Do you need a driver’s license to drive a moped?

Mopeds are small, two-wheeled vehicles that zip around town. In some places, you might need a special license or just a regular driver’s license to operate one, while in other places, you might not need a license at all.

If you or a loved one has been in a moped accident, a motorcycle accident attorney in Vacaville will help you understand your rights and get the compensation you deserve.

Do you need a motorcycle license for a moped?

The answer to this question isn’t the same everywhere. In some places, you need a special motorcycle license to drive a moped. In other places, you can use a regular driver’s license. And in some areas, you might not need any license at all for smaller, less powerful mopeds.

It all depends on where you live and what kind of moped you have. Some mopeds are so small and slow that they’re treated more like bicycles. Others are bigger and faster, so they’re treated more like motorcycles.

In most states, if your moped can go faster than 30 miles per hour, you’ll probably need a motorcycle license. But if it’s slower than that, you might be able to ride it with just a regular driver’s license.

Moped Requirements in California

In California, the rules for mopeds are pretty clear:

• You need to have a driver’s license to ride a moped. It doesn’t have to be a special motorcycle license – a regular Class C license is okay.

• You have to be at least 16 years old to ride a moped on public roads.

• Your moped needs to be registered with the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles).

• You need to have insurance for your moped, just like you would for a car.

• You have to wear a helmet when you ride. This is really important for staying safe!

• Your moped can’t go faster than 30 miles per hour on flat ground.
• The engine on your moped can’t be bigger than 50cc.

If you live somewhere else, the rules might be different. It’s always a good idea to check with your local DMV to find out what the rules are where you live.

How Do I Get a California Motorcycle License?

To get a motorcycle license in California, you need a special license called a motorcycle DL.

There are two types: Class M1, which allows you to ride any two-wheeled motorcycle and all vehicles listed under Class M2, and Class M2, which lets you ride a motorized bicycle, moped, or any bicycle with an attached motor.

If you’re under 21:

• First, get a motorcycle instruction permit and hold it for at least six months.

• After six months, go to a DMV office with:

• Your instruction permit
• Proof of completed driver education and training (if you don’t have a valid California driver’s license) and
• A Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389).

• With this certificate, you might not need a skills test but possibly an observation test.

• If you want a REAL ID:
• Bring proof of identity
• Social security number and
• Two proofs of residency

After meeting these requirements, you’ll receive a temporary motorcycle DL, valid for 60 days, until your new license arrives in the mail. If you’re over 21, you don’t need an instruction permit. You can either complete a California Highway Patrol-approved Motorcycle Safety Program training course or pass a motorcycle driving test at the DMV.

To apply for a motorcycle DL:

• Go to a DMV office with your completed Driver’s License or Identification Card Application, your social security number, an identity document (matching your current name), your California DL/ID card (if you have one), and residency documents (if you’ve never had a California DL/ID card).

• Pay the application fee (valid for 12 months), pass a vision exam, get your fingerprint scanned and photo taken, and pass the knowledge test(s). You get three tries to pass.

• Provide a Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389) or take the motorcycle driving test. For the motorcycle driving test, make an appointment and bring proof of insurance. The test includes a pre-trip inspection, different track paths, slow riding, and gear shifting.
• You have three attempts to pass the driving test; if you fail three times, you must reapply.

After meeting these requirements, you’ll get a temporary motorcycle DL, valid for 60 days, until your new license arrives in the mail.

Contact a Vacaville Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

Even though mopeds are usually safer than big motorcycles, accidents can still happen. If you get hurt while riding a moped, talk to The Cartwright Law Firm Inc. to consult a motorcycle accident attorney.

We know the laws for mopeds and motorcycles, can handle tricky insurance companies, help prove fault, and determine how much money you should ask for to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other costs. We will offer a free case review, so don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us at 415-433-0449 or contact us online.