How Old Do You Have to Be to Ride a Motorcycle in California?

In order to get a motorcycle license in California, minors of driving age must pass specific skills and written tests, including additional requirements set by the DMV. Minors should also be at least 16 when applying for a motorcycle license.

Minors must also have had the M1 and M2 permit for at least six months. In addition, the permit applicants who are 15 1⁄2 years old to 17 1⁄2 years old must file proof of completion of driver training courses and education.

Generally, drivers aged 21 years and below must fulfill more requirements to obtain a motorcycle license than older applicants.

Types Of Motorcycle Licenses For California Riders

To legally operate a motorcycle in California, you must be at least 15 ½ years of age and obtain a valid motorcycle license.

You can choose from the following motorcycle licenses:

M1 License

The MI license in California allows you to operate any bike, two-wheeled motorcycle, motorized scooter, motor-driven cycle, and all vehicles listed under class M2.

M2 License

An M2 motorcycle license allows you to ride a moped or motorized bicycle as long as they do not exceed a speed of 30 mph. They should also be equipped with fully operational pedals.

However, with an M2 license, you cannot legally operate any two or three-wheeled vehicle or motorcycle without operational pedals.

Class C License

A class C license holder may operate a motorized scooter, three-wheel motorcycle, or a motorcycle with a side-attached car.

Requirements For Minors To Get A Motorcycle License

Minors aged 15½ years to 17 ½ years must fulfill the following requirements to obtain a license:

• Complete driver education, including behind-the-wheel driver certificates of completion
• Submit a certificate of completion for motorcycle training(DL 389)
• Pass a vision exam
• Hold an instruction permit for at least six months
• Fill and complete a Driver License or Identification Card  Application (DL44 or DL44C)
• Obtain a signature from a parent or guardian
• Submit your fingerprints
• Pay the required fees
• Allow a DMV officer to take your photographs
• Pass applicable skills and knowledge tests

The following restrictions apply to minors who hold class M1/M2 instruction permits:

• No nighttime driving
• No freeway driving
• No carrying passengers

California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) Training Course

All motorcycle license applicants below 21 must complete the CMSP training course before obtaining a motorcycle training course. The CMSP training course equips applicants with hands-on motorcycle knowledge and skills training for experienced and beginner riders.

Applicants can obtain a DMV motorcycle skills test waiver after completing the CMSP training course and submitting a Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389).

Further, the DL 389 is valid 12 months from the issue date.

Motorcycle Skills Test

DMV requires license applicants to complete the motorcycle skills test, determining their ability to navigate everyday traffic situations. You can obtain a skills test waiver after presenting a Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389).

However, all M1/M2 license applicants must perform the observation test. The motorcycle skills test allows the rider to demonstrate their ability to control the motorcycle by applying various skills.

The motorcycle skills tests include the following:

• Pre-inspection: The examiner asks the applicant to identify different items on the motorcycle, including the starter, kill switch, brakes, turn signal, horn, headlight dimmer, clutch, and gear selector.
• Skills Test: You must also demonstrate different skills, including a winding ride, slow ride, gear shift ride, circle ride, and riding in the tracking paths.
• Observation Test: An observation skills test is required only for people applying for a motorcycle license. It is mandatory for applicants who have never obtained a permit for any class. The examiner observes you as you operate a motorcycle from a predetermined vantage point, mostly the DMV field office. The examiner will instruct you to follow a route to keep you in view for the longest time.

California Helmet Law

When riding, you have better protection against severe injury or fatality when wearing protective gear and apparel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders and 41% effective in protecting motorcycle passengers.

Despite the clear benefits of helmets, the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS) found that only 64.9% of riders and passengers used compliant helmets in 2021.

According to the guidelines published in the California motorcycle handbook, a rider must wear a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) compliant motorcycle safety helmet.

Helmet Use Regulations

According to CVC §27803, all riders and passengers must wear a USDOT-compliant motorcycle helmet when riding a motorized bicycle, motorcycle, or motor-driven cycle.

In addition, the motorcycle helmet should be certified by the manufacturer, stating it complies with U.S. DOT Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218.

Facts to consider about non-compliant helmets:

• Usually, a non-U.S. DOT-compliant helmet has ultra-thin layers and protective padding, making it lack the strength, size, and ability to protect the rider during a collision.
• A non-compliant helmet may look like a compliant helmet since they are sold along the manufacturer-certified types. However, you can confirm the validity by ensuring the U.S. DOT certification is on the helmet you wish to purchase.

Most motorcycle collisions occur when riding slower than 30 mph. Fortunately, a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet can reduce the number and severity of head injuries by 50 percent.

Get in Touch With an Experienced California Motorcycle Accident Attorney

In the event of a motorcycle accident, you deserve compensation if you or a loved one has sustained an injury that is due to the negligence of another party. More importantly, working with an experienced attorney increases your chances of obtaining a fair settlement value for your injuries.

The Barnes Firm has over 500 combined years of experience, which gives us an edge in protecting your rights.

Contact us online or at (800) 800-0000 for a free case evaluation.

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Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

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