How to apply for a motorcycle or moped driver license if you are under 18
There are two classes of motorcycle licenses, Class M1 and Class M2.
- With a Class M1, you can operate any 2-wheel motorcycle and any motorized vehicle in Class M2.
- With a Class M2, you can only operate any motorized bicycle or moped or any bicycle with an attached motor.
Effective January 1, 2006, you may operate a motorized scooter with a Class M1 or M2 driver license. Prior to January 1, 2006, you must have a Class C or higher driver license to operate a motorized scooter.
A motorized scooter is defined as: A two-wheeled “device” powered by a motor with a floorboard that is designed to stand on when riding. The scooter may also have a driver’s seat.
Refer to the Motorcycle Driver Handbook for more information.
To apply for a motorcycle Class M1 or M2 permit, you will need to:
- Be at least 15 ½ years of age
- Visit a DMV office (make an Appointment(s) for faster service)
- Complete a Driver License or Identification Card Application form (DL 44). An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.
- Complete the California Highway Patrol California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CHP CMSP) and present the completion certificate. All persons under 21 are required to complete the course.
- Have your parents’ or guardians’ signatures on the application form DL 44.
- Give a thumb print.
- Have your picture taken.
- Submit proof you have completed both driving education and driver training.
- Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.
- Verify your birth date and legal presence (you may use your California driver license). If your current name no longer matches the name on your BP/LP document, see “True Full Name” and “How to Change Your Name” for more information.
- Present your acceptable residency documents if you have never had a California driver license or California identification card.
- Pay the application fee. This fee is good for 12 months and allows you to take the appropriate knowledge test(s) and skills test three times, if needed, within the 12 month period. This fee pays for both the instruction permit and driver license, if you qualify within that time period. If the application expires, it becomes void and all steps must be completed again.
- Pass a vision exam.
- Pass a knowledge test.
- Pass an additional knowledge test of motorcycle driving rules.
OR - Show your California driver license, if you have one issued to you.
- Pay the application fee.
- Pass a vision exam.
- Pass a knowledge test for motorcycles.
Note: To allow you sufficient time for testing, DMV will not be administering knowledge tests after 4:30 p.m.
After studying both the California Driver and the Motorcycle Handbooks, call your local DMV to schedule your Appointment(s) for the knowledge test.
After completing the requirements, you will be issued an instruction permit to allow you to practice driving a motorcycle. You may not drive at night, on the freeway, or have any passengers with you.
To apply for your motorcycle driver license, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have had your permit for 6 months
- Have completed driver education and driver training or have your California driver license.
- Submit the CHP CMSP completion certificate (You will not be required to take the motorcycle driving test at DMV.)
For information about the CHP CMSP training course, please call 1-877-743-3411 or visit californiamotorcyclist.com.
After you submit the CHP completion certificate, you will be issued an interim license valid for 90 days until you receive your new photo license in the mail. Double check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if you have moved or if your address is incorrect. If you have not received your license after 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 and they can check on the status for you. Have your interim license with you to provide information when requested.