The CM1 class is for drivers who operate small motorcycles with engines of 50cc or less

A CM1 license in California authorizes you to ride motorized bicycles and mopeds — vehicles with an engine displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or smaller. This is the most restricted motorcycle class the state issues. You do not need a full motorcycle license to operate a 50cc vehicle; a CM1 is the specific credential for that engine size.

The distinction matters because California treats 50cc vehicles differently from larger motorcycles. A 50cc moped or motorized bicycle is considered less powerful and therefore subject to different rules about where you can ride, what safety gear you must wear, and what training you need before you can legally operate one on public roads.

If you own a vehicle larger than 50cc, you will need a different class — either an M1 (full motorcycle) or M2 (motorized bicycle or moped over 50cc). The CM1 is the entry point for the smallest motorized two-wheelers.

Key Takeaways

  • A CM1 license covers motorized bicycles and mopeds with engines of 50cc or smaller.
  • You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to obtain a CM1 license in California.
  • You do not have to pass a written test or riding skills test to get a CM1 — you only need to pass a vision and written knowledge test about vehicle code rules.
  • Riders with a CM1 must wear a helmet and cannot ride on freeways or highways with speed limits above 65 mph.
  • If you later want to ride a larger motorcycle, you will need to upgrade to an M1 or M2 class license.

Age requirements and when you can start riding

You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to obtain a CM1 license. California allows younger riders to operate 50cc vehicles than riders of larger motorcycles, because the state considers these smaller engines lower-risk.

If you are under 18, you will also need to complete a California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) course before you can get your license. This is a classroom and hands-on training course that teaches you how to operate and maintain a 50cc vehicle safely. The course takes one or two days depending on the provider, and upon completion you receive a certificate that you bring to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

If you are 18 or older, you do not have to take the CMSP course, though many riders choose to anyway because it can lower your insurance rates and gives you practical riding experience before you take the DMV test.

What you need to bring to the DMV

When you go to the DMV to get your CM1 license, bring proof of identity, proof of California residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Acceptable identity documents include a passport, birth certificate, or consular identification card. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If you are under 18, bring your CMSP course completion certificate. If you are 18 or older and have not taken the course, you do not need to bring one — but you will still need to pass the written test at the DMV.

You will also need to pay the license fee. The cost varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid, so check the current DMV fee schedule before you go.

The written test and vision screening

To get a CM1 license, you must pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test at the DMV. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to operate a vehicle safely — you need to meet a minimum visual acuity standard. If you wear glasses or contacts, you can wear them during the test.

The written test covers California vehicle code rules specific to motorcycle and moped operation. You will answer questions about safe riding practices, right-of-way rules, helmet laws, and how to handle your vehicle in different conditions. The test is typically 30 questions, and you must answer at least 80 percent correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages the DMV offers.

If you are under 18 and have completed the CMSP course, you may be waived from the written test at some DMV locations — ask when you arrive. If you are 18 or older, you must take the written test regardless of whether you took the CMSP course.

No riding skills test required for CM1

Unlike riders seeking an M1 or M2 license, CM1 applicants do not have to pass a riding skills test at the DMV. You do not need to demonstrate that you can start the vehicle, brake, turn, or navigate obstacles. The state assumes that the smaller engine size and lower top speed of a 50cc vehicle make the riding skills test unnecessary.

This is one reason the CM1 is faster to obtain than a full motorcycle license. However, it also means you are responsible for making sure you can actually operate the vehicle safely before you ride it on public roads. If you are under 18, the CMSP course gives you that hands-on practice. If you are 18 or older and have not taken a course, consider practicing in a parking lot or empty area before you ride in traffic.

Restrictions on where and how you can ride

With a CM1 license, you cannot ride on freeways or highways where the posted speed limit is higher than 65 miles per hour. You also cannot ride on roads marked as "no mopeds" or "no motorized bicycles." Check local ordinances in your city or county, because some areas have additional restrictions on where 50cc vehicles can operate.

You must wear a helmet at all times while riding, regardless of your age. California law requires a helmet that meets Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. You cannot wear a novelty helmet or a bicycle helmet — it must be a motorcycle or moped helmet.

Your 50cc vehicle must be registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles and display a valid registration plate. You must also carry proof of insurance. The insurance requirement and minimum coverage amounts are set by state law, so contact an insurance company that writes motorcycle policies to find out what you need.

How to upgrade to a larger motorcycle license later

If you start with a CM1 and later want to ride a larger motorcycle, you will need to upgrade to an M1 (full motorcycle) or M2 (motorized bicycle or moped over 50cc) license. The process depends on your age and whether you have taken a motorcycle safety course.

If you are under 18 and have held your CM1 for at least one year, you can upgrade to an M1 by taking an CMSP course and passing the written test. If you are 18 or older, you can upgrade by passing both the written test and the riding skills test at the DMV, or by taking an CMSP course and being waived from the riding test.

You do not lose your CM1 when you upgrade — your new license will straightforward have both classes listed on it, meaning you can legally ride both 50cc vehicles and larger motorcycles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride a 50cc scooter with a regular driver's license?

No. In California, you must have a CM1, M1, or M2 license to operate any motorized two-wheeler, including a 50cc scooter or moped. A standard car driver's license does not cover motorcycles or mopeds of any size. If you are caught riding without the correct license class, you can be cited.

Do I have to take a motorcycle safety course to get a CM1?

Only if you are under 18. Riders 18 and older can get a CM1 by passing the vision and written tests at the DMV without taking a course. However, many insurance companies offer discounts if you complete a safety course, so it may save you money even if it is not required.

What happens if my 50cc moped is stolen or I sell it?

Your CM1 license remains valid — it is not tied to a specific vehicle. You can use it to ride any 50cc motorized bicycle or moped that you own or have permission to operate. You will need to register any new vehicle separately with the DMV and carry proof of insurance for that vehicle.

Can I ride a CM1 vehicle at night?

Yes, but your vehicle must have working headlights, taillights, and reflectors. You must also follow all traffic laws that explore to other vehicles, including speed limits and traffic signals. Some cities have local restrictions on where mopeds can operate at night, so check your local ordinances.

What is the difference between a CM1 and an M2 license?

A CM1 covers motorized bicycles and mopeds with engines of 50cc or smaller. An M2 covers motorized bicycles and mopeds with engines larger than 50cc. The M2 also requires a riding skills test, while the CM1 does not. If your vehicle has an engine larger than 50cc, you must have an M2 or M1 license.