What you need to do to ride a motorcycle legally in California
California requires a separate motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license if you want to ride any two-wheeled motorized vehicle on public roads. You cannot straightforward add this to your existing license — you have to pass a written test, a skills test, or complete an approved motorcycle safety course. The route you take depends on whether you already hold a California driver's license and whether you want to take the skills test yourself or use a course to waive it.
The fastest path for most people is the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CHP MSRC), a hands-on course that takes one or two days and lets you skip the DMV skills test. If you prefer to test at the DMV, you will need to pass the written exam and demonstrate your riding ability on a closed course with an examiner watching.
Key Takeaways
- You must hold a valid California driver's license before you can add a motorcycle endorsement — you cannot get a motorcycle-only license.
- The California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CHP MSRC) is a one- or two-day course that costs around $200 to $300 and waives the DMV riding test.
- If you test at the DMV instead, you pay a smaller fee but must pass both a written test and a riding skills test on your own motorcycle or one you rent.
- You must be at least 16 years old to ride a motorized bicycle or moped, and at least 18 to ride a full-size motorcycle on public roads.
- After you pass, you go to the DMV with your completion certificate or test results to add the endorsement to your license.
Age requirements and what you can ride at each age
California law ties what you can ride to your age. If you are 16 or 17, you can ride a motorized bicycle (under 50cc) or a moped with a Class M2 endorsement. At 18 and older, you can ride any motorcycle, including full-size bikes, with a Class M1 endorsement.
The written test and skills test are different for M1 and M2, so you will take the exam that matches the class you want. If you complete a CHP MSRC course, the course instructor will tell you which class the course covers — most courses teach M1, but some locations offer M2 courses for younger riders.
The California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CHP MSRC) route
The CHP MSRC is run by the California Highway Patrol and taught by certified instructors at locations across the state. The course runs either one full day (usually 8 hours) or two half-days (usually 4 hours each), depending on the location. You will spend time in a classroom learning traffic laws and safety, then move to a closed course where you practice on an actual motorcycle under instructor supervision.
The course provides the motorcycle, helmet, and protective gear, so you do not need to own a bike or bring your own equipment. You do need to bring a valid California driver's license and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. The cost varies by location but typically runs $200 to $300.
When you finish the course, the instructor gives you a Certificate of Completion. You take this certificate to the DMV, pay the endorsement fee (currently $35 for a Class M1 or M2 endorsement), and the DMV adds it to your license on the spot. You do not take any test at the DMV if you completed the course.
To find a CHP MSRC course near you, visit the California Highway Patrol's official website or call your local DMV office. Courses fill up, especially in spring and summer, so register early if you have a specific date in mind.
Testing at the DMV without taking a course
If you do not take the CHP MSRC course, you can test directly at the DMV. You will need to pass two separate tests: a written exam and a riding skills test on a closed course.
The written test covers California traffic laws, motorcycle-specific rules, and safe riding practices. You can study using the California Motorcycle Handbook, which the DMV publishes free online. The test has 25 questions, and you need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can retake it if you fail.
The riding skills test happens on a closed course at a DMV office or testing location. You ride a motorcycle through a series of maneuvers — figure-eights, quick stops, sharp turns — while an examiner watches and scores your performance. You can bring your own motorcycle or rent one from a local motorcycle school. The examiner is looking for smooth control, proper braking, and awareness of your surroundings.
The DMV fee for the endorsement test is lower than the CHP MSRC course (around $35 to $50 total), but you are responsible for finding and paying for a motorcycle to test on, and you must pass both tests on your own. Many people find the course route easier because the instruction and practice reduce the chance of failing the riding test.
What to bring to the DMV to add the endorsement
Once you have passed the course or the DMV tests, you go to a DMV office to finalize the endorsement. Bring the following:
- Your Certificate of Completion (if you took the CHP MSRC course) or your DMV test results (if you tested at the DMV).
- Your valid California driver's license.
- Proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days (required only if your address on your license is outdated).
- Payment for the endorsement fee, currently $35 for a Class M1 or M2 endorsement.
The DMV will update your license on the spot and issue you a new one with the motorcycle endorsement printed on it. You can drive away with it the same day.
Restrictions for new motorcycle riders under 18
If you are under 18 and riding with an M2 endorsement (motorized bicycle or moped), California law imposes a one-year restriction. During that first year, you cannot carry a passenger, and you cannot ride between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless you are riding to or from work or school.
These restrictions lift after one year, or when you turn 18, whichever comes first. If you turn 18 before the year is up, you can when ready upgrade to an M1 endorsement (full-size motorcycle) by passing the M1 written test at the DMV — you do not need to retake the riding test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a motorcycle on public roads while I am waiting for my endorsement to be processed?
No. You must have the endorsement printed on your license before you ride on any public road. Riding without the endorsement is illegal, even if you have passed the test or completed the course. The endorsement is added to your license when ready when you visit the DMV with your completion certificate or test results, so the wait is usually just the time it takes to schedule a DMV appointment.
What if I fail the riding test at the DMV?
You can retake the riding test. There is no limit to how many times you can try, but you will pay the test fee each time. Many people who fail the first time take a few lessons with a motorcycle instructor before trying again. The CHP MSRC course is also an option if you want structured practice before retesting.
Do I need to take the motorcycle course if I already have a motorcycle license from another state?
No. If you move to California and hold a valid motorcycle license from another state, you can transfer it to a California motorcycle endorsement without taking a test or course. Bring your out-of-state license and proof of California residency to the DMV, and they will issue you a California license with the endorsement. The fee is the same as adding an endorsement to an existing California license.
Can I take the CHP MSRC course if I do not have a driver's license yet?
No. You must hold a valid California driver's license before you can take the course or test for a motorcycle endorsement. If you do not have a driver's license, you will need to get one first by passing the written and driving tests at the DMV.
What happens if my motorcycle endorsement expires?
Your motorcycle endorsement expires when your driver's license expires. When you renew your driver's license, the endorsement renews automatically — you do not need to retake any test or course. straightforward renew your license at the DMV as you normally would.