Total Motorcycle Community Forums

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?

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).

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...

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.