Motorcycle License Classes

You need a valid motorcycle DL to operate a motorcycle in California. There are two motorcycle license classes:

• Class M1: Authorizes you to operate any two-wheeled motorcycle and all vehicles listed under Class M2.
• Class M2: Authorizes you to operate a motorized bicycle, moped, or any bicycle with an attached motor.

Refer to the Motorcycle Handbook for more information.

How to Apply for a Motorcycle DL if You’re Under 21 Years of Age

If you are under 21 years of age, you need to hold a motorcycle instruction permit for at least six months before you can apply for a motorcycle DL.

Once you have met all of the requirements of the instruction permit, you can visit a DMV office, where you will:

• Submit your instruction permit to show you have had it for at least six months.
• Submit proof you have completed both driver education and training (if you do not have a valid California DL).
• Provide a Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389) (with this certificate you won’t need to take a skills test, but you may need to perform an observation test).
• If you want to apply for a REAL ID, you must also provide proof of your identity, social security number (SSN), and two proofs of residency from the list of acceptable REAL ID documents.

After you complete these requirements, we will issue you a temporary motorcycle DL until you receive your new license in the mail. The temporary license is valid for 60 days. If you haven’t received your new driver’s license after 60 days, visit Driver’s License & ID Card Status.

How to Apply for a Motorcycle DL if You’re Over 21 Years of Age

Individuals over 21 years of age don’t need an instruction permit before they can apply for a motorcycle DL.

To get a license, you may either complete a California Highway Patrol (CHP) approved California Motorcyclist Safety Program training course or pass a motorcycle driving test at a DMV office.

To apply for a motorcycle DL:

• Complete a Driver’s License or Identification Card Application.
• Visit a DMV office, where you will:
  • Provide your social security number.
  • Verify your identity with an acceptable identity document. Your current name needs to match the name on the identity document.
  • Present your California DL/ID card (if you have one).
  • Present acceptable residency documents (if you have never had a California DL/ID card).
  • Pay the nonrefundable application fee (application and fee valid for 12 months).
  • Pass a vision exam.
  • Have your fingerprint scanned.
  • Have your photo taken.
  • Pass the knowledge test(s).
    • You are allowed three attempts to pass the knowledge test(s). If you fail the same test three times, your application is no longer valid and you will need to reapply. To allow for sufficient testing time, we don’t administer knowledge tests within 30 minutes of closing.
  • Provide a Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389) or take the motorcycle driving test.
    • If you are applying for a motorcycle license and you do not have any other DL, you may also need to perform an observation test.
  • If you want to apply for a REAL ID, you must also provide proof of your identity, social security number (SSN), and two proofs of residency from the list of acceptable REAL ID documents.

To take your motorcycle driving test:

• Schedule a motorcycle driving test appointment (Driving tests are not given without an appointment). You may also call 1-800-777-0133 during the regular business hours to make an appointment.
• Provide proof of financial responsibility that meets or exceeds California Insurance Requirements.

The motorcycle driving test includes a pre-trip inspection, riding in different track paths, slow riding, and gear shifting.

Your application fee allows you three attempts to pass the motorcycle driving test. If you fail, you must schedule a new driving test on another day and pay a $7 retest fee. If you fail the driving test three times, your application is no longer valid and you must reapply.

After you complete these requirements, DMV will issue you a temporary motorcycle driver’s license until you receive your new license in the mail. The temporary license is valid for 60 days. If you haven’t received your new driver’s license after 60 days, visit Driver’s License & ID Card Status.