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Motorcycle license

How to get a motorcycle license
Follow the step-by-step instructions to get a motorcycle license.

A motorcycle endorsement is available for applicants already licensed with a basic auto or commercial driver license.


How to get a motorcycle license without a driver license
    All applicants without a driver license must first purchase a motorcycle permit.

    NOTE: Anyone under the age of 18 is required to take the Motorcycle Safety Education Program Basic Rider Course before receiving a motorcycle license.

    Enroll in Basic Rider Course- motorcycle permit required first
    • STEP 1- GET A MOTORCYCLE EXAMINATION PERMIT
      • Apply for a motorcycle permit at a local motor vehicle agency
      • Must be at least 17 years old; parent/guardian consent required under age 18
      • Must pass MVC’s knowledge and vision tests
      • Must pay required fee
    • STEP 2*- PRACTICE RIDE
      • Must practice ride for at least 6 months if under the age of 21 or 3 months if over age 21 without any suspensions or postponements
      • Must observe motorcycle permit riding restrictions
    • STEP 3*- TAKE BASIC RIDER COURSE WITH AN APPROVED MOTORCYCLE TRAINING PROVIDER
      • Register with a motorcycle training provider
      • Take motorcycle training course
        (*Steps 2 and 3 can be interchanged. You must have your practice riding time in before getting your motorcycle license.)
    • STEP 4- GET COURSE COMPLETION DOCUMENTS
      • 100% participation required
      • Must successfully complete course
      • Will receive a course completion card
    • STEP 5- TAKE MOTORCYCLE ROAD TEST AT MVC TEST SITE
      • Must bring your own motorcycle (registered and insured), helmet and eye protection
    • STEP 6- GET PROBATIONARY MOTORCYCLE LICENSE (CLASS E)
      • Must pass MVC’s road test
      • Must pay required fee
    • STEP 7- PROBATIONARY RIDING PRIVILEGES
      • Must ride for at least one year
      • Must follow probationary driver license restrictions
    • STEP 8- GET UNRESTRICTED MOTORCYCLE LICENSE
      • Must be at least 18 years old
      • Must have completed one year riding
      • Must pay required fee
    Apply without Basic Rider Course- motorcycle permit required first. Without the Basic Rider course you must be at least age 18 to take the MVC Road Test.
    • STEP 1- GET A MOTORCYCLE EXAMINATION PERMIT
      • Apply for a motorcycle permit at a local motor vehicle agency
      • Must be at least 18 years old
      • Must pass MVC’s knowledge and vision tests
      • Must pay required fee
    • STEP 2- PRACTICE RIDE
      • Must practice ride for at least 6 months if under the age of 21 or 3 months if over age 21 without any suspensions or postponements
      • Must observe motorcycle permit riding restrictions
    • STEP 3- TAKE MOTORCYCLE ROAD TEST AT MVC TEST SITE (must be at least 18)
      • Must bring your own motorcycle (registered and insured), helmet and eye protection
    • STEP 4- GET PROBATIONARY MOTORCYCLE LICENSE (CLASS E)
      • Must pass MVC’s road test
      • Must pay required fee
    • STEP 5- PROBATIONARY RIDING PRIVILEGES
      • Must ride for at least one year
      • Must follow probationary driver license restrictions
    • STEP 6- GET UNRESTRICTED MOTORCYCLE LICENSE
      • Must be at least 18 years old
      • Must have completed one year riding
      • Must pay required fee
    How to get a motorcycle permit
  • You must be at least 17 years old
  • Complete a motorcycle permit application from an MVC Agency
  • Pass the 6 point ID requirements
  • Pay $5 permit fee. For your convenience, MVC Agencies accept American Express® card, MasterCard® card, Visa® card, checks, money orders and cash
  • Pass the knowledge and vision tests to validate your permit. Study by reading the Driver Manual and Motorcycle Manual [524k pdf]
Practicing with your permit
You must practice with a permit for at least 6 months if under the age of 21 or 3 months if over age 21 without any suspensions or postponements before being eligible to take the road test. A motorcycle examination permit holder is no longer required to have an accompanying rider.


Motorcycle permit riding restrictions
The holder of a motorcycle examination permit is prohibited from:
  • Operating a motorcycle from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise
  • Carrying passengers
  • Riding on any state toll road or limited-access highway