Motorcycle License in California

Eligibility Requirements

To get a California motorcycle permit, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• EITHER:
  • Already have a CA driver's license.
    OR
  • Submit proof that you have completed both driver's education and driver's training.
• Complete a California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP), if you are under 21 years old.

Documents & Forms

To prepare for your appointment, gather the following paperwork:

• Proof of identity and residency. This could be:
  
  • Your CA driver's license (if you already have one).
    OR
  • Any of the CA DMV's acceptable identity and residency documents, if you do not already have a driver's license.
• A completed Driver License or Identification Card Application *.
  • Minors will need to have your parent/guardian sign your form.
• Certificates for your:
  • CMSP training completion (Form DL 389), if you're under 21 years old.
  • Driver's Ed or driver's training programs, if you're 15 1/2 to 17 years old.

*NOTE: The application form is NOT currently available online. 

Application Process

Once you've met your eligibility requirements and gathered all required documents, make an appointment with your local CA DMV office. Be ready to:

• Submit all required documents and certificates (see "Documents & Forms" for a breakdown).
• Complete the Driver License and Identification Card (ID) Application,.
• Pass the following exams:
  
  • A vision test.
  • The written driver knowledge test.
  • Your motorcycle knowledge test.
• Give your Social Security number.
• Provide your thumbprint.
• Have your photo taken.
• Pay the $45 permit fee.

To pass your exams, study the California Motorcycle Handbook before your appointment. The handbook contains all of the information, rules, and laws that apply to motorcycles. It's also full of helpful hints and tips.

Your $45 learner's permit application fee will be good for 12 months. You may also take the written and skills tests up to 3 times. Note that if your application expires before you pass the tests and are issued a permit, you must start the application process from the beginning.

Under 21

If you're under 21 years old, you may apply for your motorcycle license if you:

• Are at least 16 years old.
• Have held a motorcycle learner's permit for at least 6 months.
• Successfully passed a California motorcycle training program approved by the California Highway Patrol and received a Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL389).

If all of the above are true, make an appointment with your local DMV office and:

• Submit your motorcycle learner's permit.
• Hand over the motorcycle class completion certificate (Form DL389).
  • This allows the DMV to waive your skills exam. If you've misplaced your certificate, you'll need to take an on-bike skills test before you're issued a license.

The DMV will issue you an interim license valid for 60 days, until you receive your new photo license in the mail. 

21 and Over

For applicants at least 21 years old, if you hold no other license, you may be required to complete other tests before being allowed to take the skills test. If you currently hold a valid CA license, you can:

• Complete a CHP-approved motorcycle rider training course.
  OR
• Schedule a motorcycle driving test.

If you elect to complete a state-approved safety course, the DMV-administered skills test will be waived—make sure you save and submit the certificate of completion (Form DL 389).