Vehicles: instruction permit: motorcycle.

(1) Existing law prohibits a person from driving a 2-wheel motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, moped, or bicycle with an attached motor upon a highway, unless the person holds a valid driver's license or endorsement for that class, with certain exceptions. Existing law allows a person, who is 15 years and 6 months or older who has a valid instruction permit to drive a motor vehicle and who has successfully completed automobile driver education and driver training, and a person who is 17 years and 6 months or older who has a valid instruction permit to drive a motor vehicle, to operate a motorcycle, motorized scooter, or motorized bicycle, with certain exceptions during hours of darkness, on freeways, and for carrying a passenger. Existing law provides that a person under 21 years of age may not be issued a class M1 or M2 license or endorsement to drive a motorcycle, unless he or she provides evidence satisfactory to the Department of Motor Vehicles of completion of a specified motorcycle safety training program. The bill would require a person, depending on his or her age, to meet certain requirements to obtain an instruction permit prior to operating or being issued a class M1 or M2 driver's license to operate a 2-wheel motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, moped, or bicycle with an attached motor. A person issued an instruction permit pursuant to procedures established under the bill would be restricted from operating those vehicles during hours of darkness, on freeways, and while carrying a passenger. The bill would provide that an instruction permit issued pursuant to these procedures would be valid for a period not exceeding 24 months from the date of application. Because, under existing law, a violation of the Vehicle Code is a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program by creating new crimes. (2) This bill would incorporate additional changes to Section 12509 of the Vehicle Code proposed by AB 2464, to be operative only if AB 2464 and this bill become effective on or before January 1, 2011, and this bill is enacted last. (3) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.