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How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in California

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Submitted by deniz on Tue, 12/02/2008 - 03:07

You can apply for a motorcycle permit and license at any DMV office in California. In order to apply for a motorcycle license you must first apply for a motorcycle permit.

New Applicants Over 18

When applying for a Motorcycle permit you will be applying for a Class M1 license. Listed below are the requirements to obtain a Class M1 license:

  1. Complete application form (DL44) - original must be submitted in person; no photocopies.
  2. Have your picture taken.
  3. Give a thumb print.
  4. Pay an application fee ($28).
  5. Pass the vision test.
  6. Pass the signs and traffic laws examination (3 chances to pass). See practice tests for more information on the written exam.
  7. Book an appointment to write your examination by calling 1-800-777-0133 OR please see your local DMV office for hours and locations.

New Applicants Between 15 ½ and 18

In addition to the above requirements, applicants under 18 must:

  1. Provide a parent/guardian signature on the DL44 form.
  2. Present proof that you have finished driver's education and driver training OR present your California driver's license. Please see Driver's Education and Driving Schools for additional details.
  3. Provide proof of birth date and legal status documentation.
  4. Present your true full name.
  5. Present your social security number.

Instruction Permit (Learner's Permit)

Once you complete the aforementioned prerequisites, you will be given an instruction permit. This permit will allow you to practice driving a motorcycle.

Instruction Permit Restrictions

With your instruction permit you are not permitted to:

  • Drive on the highway.
  • Drive during the evening.
  • Ride with any passengers.

Applying for a Motorcycle License

Under 21

  1. If you are between 16 and 17 you must have had your permit for at least 6 months.
  2. Complete a motorcycle driver training course offered by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). For more information on this course please see motorcycle training course.
  3. Present the CHP course certificate to your local DMV office.

Over 21

  • Complete a motorcycle driver training course offered by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) OR take the motorcycle driving test (3 chances to pass) by scheduling an appointment at a DMV office. Riders who have their California Driver's License are NOT required to take the motorcycle driving test.
  • Present the CHP course certificate to your local DMV office.

Fees

The $28.00 application fee covers your written law tests and the skills test three times within 12 months. Your instruction permit and driver's license is included in this fee within the 12 month time period. If the application expires, some steps to acquiring the permit or license may have to be repeated.

Additional Information