Pass a vision test and a knowledge test.Complete a driver license or ID card application.The steps provided by the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles are as follows: Lastly, you’ll be asked to provide a Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training. You’ll also need to complete a motorcycle basic rider course approved by the California Highway Patrol. If you’re under 18, you’ll be required to pass vision and knowledge tests. However, if you complete a motorcycle basic rider course, you can have the driving test requirement waived. If you’re over 18, you’ll need to take a vision, knowledge, and driving test. As of January 1, 2020, California no longer requires an M2 license for mopeds. If you only have need to ride a motorized bicycle, then an M2 license might be enough.

Should You Apply for an M1 or an M2 License?Īn M1 license will cover many bases, so most applicants will likely be best served by applying for it. California defines a motorized scooter as a “two-wheeled ‘device’ powered by a motor with a floorboard that is designed to stand on when riding.” Sit-down scooters do not fall into this category. If you want to legally operate a motorized scooter, you only need a standard driver license and not an M1 or M2 license. Which License Do You Need to Operate a Motorized Scooter in California? You cannot legally drive a motorcycle or any two- or three-wheeled vehicle without operational pedals with an M2 license.

When you have an M2 license in California, you can legally operate motorized bicycles, mopeds, and any bicycle with an attached motor, as long as they go no faster than 30 MPH on level ground and are equipped with fully operational pedals. When you have an M1 license in California, you can legally operate any two- or three-wheeled vehicle equipped with a motor and no pedals, such as motorcycles and sit-down scooters, as well as any motorized vehicle in Class M2, which includes mopeds and motorized bicycles. If you want to ride a motorcycle and are interested in learning which license is best for you, we have you covered. An M1 or M2 license is a requirement for motorcyclists in California. Before you get on that chopper, you’ll first need to get a special license to legally ride a motorcycle in our state.

California’s scenic roads and highways are calling your name! Once you purchase or borrow a motorcycle and (hopefully) a helmet, all that’s left to do is to start up your bike and take off, right? You’ve made up your mind: you want a motorcycle. This blog was originally published on May 11, 2020.

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