide says California law neither allows nor prohibits a motorcycle passing other vehicles in the same lane, the practice called lane splitting, lane sharing or filtering, and that motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Its reminders: watch your speed, assume people in cars do not see you, avoid blind spots, and wear a helmet and protective gear. Off-highway riding areas are listed by California State Parks at (916) 324-4442.
Motorcycle license fees
| Application | Fee |
|---|---|
| Class M1 or M2 original or renewal, or adding a motorcycle license to a Class C license | $46 |
| Class M1 or M2 replacement or information change | $37 |
| Driving test retake | $9 on the fee schedule, $7 on the motorcycle page |
Source: the DMV's licensing fees page and motorcycle licenses page; every fee is on the California DMV fees page. The sample motorcycle knowledge tests are on the test guide.
Questions about the California motorcycle license
What is the difference between M1 and M2?
Class M1 covers any two-wheeled motorcycle plus everything under M2; Class M2 covers a motorized bicycle, moped or any bicycle with an attached motor, according to the DMV.
Do I need the CHP course?
Under 21, yes: the California Motorcyclist Safety Program course is required, and the permit must be held six months first. Over 21 the DMV gives a choice between the course certificate (DL 389) and a motorcycle driving test at the DMV.
How long is the DL 389 good for?
The DMV says the Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training waives the skills test if submitted within 12 months of its issue date.
What does the motorcycle driving test include?
A pre-trip inspection, riding different track paths, slow riding and gear shifting, by appointment only, with proof of insurance. Three attempts come with the application fee; a retake is on another day with a $7 retest fee on the DMV's motorcycle page ($9 on its fee schedule).
I am visiting California with a motorcycle license from home. Is it valid?
Yes for a visitor over 18 with a valid license from another state or country. Once you become a California resident, the DMV requires a California motorcycle license within 10 days.
What does it cost?
The DMV's fee schedule lists $46 for an original or renewal Class M1 or M2, or for adding a motorcycle license to a Class C license, and $37 for a replacement or information change.
Written by SearchSystems.net from the California DMV's motorcycle licenses page, motorcyclists guide, learner's permits page and licensing fees page, read on October 12, 2026. Where two DMV pages give different retest fees, both are stated.