You have to be 19 to get a motorcycles license without waiting the 9 month period, since your turning 18 your under that age limit like me. What I did was I got my motorcycle learners permit from DMV by taking the written test, then went to MSF and did their riding and written tests which (when i aced the mofo) gave me a slip that allows me to hand it in at DMV 9 months from my permit reception date and automatically getting my m class without doing any more DMV tests (which i recomend...MSF is a MUSSSST!)

The motorcycle learners is a bit tricky however, its not always clearly defined but from what I've gotten out of DMV and MSF and friends that ride is that you have to have someone over 18 WITH m class designation riding with you...or driving (they don't have to be on a bike too, as long as they have the license).

hope this helps, good luck, be safe, and take MSF