CORE 1
License classes and permit rules
Law first; trivia second
PFN
Passengers, Freeways, Night. If a permit question offers any of those, the answer is no.
Who may operate what
- LAWM1: any two-wheel motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized scooter, plus vehicles under M2.
- LAWM2: motorized bicycle/moped and motorized scooter.
- LAWA Class C license may operate a motorcycle with a sidecar, a three-wheel motorcycle, or a motorized scooter.
- NUMBERMotor-driven cycle: motorcycle with an engine under 150 cc.
- NUMBERMoped: no more than 30 mph on level ground, under 4 hp, automatic transmission, and qualifying pedals or electric-only configuration.
- TRAPA motorized scooter may be driven with any class of driver license but may not be used for the DMV motorcycle skills test.
- SCOOTERA motorized scooter is limited to 15 mph and may not be ridden on a sidewalk except to enter or leave adjacent property. Exhaust may not be modified. It cannot be used for the DMV motorcycle skills test.Why it matters: Any valid driver-license class can operate a scooter. That is why DMV will not let you take the motorcycle skills test on one.
- E-BIKEE-bikes (motor under 750 W) are in the handbook, so they are testable. Class 1: pedal-assist to 20 mph. Class 2: throttle to 20 mph. Class 3: pedal-assist to 28 mph with a speedometer.Why it matters: They were cut from an earlier edition and restored. If a question names Class 3, the rider must be 16 or older, wear a helmet, and carry no passengers.
- E-BIKEClass 3 riders must be 16+, wear a helmet, and carry no passengers. All e-bike classes are exempt from license, plates, and financial-responsibility rules.
- TRAPA motor-driven cycle (under 150 cc) is barred from freeways where signs prohibit it. It is still a motorcycle, not a moped.
Permit + DL 389
- LAWNo Passengers. No Freeway riding. No Night riding.Why it matters: If any of the three appears, the permit answer is no. City streets, daylight, and solo riding are still allowed.
- LAWRiders under 21 must complete the CHP-approved CMSP course and hold the permit for six months before licensing.
- LAWAt age 21+, an instruction permit is not required before applying for the M1 license.
- NUMBERThe CMSP Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389) is valid for 12 months.
- TRAPA valid DL 389 may waive the skills test. It does not waive the knowledge test. Out-of-state training is not accepted for this waiver.
- TRAPA motorcycle-only applicant who has never held any class of motor-vehicle license may also need an observation road test.
- ATTEMPTSAge 21+: three knowledge-test attempts on the same application. A third fail voids the application — reapply and pay again. The application and fee stay valid 12 months.Why it matters: You have two attempts left on this retake. Do not spend one until two closed-book scores are 90%+.
- LAWUsing a phone, notes, or the handbook during the test is a failure and may trigger further DMV action. Offices will not start a knowledge test within about 30 minutes of closing.