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You can also get a copy at the local branch of your motor vehicle bureau.
Don’t just skim through the book. Read it, take notes, and do any practice tests that may be provided.
Consult the handbook or contact the motor vehicle bureau regarding the basic requirements for getting a motorcycle learner’s permit. For instance, you typically have to be at least 16 years old in U.S. states.
If you fail the written exam, you’ll likely be able to take it again if you pay another application fee.
The vision test is typically pretty rudimentary. If you need to wear glasses or contacts to pass it, a notation will likely be added to your permit (and later license) that you must wear them when operating a motorcycle.
Obey the restrictions placed on the learner’s permit. You may only be allowed to operate a motorcycle during daytime, and not be allowed to carry passengers.
Don’t drink any amount of alcohol before getting on your motorcycle. Learner’s permits usually come with very severe blood alcohol content restrictions (often 0%).
Once you pass the course, you'll get a certificate to bring to your motor vehicle bureau. If this is accepted in lieu of a road test, you'll be able to apply for your license at that point. Contact the office ahead of time so you know what to bring with you (ID, payment, forms, etc.).
Make sure the course is approved by your motor vehicle bureau. In most U.S. states, courses overseen by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation are government-sanctioned and can allow you to skip the motor vehicle bureau road test.
In some jurisdictions, you may be able to apply and take the road test on the same day, but typically you have to schedule a future test day.
If possible, check the weather forecast before scheduling your road test, since you won't want to take it in the rain.
Cruiser models with a low seat height are ideal for taking your motorcycle test on because they have a lower center of gravity.
Verify you have insurance, valid license plates and registration for the motorcycle. You risk receiving a ticket if any aspects of your bike are not in compliance with the law.
Motorcycle insurance is a separate policy from car insurance. Contact your insurer for information.
If you fail the test, you can usually take it again at another time. There may be a limit on how many times you can take the test, however.
Once you pass the road test, you’ll just have to fill out some paperwork and (likely) pay some fees to get your motorcycle license or driver’s license endorsement.
You may get a temporary license until the permanent one is mailed to you, or be able to pick up your permanent license right away.
Carry your license with you at all times when operating a motorcycle.
In the U.S., a valid license in one state will permit you to ride legally in all the other states. If you move to a new state, though, you'll have to apply for a new license and may need to pass written and/or road tests.
No matter your age, you have to make an appointment at the DMV, pass the written and vision tests, get fingerprinted and photographed, bring proof of identity and residency, and pay an application fee (currently $35 USD).
If you’re under 18, you also need parental permission and either a valid driver’s license or proof that you’ve completed both driver’s education and driver’s training courses.
If you’re under 21, you must also have already completed the California Motorcyclist Safety Program.
You’ll need to keep the permit for at least 6 months before you can get your full license, if you’re under 18. Otherwise, there is no minimum waiting period.
These courses are privately operated, but make sure they have been CHP-approved.
Passing this course means you don’t have to take a road test at the DMV. This is true if you’re over 21 years of age as well.
Take a road test at the DMV only if you’re 21+ and didn’t take a training course. This is the only scenario in which you are required to make an appointment with the DMV and take a road test at the facility. No matter your age, you can skip this hassle by completing an approved training course and getting completion form DL389.
Contact your local DMV branch to book a road test appointment and determine what documents to bring and the fees involved. You'll have to bring a street-legal, licensed, insured motorcycle for the test.
Bring the required documents to your DMV appointment to get your license. If you have a valid learner’s permit, have waited the required 6 months (if under 18), and have passed either an approved training course or the DMV road test, you’re ready to get your full license. Make an appointment at the DMV office and bring the following:
Your valid permit
Your training course completion form (DL389) or the certificate of completion for your DMV-administered road test
A California driver’s license or other valid, acceptable identity document
Proof of residency (only under certain circumstances; ask the DMV)
Your Social Security number
Pass a vision test.
Pay the application fee (currently $15.75 CAN).
Pass a multiple-choice written test, which is based on the Handbook.
Always wear a helmet when on a motorcycle.
Don’t operate a motorcycle with any alcohol in your system.
Ride only during daylight hours.
Don’t go over 80 km (50 mi) per hour (with limited exceptions).
Don’t carry any passengers.
Take a road test or an approved motorcycle safety course. After 60 days but before 90 days are up, you can go to a Drive Test centre and take a standard road test. If you pass, you’ll get an M2 license. However, if you’ve completed a privately-operated but government-approved motorcycle safety course within the past 6 months, you can bring your certificate to the Drive Test centre and move up to M2 without taking the road test.
Safety courses usually last 2 days, and provide a motorcycle for your use.
Wait 18-22 months to take the second road test for your M license. If you took an approved safety course to get your M2 license, you need to wait 18 months before taking the final road test to get your permanent M license. If you took the M2 road test at a Drive Test centre, you’ll have to wait 22 months. To take the M test:
Book a road test appointment (by phone or online) and list your 3 preferred Drive Test centre locations.
Bring your M2 license and a street-legal, licensed, insured motorcycle to use for the test.
Pay the required fee (currently $89.25 CAN).