California Motorcycle License Questions

Message

brad3626 · #1 Unread post by **brad3626** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 5:32 am

Hi, I am 23 and I am getting close to buying my first street legal bike, and I am confused by the process of getting a license in Cali.

I know that I need to apply and pay a fee, pass a vision and written test, and finally pass a driving test (done on my own bike).

I am a bit confused: can I buy, practice on, and ride my bike to the test?
At what point can I legally test drive a bike, because having to own a bike to take the test seems like a catch 22.

Other than license, I'm sure I must add it to my insurance and transfer the title to my name, is there anything else I need to know about buying a used bike in CA?

Tower18CHI · Wed Jun 04, 2008 6:07 am

Not sure about California (surely this info is on the DMV website), but here in Illinois, you go and take your written test, which gives you essentially a learner's permit, allowing you to drive as long as a licensed motorcyclist over 25 is with you (not necessarily riding 2-up).

Thumper · #3 Unread post by **Thumper** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 6:27 am

In CA you take the written test (both the class C driver's license exam if it's been more than a year since you last took it, as well as the M/C exam) and get your learner's permit. You are then legal to ride a motorcycle during the day, but not on freeways. Get a bike, practice--you have up to a year before you have to renew the permit--and then take the riding portion of the test at the DMV. Pass and you're licensed. You can buy a bike without having a license in CA.

However.

If you're smart, you take the Basic Rider's Course, which--if you pass--will enable you to bypass the riding portion of the DMV, plus you'll learn a whole lot more about riding and doing it the smart way than you will through trial and error on the road.

Go to http://www.ca-msp.org/ for info on rider education in CA.

Seriously, it's worth every penny...

flynrider · Wed Jun 04, 2008 12:37 pm

I second the Basic Riders Course recommendation. California has a very difficult road test, which is difficult for even experienced riders to pass unless they're on a small bike. No second chances or do-overs. If you stray outside a line or put a foot down, the test is over.

Taking the riding course is a good way to learn some basic street skills before you venture out on your own. It will teach you things that you might otherwise learn the hard way.