What Are California’s Motorcycle Permit Restrictions?
David J. Muñoz | September 18, 2026 | Motorcycle Accidents
Before you’re eligible for a full motorcycle license in California, you may need to start with an instruction permit. The permit allows you to ride on public roads but comes with several restrictions that remain in place until you meet the applicable requirements and obtain your motorcycle license.
Read on for a closer look at what the permit restrictions are and how they can factor into a personal injury case based on a motorcycle accident.
The Three Main Restrictions to Keep in Mind
Per California Vehicle Code § 12509.5, motorcycle instruction permit holders are subject to three specific restrictions:
- No passengers: You cannot carry anyone else on your motorcycle while riding with a permit. This applies regardless of whether the passenger has their own license or how experienced they are.
- No freeway riding: Permit holders are not allowed to ride on any freeway, including on-ramps and off-ramps. The restriction is designed to keep newer riders off high-speed roads until they’ve developed the skills to handle that kind of traffic safely.
- No nighttime riding: You cannot ride during hours of darkness, which California defines as the period from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. Visibility is a major factor in motorcycle safety, and new riders face an increased risk when riding in low-light conditions.
These restrictions apply to both M1 and M2 permits. Unlike California’s provisional driver’s license for teens, the motorcycle permit does not allow for any supervised riding that would bypass these rules.
How Do I Get a Motorcycle Permit in California?
The process for getting a California motorcycle permit depends largely on your age. All applicants must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test covering material from the California Motorcycle Handbook.
Under 18
Applicants under 18 must complete a California Highway Patrol-approved California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) course and provide a Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389) to obtain a motorcycle permit. They must hold the permit for at least six months before obtaining a motorcycle license.
Applicants between ages 15½ and 17½ must also provide proof of completing driver education and driver training. A parent or guardian must sign the license application for applicants under 18.
Ages 18 to 20
Applicants between 18 and 20 must also hold their permit for at least six months and complete an approved motorcycle training course. A DL 389 certificate showing successful completion of the course can satisfy the DMV motorcycle skills test requirement.
Age 21 and Older
Applicants who are 21 or older do not have a mandatory six-month permit holding period or motorcycle training requirement. However, completing an approved motorcycle safety course can satisfy the DMV motorcycle skills test requirement.
California DMV applications and related licensing documents are subject to expiration periods, so applicants who do not complete the licensing process in time may need to reapply.
What if I Was Hit by a Permit Holder?
If you were injured in an accident caused by a motorcycle rider who was operating outside the terms of their permit, that violation can work in your favor. More specifically, this can serve as evidence of negligence (carelessness) on the rider’s part.
This can strengthen your personal injury claim and make it easier to establish that the other party was at fault at the same time. A lawyer near you can handle the process on your behalf while you focus on your rest and recovery.
Contact the San Diego Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you were injured in an accident involving a motorcycle permit holder, determining liability requires looking at how the crash occurred and whether any permit restriction played a role. Mission Personal Injury Lawyers can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and determine what options may be available for pursuing compensation.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer. We can answer your questions and explain the next steps that may apply to your case.
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
3666 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 777-5555
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032
We also serve the state of Texas. For legal assistance, contact our personal injury law office in El Paso today.
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000
