Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers | June 9, 2025 | Motorcycle Accidents
Do you prefer a motorcycle to a passenger vehicle? If so, you might want to jump directly to a motorcycle license instead of going through the requirements to obtain a California driver’s license. According to California law, you can obtain a motorcycle license (M1 or M2) in California without a driver’s license.
However, the requirements for a motorcycle license depend on your age.
What Are the Types of Motorcycle Licenses in California?
Class M1 motorcycle licenses allow the rider to operate any two-wheeled motorcycle, motorized scooter, motor-driven cycle, and all vehicles allowed with a Class M2 motorcycle license. A Class M2 motorcycle license allows a rider to operate a moped, motorized bicycle, or motorized scooter.
Individuals with a Class C driver’s license can operate motorized scooters, motorcycles with a sidecar attached, and three-wheel motorcycles.
What Are the Requirements to Obtain a Motorcycle License in California?
The California Department of Motor Vehicles states that applicants for a motorcycle license must meet specific requirements based on their age. All applicants for a motorcycle license must:
- Be at least 15 ½ years of age
- Complete a Driver’s License or Identification Card Application
- Pass a vision exam
- Pass the applicable knowledge and skills tests
- Submit fingerprints
- Pay the required fees
- Have their photograph taken
Skills and knowledge tests include driver knowledge, motorcycle skills, and motorcycle knowledge. If the applicant has never obtained a driver’s license for any class of motor vehicle, an observation road test is also required.
Additional Requirements for Applicants Under 21 Years Old
If the applicant is under 21 years old, they must obtain an instruction permit and have the permit for at least six months before taking the test for a motorcycle license. The permit restrictions include no freeway driving, no passengers, and no nighttime driving.
Applicants between the ages of 15 ½ and 17 ½ years old must complete driver education and driver training courses or have a Class C driver’s license. All applicants under 21 years old must enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) training course.
Applicants over 21 years old do not need to complete the CMSP training course, but they are encouraged to do so.
Why Should Applicants of All Ages Take Motorcycle Training Courses?
Motorcycles are thought to be dangerous because riders have a high risk of severe injuries in an accident. However, severe injuries have more to do with the lack of protection offered by a motorcycle than the vehicle itself. Riders have no protection during a collision, such as airbags, seatbelts, or metal frames.
Therefore, motorcyclists must be vigilant about their surroundings while riding. Motorcycle training courses teach riders how to identify and react to potential hazards, including dangerous road conditions such as potholes and gravel. Training courses also teach defensive riding skills, including anticipating the actions of other drivers to reduce the risk of motorcycle accidents.
The Importance of Motorcycle Training Courses for New and Experienced Motorcyclists
New motorcyclists learn the essential skills necessary for a solid foundation in safe riding. They learn how to balance, turn, shift gears, and stop safely. Beginners and seasoned riders benefit from motorcycle training courses, such as learning emergency maneuvers. Advanced motorcycle training courses teach essential skills, including vital braking and cornering techniques.
California Motorcycle Accident Injuries and Damages
Negligent drivers and dangerous road conditions can quickly turn an enjoyable day of riding into a tragedy. Riders may sustain life-threatening and disabling injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Multiple fractures and broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Internal organ damage
- Significant abrasions (i.e., road rash), scarring, and disfigurement
- Neck and back injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
Physical injuries are only one element of a motorcycle crash. Riders may experience severe pain and suffering, emotional distress, diminished quality of life, and other non-economic damages.
They may also incur substantial economic damages, including lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, and medical bills.
Seeking Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident in San Diego, CA
If another driver caused your motorcycle accident, that driver may be liable for your damages. California tort law allows accident victims to seek compensation for damages. However, they must prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident.
Insurance companies often blame the motorcyclist for causing an accident, even though the rider did nothing wrong. The company tries to avoid paying the rider a fair amount for their injuries and damages.
A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Hiring a San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer can help you protect your rights after a crash. An attorney fights allegations of contributory fault and blame. They gather evidence proving the other driver caused the accident and assess the value of your damages correctly.
You can start with a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in San Diego. During your consultation, you’ll learn about your rights and your legal options for recovering the money you deserve after a motorcycle accident.
Contact Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers today to get started.
Contact the Motorcycle Accident Lawyers of Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers in San Diego, CA, for Help Today
For more information, contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
We proudly serve San Diego County and its surrounding areas:
Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
835 5th Avenue #302, San Diego, CA 92101
(858) 551-2090
Available 24/7
Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – La Jolla Office
4660 La Jolla Village Dr. San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 585-9031
Available 24/7
