Types of Motorcycle Licenses in California
M1 Motorcycle License
- Two-wheel motorcycle
- Motor-driven cycle
- Motorized scooter
- Motorized bicycle, and
- Moped.
M2 Motorcycle License
- Motorized bicycle
- Motorized scooter, or
- Moped.
Basic Motorcycle Licensing Requirements
Riders Age 21 & Over
- Complete a Driver License or Identification Card Application
- Fingerprinting
- Have your photograph taken
- Pay any required fees
- Pass vision, knowledge, and skills tests
Riders Between the Ages of 18 & 20
If you are between the ages of 18 and 20, California requires you to complete all of the previously mentioned steps and:
- Provide Certificates of Completion of Mandatory California Motorcycle Training, and
- Hold an instructional permit for at least 6 months prior to securing a license.
Riders Between the Ages of 15½ and 17
If you are between the ages of 18 and 20, California requires you to complete all of the previously mentioned steps and:
- Complete a driver education course
- Complete behind-the-wheel driver training, and
- Secure the signature of a parent or guardian.
Motorcycle Skills & Knowledge Testing Requirements
Skills Test
The skills test is a pass/fail examination that helps the state determine whether an applicant has the “ability to maneuver in normal traffic situations.” During your motorcycle skills test, you will be asked to identify various parts of your vehicle and perform the following maneuvers:
- Riding in the tracking paths
- Serpentine ride
- Circle ride
- Gear shift ride, and
- Slow ride.
Knowledge Test
Motorcycle Rider Safety Courses
The safety course provides helpful information for beginner and intermediate-level motorcycle riders. Inexperienced and novice motorcycle riders put themselves and others at risk when they hit the open road without proper training. Enrolling in and completing a safety course can provide you with tools that are essential for your safety and protection.
There are also other benefits of completing a California motorcycle rider safety course:
- The state of California may waive your skills test requirements; and
- Insurance companies may offer discounts.
Motorcycle Insurance & Reporting Requirements
California law also requires all motorcyclists report an accident to the DMV when the crash:
- Causes $750 in property damages, or
- Causes any personal injury, so matter how slight.
The Type of Motorcycles That Require a License to Operate
Motorcycle: A motor vehicle designed to travel on no more than three wheels containing a seat or saddle for the rider.
Motor-Driven Cycle: Any motorcycle with a motor smaller than 150 cc.
Motorized Bicycle/Moped: A vehicle with two or three wheels that cannot exceed a speed of 30 MPH on level ground. Mopeds must contain the following features:
- Fully-functioning pedals, unless fully operated by electrical energy, and
- A motor with automatic transmission and less than 4 gross brake horsepower.
Electric Bicycle: A bicycle with an electric motor (750 watts or less) and functional pedals.
Motorized Scooter: Any two-wheeled vehicle with a motor, handlebars, and floorboard suitable for standing on while the device is in motion. Motorized scooters may also have a driver’s seat (that does not interfere with the ability to stand) and pedals.
Need More Help?
Even if you are incredibly cautious on the road, you may still be involved in a California motorcycle crash. As an accident victim, you may have the right to recover compensation for your injuries. The California motorcycle accident attorneys at Citywide Law Group can help maximize the award you receive. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with our skilled legal team.
