CMSP Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC)

New to riding?
Prove you’re ready.

The Motorcyclist Training Course gives you the skills, control, and confidence to hit the streets with intention. Required for riders under 21, smart for everyone.

Is this course for me?

If you know you’re ready to ride for real, this course lets you prove it. You’ll get time in the classroom and learn all the right skills. On the range, you’ll be learning the fundamentals that actually matter on the street: control, cornering, fear management, and real-world hazard awareness. It’s built on modern training methods that help you think sharply and ride with intention. Whether you’re brand new or just never had formal training, this is where you build confidence that holds up when it counts. Bikes and helmets are ready for you, just show up ready to learn.

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Training Locations

Find a local training center near you

With over 100 CMSP locations across California, it’s easy to start building your skills close to home. More than 1.5 million riders have trained with us: search by zip code, choose your distance, and find the course that fits your ride.

      Gear

      What do I need to bring?

      Showing up prepared is part of proving you’re ready to ride. We’ve got the DOT-approved helmet covered, but the rest is on you. Bring pants, boots, a jacket, gloves, and eye protection; the basics that keep you focused and protected on the range. Don’t have your own bike or still figuring out if riding fits your style? No stress. We’ll provide the motorcycle, so you can focus on the skills, mindset, and control that make a rider.

      • Helmet

        Full-face or 3/4 DOT-compliant helmets are preferred. Half helmets are prohibited. Personal helmets are subject to inspection for DOT-compliance and to make sure that they are in good working condition.

      • eye protection

        Face shields on helmets, goggles or some form of sun/eyeglasses. They may be tinted or clear. Ordinary prescription glasses may be worn.

      • gloves

        Must be full finger and cannot be open on the back of the hand. They must be street-motorcycle specific and/or durable leather. Mechanics gloves, batting gloves, Mom’s dishwashing gloves and surgeon’s gloves are NOT acceptable.

        Close-up of a motorcyclist's gloved hand gripping a red brake/clutch lever on the motorcycle handlebar.

      • Pants

        You must wear long, durable pants. No exceptions. Denim, textile or leather jeans are preferred. All pants must have no holes and must cover the ankles while seated on the motorcycle, not just while standing. Spandex or cotton leggings are not acceptable.

        Close-up of dark blue denim jeans with yellow contrast stitching on a bent knee.

      • Shoes/boots

        Athletic or hiking shoes should offer reinforced ankle support, with boots being the preferred choice. Look for footwear with a solid rubber sole, and avoid heels taller than those on a typical work boot. Thin fabric shoes like Converse All Stars or dress shoes DO NOT meet these requirements.

      • Jacket

        Durable leather or textile jacket (armored, motorcycle-specific is preferred) or a long sleeve shirt that covers the wrist is acceptable. (Shirts alone will barely protect you in an accident!) A motorcycle riding jacket is required for the 
1-Day Premier Course.

        Motorcycle rider in a neon yellow-green protective suit and full-face helmet, leaning toward the camera on a sportbike with bright headlights.
      Play

      Hands-On Training

      Hear It From Riders

      “Skill is built from doing, not just watching. Start with foundational skills and then take them on the road.”

      Motorcycle Instruction Permit Requirements for Riders Under 18

      California law requires riders under the age of 18 to complete a motorcycle training course approved by the California Highway Patrol. This training must be taken at a California Motorcyclist Safety Program training site.

      The course must be completed before a motorcycle instruction permit can be issued. After receiving the permit, the rider must hold it for 6 months before becoming eligible for a Class M motorcycle endorsement.

      To enroll in a CMSP course, you must have at least one of the following:

      • A valid driver’s license issued by any U.S. state
      • A California DMV-issued automobile learner’s permit
      • A California DMV-issued identification card

      Out-of-state driver’s licenses are accepted if the California Department of Motor Vehicles recognizes them.

      Riders under 18 must also provide written permission from a parent or legal guardian.

      Students whose license is restricted due to a driving under the influence conviction are not eligible to participate until all restrictions are removed. All students will be asked to confirm that they do not hold a restricted license at the time of enrollment.

      Following these steps in order can help prevent delays in earning your motorcycle endorsement:

      1. Enroll in and complete a CMSP Motorcyclist Training Course at a training site near you.
      2. Review the California Motorcycle Handbook to prepare for the DMV written exam.
      3. Visit a DMV Field Office, either by appointment or during business hours.
      4. Apply for a motorcycle instruction permit and take the written exam based on the Motorcycle Handbook. If you do not pass, you may retake the exam after additional study. Permit applications are valid for 12 months.
      5. After passing the written exam, you will receive a motorcycle instruction permit. During the six-month holding period, riding is restricted at night, on freeways, and with passengers. This time should be used to build your riding skills and become more familiar with your motorcycle.
      6. After six months, return to a DMV Field Office to add the motorcycle endorsement to your driver’s license.

      The process is designed to ensure new riders gain experience, confidence, and skills before riding without restrictions.

      As you will learn in the CMSP Motorcyclist Training Course, motorcycle riding involves many risks. As such, riding in the class itself also presents risks that must be actively managed. Your instructors will be there to help manage these risks, but your safety—as well as the safety of those around you—is ultimately your responsibility. To help you understand your role in managing the risks involved in taking the class, the following Student Responsibility Statement (SRS) will be read together with your instructors before riding:

      You are responsible for the safety of all riders and Instructors on the range with you. You must be in control at all times. Being in control means being able to safely perform each individual skill presented to you by the Instructors. Being in control means you can stop if you need to, control your speed and direction, and make the motorcycle go where you want it to go. Each of these steps is taught to you individually and you must be able to practice each one safely without putting others in danger. If you feel the motorcycle is leading you and you don’t feel that you are in control, do not continue in class. Stop and come back at a later date. You must be able to self-assess. Self-assess means being able to determine whether you are able to control the motorcycle to avoid endangering students and Instructors.

      If you have questions or concerns about the SRS, please contact your training site prior to beginning the class. Our goal is for you, your fellow students, and your instructors to have a safe and enjoyable experience.