Chapter 8: Motorcycle Licenses
Class M1 - Motorcycles
Any motorcycle over 50cc requires a Class M1 license. Getting one means passing a motorcycle-specific written test covering topics a car driver never has to think about — countersteering, lane positioning, and how weather and road surface affect a two-wheeled vehicle differently than a car — plus an on-bike skills test. California law requires a DOT-approved helmet for every rider and passenger, no exceptions for experience level or trip length.
Class M2 - Mopeds and Scooters
Smaller two-wheeled vehicles at or under 50cc fall under the lighter M2 classification, which has a shorter testing process reflecting the lower speeds and lower risk profile of mopeds compared to full motorcycles.