In California the two-wheeled motorcycle license is called Class M1, and the route to it turns mostly on whether you are under 21. Younger riders must finish the California Motorcyclist Training Course (CMSP) and hold an instruction permit first. Riders 21 and over can skip the permit and either take that course or ride a skills test at the DMV. Pick your situation below.
Pick the situation that matches yours
Teens go through the training course before the permit, then hold the permit for six months. The DMV handbook lists this group as roughly 15 and a half to 17, but its notes word the range slightly differently, so confirm the exact age with the DMV.
Your steps
- Finish the California driver education and driver training requirement, or already hold a Class C license; the DMV asks for proof of it.
- Enroll in the CMSP Basic Rider Course, run by the California Highway Patrol program. It is required for every motorcycle applicant under 21 and is about 15 hours of classroom and riding.
- Collect your Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389) when you finish the course.
- Take the DL 389 and your proofs to the DMV, pass the driver knowledge test and the motorcycle knowledge test, and receive the instruction permit.
- Ride only within the permit limits: no passengers, no freeways and no night riding.
- After holding the permit for six months, return to the DMV for your M1 license. The DMV may ask for an observation test if you have never held any other license.
What to bring
- DL 389 certificate from your CMSP course
- Proof of driver education and driver training, or your Class C license
- Identity and residency documents the DMV requires
- A parent or guardian if the DMV asks for a signature (confirm with the DMV)
- Application fee (the amount is on the DMV fees page)
You are still required to take CMSP and to hold a permit for six months, but the extra driver education proof asked of teens does not apply.
Your steps
- Sign up for the CMSP Basic Rider Course; it is mandatory before a permit at your age.
- Complete the course and keep the DL 389 certificate, which is valid for 12 months from the day it is issued.
- Apply at the DMV with your DL 389, pass the driver knowledge test and the motorcycle knowledge test, and get your instruction permit.
- Practice within the permit rules: no passengers, no freeway riding, no riding at night.
- Hold the permit for at least six months.
- Go back to the DMV for the M1 license; expect an observation test if you have no other license class.
What to bring
- DL 389 certificate, used within 12 months of its issue date
- Identity, Social Security number and California residency proof
- Current license if you already have one for cars
- Payment for the application fee
Adults have two choices and do not need an instruction permit. You can take the CMSP course and use the DL 389 in place of the DMV skills test, or you can book the DMV motorcycle driving test yourself.
Your steps
- Decide: course (recommended for beginners) or straight to the DMV skills test.
- If you take the course, finish it and submit the DL 389 within 12 months to waive the DMV skills test.
- If you test at the DMV, book the appointment (the DMV lists 1-800-777-0133) and bring a motorcycle plus proof of financial responsibility that meets California insurance rules.
- Pass the vision exam, the driver knowledge test and the motorcycle knowledge test; you get three tries per test, and failing the same test three times voids the application.
- The skills test covers a pre-trip check, track paths, slow riding and gear shifting. A failed attempt carries a $7 retest fee, and you have three attempts.
- Give your fingerprints and photo, then receive a temporary license that is valid for 60 days while the card is mailed.
What to bring
- DL 389 if you took CMSP, or a registered, insured motorcycle for the skills test
- Proof of financial responsibility
- Identity, Social Security number and residency documents
- Driver license if you hold one for cars
- Application fee (check the DMV fees page for the current amount)
Visitors over 18 can ride on a valid license from home, but once you live in California you need a California motorcycle license within 10 days of becoming a resident.
Your steps
- Count 10 days from the date you establish residency and plan your DMV visit before it runs out.
- Check the DMV page on out-of-state licenses and call ahead about exactly which tests apply to you, because this guide could not verify the details.
- Do not rely on an out-of-state rider course: the handbook says the DMV will not waive the skills test for one, only for a California CMSP DL 389.
- If you are under 21, expect the permit and CMSP rules above to apply.
- Pass the tests the DMV requires, pay the fee and keep the temporary license until the card arrives.
What to bring
- Your out-of-state license
- Identity, Social Security number and California residency proof
- Proof of insurance if you will take a skills test
- A DL 389 only if you completed a California CMSP course
Documents, costs and tips
Documents and paperwork
- Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389), good for 12 months from issue.
- Proof of identity, Social Security number and California residency, as the DMV requires for any license.
- Proof of financial responsibility if you take the DMV driving test.
- For teens, proof of driver education and driver training, or a Class C license.
Costs and fees
- The application fee is nonrefundable and stays valid for 12 months; the DMV does not print the amount on the motorcycle page, so look it up on the DMV licensing fees page.
- A retest after a failed driving test costs $7.
- CMSP course prices are set by the program; check motorcyclesafetyca.com or call 1-877-743-3411 for current rates and class dates.
California tips
- State law requires every rider and passenger to wear a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet.
- The DMV will not accept a course from another state or an insurance course card as a skills test waiver.
- Knowledge tests are based on the California Motorcycle Handbook and the regular driver handbook, so study both.
- Testing aids are strictly banned during the knowledge test and cause an automatic fail.
- California law neither allows nor bans lane splitting; the DMV says it is not covered by statute, so ride cautiously.
Common questions
Is the training course required in California?
Yes for anyone under 21, who must complete CMSP before getting a permit. For riders 21 and over it is optional; they may take the DMV skills test instead. Beginners often choose the course anyway.
Does the course replace the DMV riding test?
Yes. A DL 389 certificate can waive the DMV motorcycle skills test if you turn it in within 12 months of when it was issued.
What can I do with a motorcycle instruction permit?
The handbook lists no passengers, no freeway riding and no night riding. Under 21, you must hold the permit for six months before the license.
What is the difference between M1 and M2?
M1 covers any two-wheeled motorcycle and everything in M2. M2 covers motorized bicycles, mopeds and similar motor-driven bicycles.
Can I count on passing the first time?
No test result is promised, but you get three tries at each knowledge test and three skills test attempts, so studying the handbook and practicing helps.
Rules, fees and course details can change, so confirm everything with the California DMV (https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/motorcycle-licenses/) and the California Motorcycle Handbook before you go.