Section 12509.5 Of Article 1. Persons Required To Be Licensed, Exemptions, And Age Limits From California Vehicle Code >> Division 6. >> Chapter 1. >> Article 1.
12509.5
. (a) A person shall obtain an instruction permit issued
pursuant to this section prior to operating, or being issued a class
M1 or M2 driver's license to operate, a two-wheel motorcycle,
motor-driven cycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, moped, or
bicycle with an attached motor. The person shall meet the following
requirements to obtain an instruction permit for purposes of this
section:
(1) If age 15 years and 6 months or older, but under the age of 18
years, the applicant shall meet all of the following requirements:
(A) Have a valid class C license or complete driver education and
training pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section
12814.6.
(B) Successfully complete a motorcyclist safety program that is
operated pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 2930) of
Chapter 5 of Division 2.
(C) Pass the motorcycle driver's written exam.
(2) If 18 years of age or older, but under 21 years of age, the
applicant shall meet both of the following requirements:
(A) Successfully complete a motorcyclist safety program that is
operated pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 2930) of
Chapter 5 of Division 2.
(B) Pass the motorcycle driver's written exam.
(3) If 21 years of age or older, pass the motorcycle driver's
written exam.
(b) A person described in paragraph (1) or (2) of subdivision (a)
shall hold an instruction permit issued pursuant to this section for
a minimum of six months prior to being issued a class M1 or M2
license.
(c) A person issued an instruction permit pursuant to this section
shall not operate a two-wheel motorcycle, motor-driven cycle,
motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, moped, or bicycle with an
attached motor during the hours of darkness, shall stay off any
freeways that have full control of access and have no crossings at
grade, and shall not carry any passenger except an instructor
licensed under Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 11100) of Division
5 or a qualified instructor as defined in Section 41907 of the
Education Code.
(d) An instruction permit issued pursuant to this section shall be
valid for a period not exceeding 24 months from the date of
application.
(e) The department may perform, during regularly scheduled
computer system maintenance and upgrades, any necessary software
updates related to the changes made by the addition, during the
2009-2010 Regular Session, of this section.