Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hey everyone.

I am 16 and don't have my full car(whatever the offical name is called) drivers license yet, just a permit. and was wondering if I need my full car license to get a motorcycle license. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

I can't say for sure, only way to know is to check your state DMV website. In VA, you don't have to have a regular driver's license to have a motorcycle license. You can have a license to ONLY drive a motorcycle. Your state may be different so check out the DMV website for your state.

here in california... you do need a driver's lic before you can apply for motorcycle lic.

check your local DMV.

For NY, most of the questions for the written test to get the motorcycle permit had nothing to do with riding a motorcycle. I guess they assume you've never been on the road before, in which case you probably don't need any experience driving a car to get one.

In CA you can get a Motorcycle license if you have had the motoercycle permit for 6 months. But you can skip that by passing thr MSF. Not sure where you live, though.

I think that to get a permit you need to have finished Driver ed and training, which means a full license.

You NAILED this one, Verm!

Here in California you can get a motorcycle license (M1 or M2) without having a car (C) license.

To apply for a motorcycle Class M1 or M2 permit, you will need to:

* Visit a DMV office (make an appointment for faster service)
* Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)
* Give a thumb print
* Have your picture taken
* Pay the application fee
* Pass a vision exam
* Pass a traffic laws and signs test. You have three chances to pass the test.

To apply for your motorcycle Class M1 or M2 license, you must do one of the following:

* If you are under 21, you must complete a motorcycle rider training course given by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and provide a certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389) to DMV to be issued your license. You will not be required to take the motorcycle driving test at DMV if you currently have a California Drivers License.
* If you are over 21, you may either choose to complete the course by CHP and provide the certificate OR schedule an appointment at DMV to take the driving test. (You may also call 1-800-777-0133 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, to make a driving test appointment.) You have three chances to pass the test.

you might have all kinds of requirements for getting it if your under 18. around here once ur 18 u can get your drivers/motorcycle license instantly if you just get a permit then pass the test, but under 18 is 6 months, driving hours etc etc

Thanks for the fast replies!

I do happen to live in California. and was thinking about taking the MSF courses first. I'll give them and the DMV a call. Thanks for all the help!

Do yourself a favor and just take the MSF, it could save your life.

Do I need to have my motorcycle permit to take the MSF?