Getting a California motorcycle license is a great accomplishment and an early step in becoming a safe motorcycle rider. This guide will show you how easy it can be if you put in the work and plan ahead.
There are different processes to get your California motorcycle license depending on your age. There are also two motorcycle license classes, the Class M1 and M2.
The class M1 license will give you the legal right to operate any two-wheeled motorcycle AND all the vehicles listed under the Class M2 license. These motorcycles have 2 or 3 wheels with an engine larger than 150cc.
Motorcycles with 3 wheels or a sider only require you to have the standard Class C driver’s license.
The class M2 allows you to operate a motorized bicycle, moped, or any bicycle with an attached motorcycle. These definitions are given from the CA DMV Motorcycle Licenses webpage.
Class M2 vehicles have 2 or 3 wheels and engines that are smaller than 149cc. These vehicles must be registered with the CA DMV.
A Class M1 or Class M2 license is required to drive a moped.
Under 21 Years Old
The process of getting a California motorcycle license if you are under 21 years old is different from those who are over 21 years old.
You will be required to get a motorcycle instruction permit and prove that you have had it for at least six months.
If you don’t have a driver’s license, you will also be required to complete driver’s education and training.
The DMV will require you to enroll and complete the MSF course to earn your DL 389 certification. This certificate allows you to skip the skills test at the DMV.
Over 21 Years Old
Being over 21 years old allows you to skip the instruction permit step of the process and the MSF course is not required for you. I, however, recommend you take the MSF course.
You will need to apply for your updated license. You can do this online through the CA DMV license application site, or you can apply for it in person at the DMV office. I created my application at the DMV office during my appointment.
Bring proof of your identification, just in case.
You will then need to pass the knowledge test and skills test. You can skip the skills test by getting the DL 389 certificate when you complete and pass a California Highway Patrol approved MSF course.
The MSF Course
A DL 389 certificate is given to anyone who completes and passes a California Highway Patrol approved Motorcycle Safety Foundational (MSF) course.
The course costs $350 per rider, $295 if you are under 21.
It may seem like a steep price, but it was well worth it. The classes typically happen over 2 days with two (2) classroom sessions, as well as 10 hours on the range.
These courses can be found on the California Motorcycle Safety Program website. The site includes training locations in the state.
If you are near Long Beach, I highly recommend Clutch Motorcycle Training. I was impressed by all of their instructors and the motorcycles they had available to us students.
Benefits of the MSF Course
- Guided practice on a quality beginner motorcycle
- Classroom time will prepare you for the DMV knowledge test
- Passing the MSF course will get you a discount on your motorcycle insurance
- Some MSF schools team up with nearby vendors who offer discounts or cover the cost of the MSF course
Once you complete the MSF course, there is a riding and knowledge test portion. After passing the test portion, the riding school will mail you your DL 389 within 2 weeks.
Time to schedule an appointment at the DMV to take your motorcycle knowledge test!
I recommend reading the DMV’s Motorcycle Handbook. There are some details covered in the handbook that you may have missed from the MSF course. A refresher is a good idea.
DMV Motorcycle Application
When you get to the DMV and check in, you will then be sent to the testing room. In the testing room, you will be given a form and directed to a computer
Don’t select the Driver’s Test option!
You will do that later, it is all part of the DMV process.
Here you will be prompted to “Apply for a Driver’s License”. Select that, fill in all of your information, and make sure to select the “Motorcycle Add-On” option.
Fill out the rest of the forms on the computer, copy the application number onto the form they gave you.
Once done, see the DMV staff member in the testing room.
They will assign you a letter number code and you can head to the main waiting room.
Motorcycle License Application Fee
When your number is called, give the DMV staff member the form with your application number and your DL 389 certificate.
At this point, they will enter your application information, dismiss the DMV riding test, conduct a vision test, and charge you a $41 fee.
Quick and painless.
Photo Time
I hope you aren’t having a bad hair day because it is time for your photo.
If you studied and are a safe rider, this will be the most stressful part of your day.
Don’t blink.
Flash and it is back to the testing line.
DMV Motorcycle Skills Test
I was able to skip this part of the process, but if you want to save a couple hundred bucks on the MSF course, here is what you should expect on your skills test.
You will be asked to perform 2 exercises. Failing any portion of these exercises will result in fail and you will be required to retake it at a later date.
Test #1 will have you wind your way through a set of cones, then ride in the circle clockwise TWICE while staying within the marked lines, and finally returning to the start area by winding through the cones again.
Test #2 will have you ride through two marked lines, enter the circle and make two loops counter-clock wise, before returning on the opposite marked lines.
You can ride on the painted lines, but riding outside of the painted lines will result in a failure.
Practice throttle control, dragging the rear brake and maintaining clutch control.
DMV Knowledge Test
Before you show up for your knowledge test, make sure you read and study the CA DMV motorcycle handbook. I also recommend you take the sample tests on the CA DMV test.
Here are the links to the sample tests for the Class M (Motorcycle) Test:
There are only 20 sample questions, but at least it will give you an idea of what to expect. On my test, I had some questions with graphics of situations and was asked how I should respond.
After you are directed to a testing station, you will select the Driver’s Test option.
You will need a fingerprint confirmation to do the test, so please don’t try to get a buddy who pops wheelies on a R1 to take the test for you.
My tips for the knowledge test:
- Take your time
- Use your skips if you aren’t confident in your answer
- They want you to be a SAFE rider, so choose the safe answer (This is where your R1 buddy would have failed you)
Good luck!
Failing the Knowledge Test
Don’t sweat it.
You have two more opportunities to retake the test. Study up, review the questions you missed, and come back in a few days.
You’ll be alright. It took me 3 tries to pass my driver’s knowledge test, it happens.
Passing the Knowledge Test
Congratulations!
Once you are done, talk to the DMV staff member in the testing center and turn in your paperwork.
They will print out a paper version of your newly minted California motorcycle license add-on and you are all set.
Conclusion
The whole process is actually enjoyable. By making an appointment at the DMV, it took less than 90 minutes for me to get through the whole paperwork process.
I highly recommend the MSF course. The instructors are great and you will be on the path of developing a solid foundation of safe motorcycle skills.
You are an experienced parking lot rider.
Clutch Motorcycle Training instructor
You will walk away being an expert empty parking lot rider, but you can continue developing those skills and replicating the exercises.
The insurance discount from completing your MSF course is also a huge bonus. In time, the money you save on insurance will pay for the cost of the course.
Congratulations, once again, on getting your California motorcycle license!
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