What about licensing?

We know that operating a motorcycle on the street is a | high risk | activity when compared to operating other vehicles. However, we can reduce some risk.

The first step is to recognize the different periods of your motorcycling journey.
There is the Beginner's Time, the Learner's Time, and the Ongoing Rider's Time.

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  * We recommend Session 1, “Getting Started, an Introduction to Beginning Motorcycling”, *
  * be completed before you consider riding any motorcycle.                                                   *
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  * We recommend Session 3, “Combination Skills” be completed                                         *
  * before you have your first motorcycle ride on the street.                                                     *
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Beginner's Time : The beginner's time is when you are getting familiar with a motorcycle. This time should occur on low-powered motorcycles in a parking lot or off-road, and not in traffic. We recommend you take the first 3 hour practice riding session before you take the written test at the DMV.

For the 3 hour Begin to Ride practice sessions call 858-874-5888 or check out |Schedule for Begin-To-Ride Sessions|.

We do not promote motorcycling, we promote making informed choices!

People learn in different ways and at different rates. Also, all of us have different needs and wants. There is no exact path to follow when you are on your 'journey'. After you are familiar with motorcycles and know the basics of controlling speed and direction, shopping for your first street bike will be much more fun!

Learner's Time The Learner's Time starts after your beginner's time, on your first street motorcycle. You need only complete the Written Test at the CA DMV for the restricted California license. Once you pass the written test, you can legally ride any motorcycle!

Be sure to study and make an appointment at the DMV to sit for the test. Call 800-777-0133 to make an appointment. There are some practice test on the bottom of the |Getting Started| page.

The restrictions on the learner's permit (restricted license) are: ride in the daytime, without passengers, and not on freeways. These are good guidelines to follow while learning your street skills. Practice riding your motorcycle in familiar territory (i.e. your neighborhood) following these restrictions. Take time to develop your street skills by purposeful practice.

Ongoing Rider's Time: All Skillful On-going Riders can obtain an unrestricted license. Obtaining an unrestricted motorcycle license is a step in the motorcyclist's journey, not the goal. To obtain an unrestricted California license, you must pass an on-bike skills test. There are several ways to take the on-bike test.

1. One way to complete the on-bike test is at the DMV, call 800-777-0133 to make an appointment. You may use your bike or someone else's. Be sure to practice the test before your appointment.

Also, there are small bikes available for renting.

Rent DMV Test Bike, Clairemont

Rent DMV Test Bike, Chula Vista

Rent DMV Test Bike, Oceanside

2. The other way to complete the on-bike test for the DMV is at the 15 hour licensing course (known as the DMV course, the DL389 Certificate course, the MSF course, the CHP course, and the course that "waives" the test). If you do not want to take (or are unable to pass) the on-bike test at the DMV, you may choose to on-bike test in the 15 hour course, call 800-446-9227 (Motorcycle Safety Program, MSF) or 877-743-3411 (California Motorcyclist Safety Program, CMSP). Many of the people who are unable to pass the on-bike test at the DMV find the 15 hour course on-bike test | EASIER | to pass.

For the 3 hour "Begin To Ride" Training (no testing) call 858-874-5888.

|Schedule for Begin-To-Ride Sessions|

Enjoy the journey ...

Updated 03.08.08 |Site Map|