What a motorcycle endorsement is and who needs one
A motorcycle endorsement, called an M endorsement, is an addition to your California driver's license that permits you to operate a motorcycle, motorized bicycle, or motor-driven cycle on public roads. Without it, riding any of these vehicles is illegal in California, even if you own one.
You need an M endorsement if you want to ride a motorcycle with an engine larger than 50 cubic centimeters (cc). If your bike is 50cc or smaller, you can ride it with a regular driver's license, but only if you are at least 16 years old and have completed a safety course. For anything larger, the M endorsement is required regardless of age.
The M endorsement is separate from a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). You can have an M endorsement on a regular Class C driver's license, or you can add it to a CDL if you drive both motorcycles and commercial vehicles professionally. Most riders pursue the M endorsement on a standard license.
Key Takeaways
- California requires an M endorsement to ride any motorcycle over 50cc, and you must pass both a written test and a riding skills test to get one.
- You can waive the riding test by completing an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course, which also reduces your insurance costs.
- The written test covers California motorcycle laws, hazard recognition, and safe riding practices, and you study using the California Motorcycle Handbook.
- You must be at least 16 years old to ride a motorcycle in California, and riders under 21 must wear a helmet by law.
- The M endorsement costs a small fee at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and is valid for the same period as your driver's license.
The two paths to getting an M endorsement: test or safety course
California gives you two ways to earn an M endorsement. The first is to pass the written test and the riding skills test at the DMV. The second is to complete an approved motorcycle safety course and skip the riding test entirely.
Most new riders choose the safety course route because it waives the riding test, which many find intimidating. The course also teaches you how to ride safely before you take the test, and your insurance company will often give you a discount for completing it. The most common course is offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), which partners with California riding schools. The course typically takes one or two days and costs between $150 and $250, depending on the school.
If you choose the test-only route, you pay only the DMV fee (currently $35 for the endorsement itself, though fees can change), but you must pass both the written exam and a practical riding test on a closed course at a DMV office. You will need to bring your own motorcycle or borrow one that meets the DMV's requirements.
Taking the written test at the DMV
The written test covers California motorcycle laws, road hazards, and safe riding techniques. You study using the California Motorcycle Handbook, which the DMV provides free online and in print at any DMV office. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass.
You can take the written test at any DMV office. Make an appointment online through the California DMV website, or walk in during office hours. Bring your current driver's license or ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The test takes about 30 minutes and is offered in multiple languages.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day between attempts.
The riding skills test and what to expect
If you do not take a safety course, you must pass the DMV riding skills test. This test is conducted on a closed course at a DMV office and takes about 20 minutes. You will be asked to perform basic motorcycle maneuvers: starting the engine, riding in a straight line, making turns, braking, and swerving to avoid an obstacle.
You must bring a motorcycle that is street-legal and registered in California. The bike must have working brakes, lights, horn, and mirrors, and it must be insured. You also need to wear a helmet, eye protection, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and closed-toe shoes. The DMV will not allow you to test if your gear does not meet these requirements.
The test is pass or fail. If you fail, you can retake it after waiting at least one day. Many riders fail on their first attempt because they are nervous or unfamiliar with the specific maneuvers the DMV tests. Taking a safety course before the test significantly improves your chances of passing.
Completing an MSF or approved safety course instead
An approved motorcycle safety course teaches you to ride and waives the DMV riding test. California recognizes courses from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and other state-approved providers. You can find a list of approved courses on the California DMV website.
Most MSF courses run for one or two days and include classroom instruction and hands-on riding practice. You do not need to own a motorcycle; the course provides one. You will learn how to mount and dismount, control the bike, brake, turn, and handle emergency situations. The course also covers California traffic laws as they explore to motorcycles.
After you complete the course, you receive a certificate of completion. Bring this certificate to the DMV along with your driver's license, proof of residency, and payment for the endorsement fee. The DMV will add the M endorsement to your license without requiring you to take the riding test. You still must pass the written test unless your course provider offers a waiver (some do, but not all).
Age requirements and restrictions for young riders
You must be at least 16 years old to ride a motorcycle in California. If you are 16 or 17, you can get an M endorsement, but you are subject to additional restrictions.
Riders under 21 must wear a helmet at all times, regardless of experience. Riders under 18 cannot ride a motorcycle with an engine larger than 50cc unless they have completed a safety course. If you are 16 or 17 and want to ride a larger bike, you must take an approved safety course first, then pass the written test at the DMV.
There are no restrictions on the type of motorcycle you can ride once you turn 18 and have an M endorsement, as long as you have a valid license.
Cost and timeline for getting your M endorsement
The cost of an M endorsement depends on which path you choose. If you take only the written and riding tests, you pay the DMV endorsement fee, which is currently $35 (though this can change). If you take a safety course, you pay the course fee ($150 to $250) plus the DMV fee, for a total of roughly $185 to $285.
The timeline also varies. If you test at the DMV, you can often get an appointment within a few days or a week, depending on how busy your local office is. You can take the written test and riding test on the same day if you pass the written test first. If you take a safety course, you can complete it in one or two days, then visit the DMV to add the endorsement to your license. The DMV usually processes the endorsement on the spot.
Once your M endorsement is added to your license, it remains valid for the same period as your driver's license. When you renew your license, the endorsement renews automatically.
Insurance and other costs after you get your endorsement
Motorcycle insurance is required in California. You cannot legally ride without it. The cost of motorcycle insurance varies widely based on your age, riding experience, the type of bike, and your driving record. A new rider in their 20s might pay $500 to $1,500 per year for basic coverage, while rates are higher for younger riders and lower for older, experienced riders.
If you complete a safety course, many insurance companies will give you a discount of 5 to 15 percent on your premium. Some companies require proof of the course completion, so keep your certificate. The discount often covers the cost of the course within the first year.
You will also need to register your motorcycle with the California DMV and pay registration fees, which depend on the bike's value and age. These costs are separate from the endorsement itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an M endorsement if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. You must have a valid, unrestricted driver's license to add an M endorsement. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve that issue with the DMV first. Once your license is reinstated, you can then pursue the M endorsement.
Do I have to take the written test if I complete a safety course?
Most safety courses do not waive the written test. You still must pass the 30-question written exam at the DMV. However, some approved courses do offer a written test waiver; ask the course provider before you register. The safety course waives only the riding skills test.
What happens if I fail the riding test?
You can retake the riding test after waiting at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Many riders fail on the first attempt due to nerves or unfamiliarity with the maneuvers. Taking a safety course before the test gives you practice and significantly improves your chances of passing.
Can I ride a motorcycle on public roads while I am waiting for my M endorsement to be processed?
No. You cannot legally ride a motorcycle over 50cc without an M endorsement on your license. Riding without the endorsement is a traffic violation and can result in a fine. Wait until the endorsement is officially added to your license before you ride on public roads.
Does my M endorsement transfer if I move to another state?
Your California M endorsement is valid only in California. If you move to another state, you will need to get a motorcycle endorsement from that state's DMV. Most states recognize California's safety course completion, so you may not have to retake a course, but you will need to pass that state's written and riding tests.