How to Get Your California Motorcycle Learner's Permit

What you need to know before you start

A California motorcycle learner's permit (also called an M1 or M2 learner's permit) lets you ride a motorcycle on public roads while supervised by a licensed motorcycle rider. You cannot get this permit until you pass a written test at the DMV that covers motorcycle-specific traffic laws, road signs, and safe riding practices. The permit itself is not a full license — it comes with real restrictions on when and where you can ride, and you must carry it with you every time you're on a motorcycle.

California issues two types of motorcycle learner's permits. An M1 permit is for full-size motorcycles with an engine of 150cc or larger. An M2 permit is for smaller motorcycles, mopeds, and motorized bicycles under 150cc. Which one you need depends on what you plan to ride. Most people pursuing a full motorcycle license start with an M1 permit.

Key Takeaways

You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to get an M2 permit, or 16 years old to get an M1 permit.
The written test covers California motorcycle laws, hand signals, braking, and hazard recognition — not riding skills — and you take it at a DMV office.
With a learner's permit, you can only ride during daylight hours, cannot carry passengers, and must be supervised by a licensed motorcycle rider age 25 or older.
You must hold your learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can take the riding skills test for a full M1 or M2 license.
The written test costs money and requires proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number; bring your documents to the DMV.

Age requirements and who can explore

Your age determines which permit you can get. If you are at least 15 years and 6 months old, you can take the written test for an M2 permit (for motorcycles under 150cc). If you are at least 16 years old, you can take the written test for an M1 permit (for full-size motorcycles 150cc and larger). There is no upper age limit.

You do not need to hold a regular driver's license to get a motorcycle learner's permit. They are separate credentials. However, if you already have a driver's license, you will use the same DMV record.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring proof of identity, proof of California residency, and your Social Security number. Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a valid out-of-state driver's license. If your name has changed since your identity document was issued, bring a certified copy of the court order or marriage certificate that shows the change.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your name and current California address. The document must be dated within the last 62 days. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a notarized statement from a property owner or landlord confirming you live there, plus a utility bill or lease in someone else's name at that address.

If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for one, or bring a valid passport from a country that does not issue Social Security numbers.

The written test: what it covers and how to prepare

The California motorcycle written test has 30 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 24 correctly to pass (80 percent). The test covers California motorcycle laws, road signs, hand signals, braking techniques, hazard recognition, and safe riding practices. It does not test your actual riding ability — that comes later, after you have held your permit for at least 6 months.

The DMV provides a free study guide called the California Motorcycle Handbook. You can read it online at the DMV website or pick up a printed copy at any DMV office. Many people also study using the DMV's practice tests, which are available online and show you the types of questions you will see. The test is offered in multiple languages.

You take the written test at a DMV office. Bring your documents, your process form (DL 44), and the fee. The test is administered on a computer at the DMV, and you get your results when ready. If you pass, the DMV will issue your learner's permit on the spot.

Restrictions that come with your learner's permit

Your motorcycle learner's permit comes with strict rules. You can only ride during daylight hours — from sunrise to sunset. You cannot carry passengers. You must wear a safety helmet that meets federal standards, and you must have your permit with you every time you ride.

You must be supervised by a licensed motorcycle rider who is at least 25 years old and is sitting beside you on the motorcycle (for motorcycles with a sidecar or two seats). If your motorcycle has only one seat, your supervisor must ride directly in front of you or directly behind you, close enough to communicate. On freeways, your supervisor must be on the same freeway as you.

You cannot ride on freeways or highways with a posted speed limit higher than 55 mph. You also cannot ride in heavy traffic or at night. These restrictions exist to keep you safe while you build experience.

How long you must hold the permit before taking the riding test

You must hold your motorcycle learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can take the riding skills test for a full M1 or M2 license. This waiting period gives you time to practice under supervision and build your riding skills. The DMV does not waive this requirement, even if you have extensive riding experience.

During these 6 months, you should ride as much as possible under your supervisor's watch. Practice in different weather, on different road types, and at different times of day (within daylight hours). The more experience you have, the better prepared you will be for the riding test.

The cost and where to take the test

The fee for the motorcycle written test varies depending on whether you are getting an M1 or M2 permit and whether you already hold a California driver's license. As of the most recent update, the fee ranges from around $35 to $50, but you should check the DMV website or call your local office to confirm the current amount. Payment methods accepted at the DMV include cash, debit card, and credit card.

You take the test at any California DMV office. You do not need an appointment for the written test — you can walk in during business hours. However, wait times vary by location and time of day. Some DMV offices are busier than others, so arriving early in the morning or on a weekday may mean a shorter wait.

What happens after you pass the written test

Once you pass the written test, the DMV issues your learner's permit when ready. Your permit is valid for 12 months. During this time, you must hold it for at least 6 months before you can schedule the riding skills test.

The riding skills test is a separate test that you take after your 6-month waiting period ends. It is administered by an approved third-party tester or by the DMV, depending on your location. You will ride a motorcycle through a course that tests your ability to start, stop, turn, and handle the bike safely. Passing this test leads to your full M1 or M2 motorcycle license.

If your learner's permit expires before you take the riding test, you will need to take the written test again and get a new permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride on a freeway with my learner's permit?

No. Your learner's permit does not allow freeway riding. You can only ride on roads with a posted speed limit of 55 mph or lower. This restriction stays in place until you pass the riding skills test and receive your full motorcycle license.

Do I need a regular driver's license to get a motorcycle learner's permit?

No. A motorcycle learner's permit is separate from a regular driver's license. You can get a motorcycle permit without ever having held a car license. However, if you already have a driver's license, both will be recorded under the same DMV file.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you will need to pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on their second or third try if they study the California Motorcycle Handbook before retesting.

Can my supervisor be on a different motorcycle than mine?

Your supervisor must be on the same motorcycle as you, either in a sidecar or on a second seat, close enough to communicate. They cannot ride a separate motorcycle next to you. On freeways (which you cannot use with a learner's permit anyway), the supervisor must be on the same freeway, but the rules are stricter for permit holders.

What is the difference between an M1 and M2 permit?

An M2 permit is for motorcycles, mopeds, and motorized bicycles under 150cc. An M1 permit is for full-size motorcycles 150cc and larger. You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old for M2, or at least 16 years old for M1. Most people pursuing a full motorcycle license start with M1.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.