M1 Vs. M2 License: What’s The Difference?

30 Nov M1 Vs. M2 License: What’s The Difference?

Motorcycles are one of the most popular vehicles in California, and if you want to ride them, you need the appropriate license.

But there’s more than one type of motorcycle license that California issues and these include the M1 and M2 licenses.  Getting the right license is important to avoid penalties and to strengthen your case if you are ever involved in a motorcycle accident.

Read on to know the difference between an M1 vs M2 license in California and the steps to obtain a motorcycle license.

Before getting to this, it is important to know the definition of motorcycles and motorized vehicles.

Motorcycle versus motorized vehicles

These are the definitions of different vehicles per the DMV:

Motorcycle: This is a vehicle with 2 or 3 wheels with a saddle or seat for the driver. The engine size of these vehicles is more than 150 cc.

Moped or motorized bicycles:  These are two or three-wheeled vehicles with operable pedals not capable of traveling at speeds more than 30 mph on level ground.  Those operating on electrical energy do not have pedals and produce less than 4 bhp ( brake horsepower).

Motor-driven cycle:   A motor-driven cycle is one with a motor size of less than 150cc. This class excludes motorized bicycles.

Electric bicycles: The output of the electric motor of these bicycles, which have operable pedals, is below 750 Watts. These bicycles are divided into 3 classes. The speed limit for Class I and II electric bicycles is 20 mph while Class III bikes can reach 28 mph.

Motorized scooter:  A motorized scooter is equipped with a motor, two wheels, a floorboard, and handlebars and has a speed limit of 15 mph.

These scooters can be driven only on a bike way, trail, or bicycle path.

Now that you know the different types of vehicles and their definitions let’s look at the difference between an M1 vs M2 license.

M1 Vs. M2 license: The key difference

California offers two types of motorcycle licenses: M1 and M2.

With an M1 license, you can drive a motorized vehicle with two wheels. This includes traditional motorcycles and motor trikes. You will need an M1 license if you need to take your motorized vehicle on the highways.

The M2 license enables you to operate motorized bicycles, mopeds, and motorized scooters.

When looking at the difference between an M1 vs M2 license, note that with an M1 license, you can also operate all vehicles that require an M2 endorsement. This includes mopeds, motorized bicycles, and motorized scooters.

Wondering what type of license you need if you want to ride a motorcycle with a sidecar or 3 wheels?

In this case, you need a Class C DL in California.

The Class C license is one of the most common types of driver’s license in California. A Class C license allows the holder to operate a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 26,000 pounds.

M1 vs M2 license: Which one do you need?

If you’re not sure which license is right for you, consider your needs. If you plan on operating a traditional or a larger motorcycle, then you’ll need an M1 license.

If you only need to operate a smaller motorcycle or scooter, then an M2 license will suffice.

However, getting an M1 license is advisable as it allows you to drive any type of motorized vehicle.

Is a regular driving license enough to drive a motorcycle?

If you have a regular driving license, you can operate a motorized scooter or a short-term rental motorized bicycle (not more than 48 hours) without an M2 endorsement.

However, to drive a traditional motorcycle, you need the proper M1 or M2 endorsement on your license.

The process to get an M1 or M2 endorsement requires passing a written exam and a riding skills test.

The next section lists the steps to obtain the M1 and M2 licenses in California.

Steps to get an M1 or M2 license

The steps differ slightly based on whether you are below or over 21 years of age.

To receive an M1 motorcycle license, you must be 18 years or older while for an M2 license, you need to be over 16 years of age.

Less than 21 years of age

If you are under 21 years (but over 18 years of age)  these are the steps to follow:

1. Start by obtaining a California motorcycle instruction permit. You need to hold the permit for a minimum of six months before applying for an M1 or M2 license.
2. To obtain the permit, you will need to complete a California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) approved rider training course.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) approved California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) training course is the only recognized motorcycle safety and training course in California. The CMSP course teaches riders the skills and knowledge necessary to operate a motorcycle safely on today’s roads. The course is offered through a network of CHP-licensed motorcycle training providers statewide.

Once you pass this course, you will be issued the completion certificate called the DL389.

3. Once you get the permit, wait for 6 months and then go to a DMV office with the required documents and fees to apply for your license.

You will need to:

• Present proof of completion (DL389) of a CMSP-approved rider training course
• If you do not have a California Driving License, you need to provide proof of completion of driver education as well as training.
• Present proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport.
• Provide your Social Security Number (SSN).
• Have your thumbprint taken.
• Have your picture taken.
• Pass a vision test. If you wear corrective lenses, be sure to bring them with you to the DMV office.

As you have completed the CMSP course, you will need to take the skills test. The DMV, however, may require you to do an observation test.

In this test, a DMV official will give you specific instructions and observe you while you ride your bike.

After meeting these requirements, the DMV issues a temporary motorcycle DL with 60-day validity.

Over 21 years of age

If you are more than 21 years of age, there is no need for an instruction permit to apply for an M1 or M2 license.

You can take up the CMSP course or the driving test conducted by the DMV to get your license.

The requirements to apply for a M1 or M2 license if you are over 21 years of age is the same as those required for individuals below 21 years.

• You will need to complete the application for Driver’s License
• Present proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport.
• Provide your valid DL if you have one.
• Provide your Social Security Number (SSN).
• Have your thumbprint taken.
• Have your picture taken.
• Pass a vision test. If you wear corrective lenses, be sure to bring them with you to the DMV office.
• Pass the written motorcycle knowledge test
• Pay the application fee
• Take the skill test or present the CMSP completion certificate

You will need to schedule an appointment for the skills test at the DMV office. On the day of the test, you will be required to demonstrate your skills related to these:

• Circle ride- this involves riding clockwise in a circle twice with the front wheel aligned on the tracking path.
• Slow ride- you will need to stay on the tracking path while riding slowly between parallel lines.
• Gear shift-this tests your ability to shift the gears, make a U-turn, and shift gears again before coming to a smooth stop.
• Tracking paths-you will be required to follow various tracking lines that are marked.
• Serpentine ride- this involves making an accurate weave around five traffic cones.

You have three attempts to clear the driving test, failing which you will need to reapply for your M1 or M2 license.

Can you drive a motorcycle with a permit?

If you’re wondering whether you can ride a motorcycle with just a permit in California, the answer is yes—but there are some restrictions. With a permit, you can only ride during daylight hours and you must be accompanied by a licensed rider who is 21 years old or older. You also can’t carry any passengers.

How long does it take to get an M1 or M2 license in California?

If you’re a California resident and want to operate a motorcycle on public roads, you’ll need to get a motorcycle license from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The process is similar to getting a regular driver’s license, but there are a few additional requirements.

To get a motorcycle license, you must first obtain a permit by passing a written exam. Once you have the permit, you must complete a motorcycle training course approved by the DMV. After completing the training course, you will need to pass a skills test administered by the DMV.

The whole process can take several weeks to complete. However, if you already have a driver’s license, you may be able to waive the written exam and skills test by completing an online motorcycle safety course.

If you are not a resident of California, you will need to establish residency before applying for a motorcycle DL. Some ways to do this are by paying resident tuition, voting in a local election, or filing for property tax exemption.

Once you meet all the requirements to obtain an M1 or M2 license, you will be issued a temporary license that is valid for 60 days. In most cases, you will receive the permanent license within 60 days.

What is the minimum motorcycle insurance required in California?

Motorcycle insurance is required by law in California. You must have a policy that provides at least $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $5,000 for property damage liability. You must also have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage of at least $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident.

If you have a loan on your motorcycle, your lender will also require you to have comprehensive collision coverage. This coverage pays for damage to your motorcycle caused by factors other than a collision, such as fire, theft, or vandalism.

Penalties for driving a motorcycle with an M1 or M2 license  

If you are caught driving a motorcycle without a license in California, you may be subject to a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment in county jail for up to six months. Additionally, your vehicle may be impounded for up to 30 days.

What to do if you are involved in a motorcycle accident in California?

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, there are certain steps you should take to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Here are some tips on what to do if you’re injured in a motorcycle accident in California:

•  Seek medical attention immediately. This is the most important thing to do if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. Sometimes, serious consequences such as Traumatic Brain Injury can appear days or months after the accident.
• Gather evidence. If possible, take photos of the scene of the accident and your injuries. Get the contact information of any witnesses who saw what happened. And make sure to keep all of your medical records and bills related to the accident.
• Contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. A good lawyer will be able to guide you through the complex legal process and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
• Don’t give any statements to insurance companies without speaking to a lawyer first. Insurance companies will often try to lowball victims of motorcycle accidents in an effort to save money.

An experienced lawyer will know how to deal with insurance companies and get you the full amount of compensation you deserve

Get the best legal advice

According to available data, around 16,000 accidents each year involve motorcycles. In addition to serious bodily injuries, motorcycle accidents can result in fatalities, property damage, and loss of wages.

When it comes to motorcycle accidents, you want the best legal representation possible. The Law Offices of Steve Gimbin has a proven track record of success when it comes to these types of cases.

We can help you with any other legal issues that may arise from your accident, such as filing a personal injury claim or getting your insurance company to pay for damages.

We understand the nuances of different licenses and how they can impact your case. You can rely on us to get you the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation.