What to do, what to bring, and what to expect at the DMV office — start to finish.
A California motorcycle instruction permit lets you practice riding while you prepare for a Class M1 (any two-wheel motorcycle) or Class M2 (moped/scooter) license. You apply in person at any DMV field office that offers driver license services, and the written test draws on both the California Motorcycle Handbook (DL 665) and the California Driver Handbook.
The steps below follow the official DMV motorcycle permit and license process. Always confirm current fees and accepted documents on dmv.ca.gov before you go.
You must be at least 15½ years old. Minors 15½ to 17½ must also bring proof of completing both driver education and driver training (or hold a Class C license). Applicants under 21 must complete a California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) training course before a motorcycle permit can be issued.
Fill out a Driver License or ID Card Application (form DL 44 or DL 44C) at a DMV field office. If you are a minor, a parent or guardian must sign the application.
At the office you take a vision exam, give a thumbprint, have your photo taken, and pay the required fees.
You must pass the regular driver knowledge test and the separate motorcycle knowledge test. The motorcycle test has 25 questions and you need 20 correct (80%). Testing aids of any kind are prohibited — using one fails the test.
While you hold the permit you may not carry passengers, ride on the freeway, or ride at night. Applicants age 15½ to 20 must hold the permit for at least 6 months before being licensed; riders 21 and older have no minimum holding period.
Take the DMV motorcycle skills test at a field office that offers it, or have it waived by submitting a valid Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389) from a CMSP course. Applicants who have never held any class of driver license and apply for a motorcycle-only license must also pass an observation road test.
Check the official DMV page for current fees and accepted forms of payment.
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.