California Motorcycle Endorsement Guide

What a motorcycle endorsement is, who needs one, and how to add it to your California driver license.

What Is a Motorcycle Endorsement?

California does not add a separate motorcycle "endorsement" code to a license. Instead, motorcycle authority is its own license class — Class M1 or Class M2 — that you carry alongside any other class you hold.

A Class M1 license lets you operate any two-wheel motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized scooter, plus everything covered by Class M2. A Class M2 license covers only a motorized bicycle, moped, or motorized scooter. You can earn a stand-alone motorcycle license, or add the M1/M2 class to a license you already hold.

Endorsement vs. Motorcycle-Only License

	Endorsement	Motorcycle-Only License
Who it's for	Drivers who already hold a California license	Riders without a regular driver license
Added to	Your existing license	Issued as its own license
Knowledge test	Motorcycle knowledge test	Motorcycle knowledge test
Lets you drive a car	Yes — keeps your car privileges	No — motorcycle only

How to Add the Endorsement — Steps

Decide whether you need Class M1 (any motorcycle) or Class M2 (moped/scooter), and complete a CMSP training course if you are under 21.
Apply at any DMV field office that offers driver license services, using application form DL 44 or DL 44C.
Pass a vision exam, give a thumbprint, have your photo taken, and pay the required fees.
Pass the driver knowledge test and the separate 25-question motorcycle knowledge test (20 correct to pass).
Pass the DMV motorcycle skills test — or submit a valid DL 389 certificate to have it waived — to receive your Class M1 or M2 license.

MSF Course Waiver

The DMV motorcycle skills test is waived when you complete a California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) training course and submit the Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389). The DL 389 is valid for 12 months from its issue date (DL 665 p.6, 12).

Riders under 21 must take the CMSP course before they can even get a motorcycle permit; riders 21 and older are encouraged to take it. The DMV will not waive the skills test for an out-of-state motorcycle training program, or for an in-state or out-of-state course completion card issued for insurance purposes. The waiver covers the skills test only — every rider must still pass the written knowledge test.

Cost & Renewal

California DMV fees apply when you apply for or add a Class M1 or M2 license; the DMV calculates the exact amount when you apply, so confirm current fees on dmv.ca.gov.

The motorcycle class renews together with the rest of your driver license — there is no separate motorcycle renewal cycle.

Start With the Knowledge Test

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Get Your Permit Study Guide Test Tips FAQ

Source: Some test details are confirmed by the state agency; the rest reflect the consensus of major rider-education sources. The motorcycle knowledge test contains 25 questions; you must answer 20 correctly (80%) to pass.