What better way to enjoy California’s sights than to navigate them on your motorcycle? Before starting your motorcycle up and revving your engine, you need a valid motorcycle driver’s license, which requires a motorcycle permit.
California offers three different types of licenses; let’s learn what they are and how to obtain them.
Types of Licenses
The three main types of licenses are Class M1, Class M2, and Class C.
Class M1
Class M1 licenses, also known as motorcycle endorsements, are for all motorized scooters, motor-driven cycles, and two-wheeled motorcycles.
Class M2
A class M-2 license is very similar to Class M1. You can get a Class M2 license in California for your moped and motorized bicycle.
Class C
Only three-wheeled motorcycles or motorcycles with a sidecar attachment can apply for a Class C license.
Getting a Motorcycle Permit
Before obtaining a license, you need a motorcycle permit valid for six months. During those months, you practice riding your motorcycle to get fully acquainted with it. To acquire a permit, you must be at least 15.5 years old, and either have a California driver’s license or submit proof that you’ve completed driver’s education and training.
If you’re under 21 years old, you’ll need to complete a motorcycle rider training course by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to receive a DL 389 certificate, required by the DMV to issue a license.
How to Obtain a Motorcycle License in California
After the permit, here’s how to obtain a motorcycle license if you’re a current California resident or have recently moved there and own a motorcycle license from your previous state.
Recently Moved to California
If you’ve recently moved to California, you’ll need to go through some procedures before obtaining the license, but you’ll be done within ten days.
Firstly, head to the nearest DMV and provide documentation that proves your birthplace in addition to your legal status. Plus, you’ll be required to provide California residency documents. Finally, you’ll need to provide your social security number for verification.
Following that, you’ll have to pass motorcycle skills and knowledge tests to obtain your new California motorcycle license.
Resident Applying for a Motorcycle License
If you’re already a resident applying for a license, follow these simple procedures.
1. Take and Pass a State-Approved Motorcycle Training Courses
State-approved motorcycle training courses exempt you from taking the test at the DMV. Throughout these courses, you’ll learn all the roads’ rules alongside all the safety precautions you’ll need to adhere to.
After finishing a course, you’ll undergo two tests; a driving skills test, and a multiple-choice test. Upon passing them, you’ll receive a certificate to present at the nearest DMV to prove that you’ve passed.
2. Visit the DMV
If the idea of taking courses doesn’t appeal to you, and you believe that you’re ready, go directly to the DMV or schedule an appointment for faster service.
Firstly, you’ll need to complete an original DL 44 application, provide your thumbprint, have them take your picture, and pay the fees. Then, you’ll be required to pass two exams, one is a vision exam, and the other is a traffic law and signs exam, which you have three chances to pass.
You study for the exam through the California Driver and the Motorcycle Handbooks before scheduling a test. When you pass, you’ll obtain a permit that entitles you to apply for a license.
To apply for your motorcycle license, you can choose to take a one week course provided by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or take the DMV course, which takes only a few minutes, followed by a test. If you have taken the California Motorcyclist Safety Program by CHP and have the Form DL 389, it will count as a test waiver.
The test includes a pre-trip inspection, followed by testing the basics of safety and defensive riding, such as driving in different tracks, slow riding, driving in a tight circle, and gear shifting. After you pass the test or submit your CHP certificate, you’ll be issued an interim license valid for 90 days, until the official photo license is generated and sent to you by mail.
Final Thoughts
California is quite different when it comes to motorcycle licenses, but the procedures are very straightforward.
Good luck and enjoy the sunny hillsides!