Trading in four wheels for two is becoming more and more popular these days as people opt for a life of flexibility, freedom, and adventure on motorcycles.
If you are serious about choosing a motorcycle, you’ll need to think about the legal obligations of owning your new motorized vehicle, and the chief among these is making sure you get the right motorcycle license.
With that in mind, here is a breakdown of the different elements of the process, sorted by each state.
Securing your Alabama motorcycle license can be done with a few short steps.
The DPS knowledge test is an essential component of securing your license, and you will need to study the Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual to prepare adequately for this test. Taking and passing this test is a key part of obtaining your license, so practice before taking it.
To earn your Alabama motorcycle license, you must have an endorsement on your license to legalize it. Pass your DPS motorcycle knowledge exam or complete a safety course to achieve this endorsement.
It’s also worth knowing what you must bring to the DPS office when applying for your license:
Visiting your local DMV office in Alaska is the best way of making this process as smooth as possible.
You must bring proof you have completed a skills test and fill out a license application form.
Providing acceptable legal documentation is another key step in the process as well, as well as paying a $20 license fee.
You must also ensure you understand and adhere to the eligibility requirements for your Class M1 motorcycle license.
You must:
Earning your permit is a key first step toward securing your motorcycle license, and a few steps are involved in the process.
You’ll need to head to the local DMV and:
Alaska doesn’t require you to take a motorcycle education course, and you can waive the road skills test provided you complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course.
You must be at least 16 years old to gain a motorcycle license in Arizona and, if you are a new Arizona resident, trade in your old license.
If you are over 18, you will need to pass a knowledge test (more on this later), whilst those under 18 will also have additional requirements.
You must obtain an instruction permit if you are under 18 and want to gain a Class M motorcycle license. This permit is valid for 7 months and will require you to pass a vision screening and a written test.
Completing any DMV-approved motorcycle education program is another essential part of securing your permit.
An endorsement is when your Class M license is combined with another type of license in Arizona.
You’ll need an instruction permit for at least 6 months, complete the DMV-approved education program, and pass a knowledge test, vision exam, and an on-cycle test.
As for these exams, the main one you’ll need to take is a driving skills exam. You should study the AZ Motorcycle Operator Manual to gain the knowledge you need to do this more effectively.
You must be at least 16 years old, hold an instruction permit, and complete an education program. Applicants must pass an MSF Rider Course.
Once you have completed the relevant exams, take your MSF certificate and licensing documents to the Arkansas Revenue Office to secure your license.
The eligibility requirements for your license vary depending upon the type of license you want, and there are three types of licenses you can apply for:
If you’re seeking a motorcycle permit in Arkansas, you must:
The permit is valid for 12 months, and you cannot renew it. Once you get your permit, you can practice for your road test to secure your license.
You’ll need to complete Arizona motorcycle education courses to get your license.
If you take the approved MSF rider course, Arkansas OMV will allow you to skip the motorcycle road skills test, However, you will need to present the completed MSF course within 90 days to enjoy this perk.
Before getting your motorcycle license, you must secure a permit and complete your California motorcycle training courses, exams, and a safety course if you’re under 21.
You can also transfer an out-of-state license, making the process considerably easier.
The eligibility requirements for a California motorcycle license are as follows:
Securing a learner’s permit is essential for allowing you to practice riding your motorcycle before passing your test and getting your license. To get your permit, you must apply at the California DMV using identification and ensure you have passed the requisite skill tests and exams.
You will need to bring the right paperwork to the DMV to secure your license and complete the tests that might be required too.
Here is a list of some of the things you’re going to need to provide at the DMV:
In Colorado, you’ll need a motorcycle license and an endorsement, which you secure by:
You can also transfer an out-of-state license for around $30.
You have two endorsement options.
Obtaining a permit means submitting proof of identity, age, and the place you live, as well as being able to pass a written test.
There is, of course, a small fee as well, which should only set you back around $18.52.
Transferring your permit is also one of the best things you can do if you have an out-of-state permit. This is something you can do at your local Colorado DMV office. If you are below the age of 18, you will need to submit an Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship.
Getting your Connecticut motorcycle license is different from other states because a permit is optional and not required. This allows you to apply both with and without a permit.
Applying for a motorcycle permit in Connecticut involves bringing the relevant documentation to a local Connecticut DMV, including your complete driver’s license application and completion of the tests and exams.
Additionally, you’ll need to cover the costs of the permit AND the exams, totaling $56.
If you’re applying for a permit, you need to head to the DMV with your permit and provide a driver’s license and proof that you’ve completed a motorcycle safety course.
If you’re applying with no permit, you’ll need your driver’s license, a Non-Commercial Driver’s License Application, a parental consent certificate if you’re under 18, and $40 to cover vision and knowledge exams.
Make sure you study for these tests by reading the Connecticut Motorcycle Manual.
In Delaware, the minimum age for a motorcycle license is 17.
You’ll need a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license and a learner’s permit to secure your license. Head to a Delaware DMV with ID proof, pass the exams, and pay the required license fee.
You must take three steps to secure your Delaware motorcycle permit:
The permit is valid for 6 months, and you will be able to extend your permit one time for an additional 6 months for just $5.
If you’re over 18, you can get your endorsement by:
Those under 18 must meet graduated driver’s license requirements and complete an approved driver’s education course.
Eligibility requirements mean that you’ll need to be over 18, and then you either must obtain a learner’s permit and pass exams or take a motorcycle education course (which will mean you can waive the written and road skills tests).
Again, those under 18 must complete a motorcycle education course and get their parents’ signatures.
In Florida, you must be a minimum of 16 to get your motorcycle license. Different requirements depend upon whether you want to get a license only or an endorsement - though both are crucial.
If you have a Class E license, you’ll need to complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course.
You’ll then need to head to the local DHSMV office and bring your MSF Basic Rider Course certificate and ID to get your endorsement.
Motorcycle education is a core part of gaining your license and completing the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course is a prerequisite for applicants before applying.
Learning the basic skills and techniques for riding on two wheels is essential.
Getting a Florida “motorcycle only” license requires you to be over 16.
The minimum age for a motorcycle license in Georgia is 17, which allows you to secure a permit and practice for your road test before applying for a license.
To get a permit, you must be over 16 and head to your local DDS office. Bring proof of ID with you and fill in a license application. You’ll have to pass a vision test and a motorcycle knowledge test.
16-year-olds will need to complete a Georgia Driver Training and Driver Education Course as well as an Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program and must have a license application signed by a parent or guardian.
To receive a Class M license:
You should also take a motorcycle safety program in Georgia to help you learn the basic skills and techniques for riding a motorcycle. There is the Georgia Basic Riders Course for beginners and the Georgia Experienced Riders Course for those needing a refresher course.
You should also consider an Advanced Riders Course for risk management and improving riding skills.
One of the key elements of securing your motorcycle license in Hawaii is to complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, get an instruction permit, and pass the required tests.
If you want a motorcycle license in Hawaii, you first need a permit, which means a trip to the local licensing office.
You’ll need to provide proof of ID and pass motorcycle knowledge tests to get your permit. Your permit will allow you to practice securing your license later.
Submitting credentials is a key part of getting your motorcycle license in Hawaii, and these are some of the key things you need to submit:
Getting a motorcycle education is essential for preparing you for your license. You must complete the MSF Basic Rider Course, allowing you to skip the motorcycle road skills test.
You’ll need to have a standard Idaho driver’s license (Class A, B, C, or D), and you’ll need to get a permit first.
Those below 21 will have to complete an Idaho Skills Training Advantage for Riders education course - for those over 21 completing this will waive the road skills exam.
You’ll need a standard Idaho driver’s license to get your motorcycle permit. To secure your permit, you must visit your local Idaho DMV office and present:
Once you have your permit, you can apply for a motorcycle endorsement. To do this, you can either take and pass your motorcycle safety education course or practice to pass your DMV road skills exam.
Then you can provide ID and proof of course completion to secure your endorsement.
Before securing endorsement, the state requires everyone under the age of 21 to complete a STAR (Skill Training Advantage for Riders) Course. But it is recommended for riders of all ages due to the important skills learned and the fact it can waive the road skills exam.
18 is the minimum age in Illinois you can get a motorcycle license; if you’re below that age, you’ll have to take an instruction permit class and a training course.
To gain your permit if you’re over 18, head to your local SOS office with your standard state driver’s license, apply, and complete your written exam.
If you’re under 18, you’ll also need to complete a driver’s education course.
Getting your Class M license is something you can do at an SOS driver services office, where you’ll need to present proof of completion of the IDOT Motorcycle Education course OR a written exam plus a driver’s test.
You can take a few motorcycle education courses to improve your skills and education on two wheels, including:
You must be over 18 or get a parent or guardian to give you written permission. To secure your license, you need to obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit, and you’ll have to pass a Motorcycle Operator Safety Education course.
To get a motorcycle endorsement in Indiana, you will first require a motorcycle learner’s permit and pass a skills test or motorcycle safety course. Once you have completed these, you should head to the BMV licensing office with the necessary paperwork.
A learner’s permit is required before applying for your endorsement (unless you passed your Motorcycle Operator Safety Education course). To secure your permit, head to your BMV office with the following documents:
Taking the right Indiana motorcycle safety course is important for the basic skills and techniques that are necessary for riding on the road.
You can take the Basic Rider Course, which includes 5 hours of classroom learning and 10 hours of riding practice.
Basic Rider Course 2 is a 7-hour course you can take on your own bike.
In Iowa, the minimum age for a motorcycle license is 16, and you will need to complete a motorcycle safety course and an MVD road skill test.
To be eligible for an Iowa driving license, you must be at least 16 years of age (16 for an endorsement and 14 for a permit).
You’ll also need to earn a motorcycle permit, complete a safety and education course, pass a skill exam, and pay all the necessary fees.
Before securing your license or endorsement in Iowa, you’ll need a motorcycle permit, and this means heading to the MVD licensing office with the right paperwork. This includes:
The permit is valid for four years.
Taking a motorcycle education course is essential in Iowa, and the MSF course teaches you basic skills and techniques for riding on the road and will result in waiving the on-road motorcycle skills test.
You can transfer your out-of-state license if need be. To gain your Class M license from your local Department of Revenue (DOR), you must get an endorsement on your existing license and pass a knowledge exam.
To get a permit, you must be at least 14, pass a vision screening, written knowledge test, and provide proof of ID at the County Treasurer's office.
A Class M endorsement requires you to be at least 17 and hold a valid state driver’s license.
Again, you must pass a knowledge test, screening, education course, or an on-cycle skills test.
Expect to pay between $9-20.
Military applicants are exempt from having to complete the written and driving exams if they complete the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) education course.
To gain your Kentucky motorcycle license, you must:
Securing your permit requires you to pass a vision test and written knowledge exam, provide proof of residency, and pay the $18 permit fee. The permit will be valid for 12 months and can be extended 1 time.
The two key instruction permit restrictions are that you are prohibited from traveling with passengers and cannot travel between 12 am and 6 am unless it’s an emergency.
A motorcycle education course is great for helping improve your riding skills and can also waive the need for on-road motorcycle skill tests.
To get your Louisiana motorcycle license, you need to hold a standard driver’s license and add a motorcycle endorsement.
Your Louisiana motorcycle endorsement is added to a basic license to allow you to operate a motorcycle. The endorsement fee is $12, and you must pass a motorcycle knowledge exam and an on-cycle skills test.
Taking the Louisiana Motorcycle Safety, Awareness, and Operator Training Program is essential for improving your knowledge. You can also take the Basic Rider Course, Intermediate Rider Course, or Advanced Rider Course.
The military and student riders based in Louisiana do not need to obtain an LA license.
Complete a basic skills test, then head to the nearest BMV office. You will need to:
Courses vary in price, but the average cost is $325.
You’ll need to pass a written test to obtain your permit and submit an application form, providing proof of ID and citizenship. Additionally, you’ll have to pass a vision exam and a written knowledge test and pay the $35 fee.
A written exam is vital for helping you earn your motorcycle permit and license. Passing a written test and passing a skill test is essential, and you need to head to the BMV with your certification.
If you don’t pass the skills exam, you can take a motorcycle road test, and the permit fee will cover you for one test; any tests thereafter cost $35 each.
You must be 16 years and 6 months old to get your Maryland license. You’ll also need a permit to be able to practice, as well as pass a road test to secure your license.
The fee will be $9 per year for a license and $45 for your endorsement.
A motorcycle permit in Maryland is essential for helping you learn and practice, but you can skip this by completing a motorcycle safety course. You’ll have to bring paperwork to the MVA and complete:
To be eligible, you must:
Completing the right motorcycle safety courses is one of the most effective ways of securing your motorcycle license. You will need to take your courses at a state-approved training center.
To ride a motorcycle in Massachusetts, you must have a Class M permit, license, and endorsement. You can apply for your license at a local RMV and pay a fee of $50.
Adding a Class M endorsement to your license is integral, and you will need to hold a regular state license and a motorcycle permit to apply for this. Passing a road test or a Motorcycle Rider Education Program and paying a fee of $15 is also essential.
Securing your Class M permit requires you to be at least 16, complete the right application form, pass a vision test and a knowledge test, show proof of residency, provide ID, give your social security number, and pay a fee of $30.
You’ll need to take an MREP-approved motorcycle safety course to learn the basic skills and techniques for riding on the road. The MSF Basic Rider and Experienced Rider Education courses are a great option to help with this.
You’ll need a valid state license and a motorcycle endorsement to secure your motorcycle license.
In Michigan, you are issued a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP), which allows you to practice riding legally before you have a license. The fee is $16; you must pass a written test and vision screening to get the permit.
Once you have gotten your permit and gotten some practice in, it’s time to apply for your endorsement. This involves passing a written test and an on-cycle skills test and paying a fee of $16.
If you’re under the age of 18, you must also provide proof of completing an approved motorcycle safety course.
A motorcycle safety course is a requirement for applicants under 18, as well as those who may have failed their on-cycle skill exam twice. But, it’s also worthwhile anyway to keep you knowledgeable and up to date.
Courses will cost around $50, and there are a variety of courses you can take, including:
Getting a motorcycle license in Minnesota involves being over 16, having a valid state driver’s license, passing a motorcycle skills test, and passing a written knowledge test to secure your permit.
If under 18, you’ll need to take the MMSC basic rider course.
Once you have your permit, you can apply for an endorsement issued by the DVS. This means applying for a duplicate license and paying for both this and the endorsement.
The endorsement fee is $29, whilst the duplicate license fee is $17.
To get your permit, you must:
A motorcycle skills test is essential to securing your license; you’ll need your permit and the right equipment to take the test.
You will also be required to take and pass a basic rider course before getting your permit, which will cost $245.
To get a Mississippi motorcycle license, you’ll need to be at least 17 and have a standard state license, as well as secure an endorsement and possibly a permit.
The written exam is required to earn your license endorsement. Once you pass, you can take your road test immediately or get a permit to practice from your local DPs office.
After the written exam, you’ll need to take the road test to earn your endorsement, which you can do simultaneously (or book a separate appointment). You must bring your state license and pay the $5 fee.
Permits are NOT required in the state but are recommended for honing and developing riding skills.
The minimum age for getting a license in Missouri is 15 ½, and those under 16 must take a Motorcycle Rider Training Course.
You can apply for a permit at 15 ½ (provided you have completed your course). You’ll also need to have a parent or guardian sign your statement, present your ID, pass tests, and pay the fee of $9.25.
If you’re over 16, you will not need to take the motorcycle rider training course, and the fee decreases slightly to only $7.
To secure your Class M license:
If you’re under 16, you must complete a Motorcycle Rider Training Course before getting your permit. You can also take an Introductory Motorcycle Experience, the Basic Rider Course (which means you can waive the on-cycle skills exam), and the Advanced Rider Course.
Once you have a permit to practice and an endorsement, you can secure your license. This means passing your MVD motorcycle road test (or an MT motorcycle education course).
To gain the endorsement, you must be at least 16 (you can apply at 15 by passing a driver education course). You’ll also need a state license, pass a written motorcycle and on-road tests, and pay the $5 for every year they’re valid.
Earning your permit involves:
The state will allow you to waive your road test if you pass a Montana Motorcycle Riders Safety course. You can take a certificate of completion with you when applying for your endorsement.
You’ll need proof of ID, residency, and being over 17 to secure your Nebraska motorcycle license. You’ll also need to:
If you have a permit already, which is up to date, and endorsed, you’ll need to take a vision test. You must take the road and written tests if you’ve not held a permit before.
There are a few DMV-approved educational courses you can take that will help you secure a license, and successfully completing one of these courses will allow you to waive your motorcycle knowledge and skills test.
If you fail your motorcycle exam, you are eligible to retake it. If you fail your skills exam three times, you will need to either complete a DMV training course or have your learner’s permit for at least 90 days to be able to reapply for your permit.
To get your Nevada motorcycle license, you must get a motorcycle permit or complete the required DMV tests. These are some of the fees you need to be aware of:
Securing a permit in Nevada requires you to pass a written exam and head to your local DMV office or a state-approved driving school to take it. Trying a practice test first would be good so you know what to expect.
To be eligible for a Nevada permit, you must hold a standard state driver’s license and pass a vision and driver’s knowledge test. Then you must pass a written motorcycle knowledge exam and skills test or complete an MSF course.
To take your DMV knowledge test, you must head to the local DMV with your ID, complete an application and vision test, pass a written exam, and pay the required fees.
If you want to get a motorcycle license, you’ll need to get a permit first and take a motorcycle safety course if you’re under 18.
Applying for and securing your permit is essential if you’re going to gain your full license. You’ll need to take a written exam, then head to the DMV office with your driver’s license and application form, take a vision test, complete a knowledge test, and pay the $30 permit fee.
Those under 18 will need to take a basic rider course, after which they will be able to take a written test and a skills test.
The skills test is one of the most important parts of securing your license. You can take the exam through the DMV or the basic rider course in the state.
To get your motorcycle license in New Jersey, you must schedule an appointment with the MVC, bring your motorcycle to your test, and pass the road skills exam. Once you’ve done this, you must go to the MVC office to provide:
To get this permit, you must visit the MVC to:
To get your endorsement, you must go two routes, one if you have passed the MSF basic rider course and one if you haven’t.
If you’ve passed the course, you must provide a certificate of completion, proof of identity, a vision test, and the $42 endorsement fee.
To get a license or endorsement in New Jersey, you must be at least 17, have earned your motorcycle permit, complete an MSEP and Basic Rider Course, and pass the motorcycle road test.
To apply for your license, you must submit proof of identity, residency, and social security number and pay the fee.
To get your motorcycle credentials, you’ll need to head to your local DMV and take:
Contact the MVD to find out the varying fees in New Mexico.
There are three types of endorsements you can get in New Mexico:
Completing the Basic Rider Course is hugely important, though optional for riders over 18. Completing the course will exempt you from taking the written test with the MVD.
If you want your NY motorcycle license:
Applying for a learner’s permit is essential for securing your license. This process includes passing a knowledge test, applying, and providing proof of identity.
Motorcycle license fees vary in the state depending upon age, and you need to understand the different fees that you’re going to need to cover:
The motorcycle license eligibility requirements state that you must be at least 17 for your Class M license or 16 for your junior Class MJ license. You’ll also need a learner’s permit and pass the on-road motorcycle skills test.
To get your North Carolina license, you’ll need a standard state driver’s license and endorsement, as well as passing a written knowledge test and an on-cycle skills test.
Endorsement eligibility requirements are that you must be at least 16 years old and pass a written knowledge and on-road motorcycle skills test.
The endorsement fee is $2.55, and if you’re under the age of 18, you’ll need a permit, as well as completing a motorcycle education course.
To claim a motorcycle permit in North Carolina, you must be between 16 and 18 and hold a full provisional or standard stats license. You’ll also need to ensure you head to the North Carolina DMV with:
Securing your endorsement means visiting the DMV office with proof of age and residency, holding a permit, or passing the written knowledge test, passing the on-road skills test, and paying the $2.55 endorsement fee.
To secure your motorcycle license, you will need to earn a permit, and you’ll need to be at least 14 years old. You must have passed a road skills exam and completed a motorcycle safety course.
Earning your motorcycle permit involves a visit to your local Department of Transport, where you should provide:
In North Dakota, you need to be at least 14 years old, and you will have to earn your permit, practice riding, complete an MSF course, and pass the on-cycle skills exam.
Applicants aged 14 to 15 will need to take an MSF course, which will allow them to waive the motorcycle road skills test. Regarding course fees, the written knowledge test fee is $5 per test, whilst the on-road exam will also cost $5.
Visit Ohio BMV with proof of ID, pass a written test, and complete a Basic Rider Course, as well as paying the necessary fee:
You can receive your TIPIC at a minimum age of 15 ½, and you’ll need to study hard, complete your motorcycle knowledge test and vision test, supply proof of completion and ID, and pay the $26.50 fee.
If you’re under 18, you must hold your TIPIC for at least 6 months. To obtain your motorcycle-only license, you need to:
You’ll need a valid license to apply for your endorsement, and you will need to book and pass your knowledge test — practice in advance!
Passing the knowledge exam, obtaining your TIPIC, and then passing a skills test are all essential for helping you apply for your endorsement.
A motorcycle-only license ($37.50) allows you only to operate a motorcycle.
However, an endorsement can be added to any existing Class A, B, C, or D license to allow you to operate a motorcycle alongside a regular license.
Passing tests and securing a learner’s permit is essential too.
To secure a permit, you must be 14 or older and visit your local Oklahoma DPS with proof of ID, address, and citizenship. You’ll also need to pass a vision and a written knowledge exam and pay the permit fee of $37.50.
Gaining an endorsement means you’ll need to be at least 16, have secured a learner’s permit, and have completed a motorcycle education course OR pass an on-road skill test, and pay the fee of $29.
You must enroll in a motorcycle education course in Oklahoma if you’re under 18.
To get your Oregon license, you must be at least 16 years old, own a standard driving license, earn your permit, take a course, and pay the necessary fees.
A new Oregon license with a motorcycle endorsement is $144, whilst an endorsement on an existing license will be $87.
To be eligible, you must fulfill the above-mentioned obligations and complete a Team Oregon motorcycle education course. Once you’ve done this, you can apply for a motorcycle instruction permit to practice.
To apply for your motorcycle permit, you will need to provide:
Taking the right education courses can help you with things like communication on the road, dealing with emergencies turning and stopping, and more.
You must earn a permit and pass a road exam to earn your Pennsylvania motorcycle license. And, if you're under 18, you’ll also be required to complete a safety course.
A 2-year valid Class M license costs $41, whilst a 4-year is $56.50.
Getting your permit involves applying to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, along with proof of residency and ID.
You should also take a vision screening and written exam and pay the permit fee, which will be $56.50 for 4 years or $51.50 for 2 years (for those over the age of 65).
You’re only required to take a PAMSP safety course if you’re under 18, but there are still benefits to doing so even if you’re over 18. You can learn basic skills and techniques, sharing the road with other riders, and understanding the right protective gear.
When heading to the PennDOT licensing office, you’ll need to take a certificate to show completion of the MSP safety course or the motorcycle road skills test.
You’ll have to provide your SSN and proof of residency, and if you’re under 18, a parent or guardian will have to notarize your certification.
In Rhode Island, applicants must be at least 16 and hold a standard driver’s license (if 18+) or a provisional license (if 16-18). You must complete your motorcycle education course and apply for a permit.
A license will set you back $27.50.
Getting a Rhode Island permit will mean meeting the criteria listed above, and then you’ll need to head to the local Rhode Island DMV with:
Your endorsement will require you to bring a valid state driving license (or transfer an out-of-state license) and pass a written knowledge and motorcycle road skills test. The endorsement will be valid for up to 2 years.
Enrolling in a motorcycle education course is essential for learning basic skills and techniques for riding on the road.
Getting your South Carolina license involves being the right age, passing a motorcycle skills exam or safety course, and, if you’re under 18, you’ll need to take (and pass) an education and driving course.
To be eligible for your motorcycle license in South Carolina, you must:
A permit is essential before you can get your full license. You can get yours by attending the South Carolina DMV. You will need:
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course is a great way to learn essential skills for on the road and allows you to waive the motorcycle road skills test.
To secure your license in South Dakota, you must know the age requirements for each credential and pass a vision screening and written/on-road exams or a motorcycle education course. You’ll also have to pay the motorcycle license fee of $28.
To claim your permit, you must pass the vision and written tests, take an on-road exam, and present proof of ID.
If you receive an instruction permit, it’s valid for 12 months, and you must hold it for anywhere between 30-180 days (depending upon the courses you pass) to apply for your license.
Fees are $15 if you hold a regular driver’s license and $28 if you don’t.
A restricted minor’s permit is valid for 1 year, held until you turn 18, and can switch to a regular license. On a restricted permit, you are only eligible to ride between 6 am and 8 pm, and you need permission from your parent or guardian.
South Dakota motorcycle courses allow you to speed up getting your license and provide essential skills required for the future. You can take a motorcycle education course and a Basic Rider Course.
Getting a motorcycle license in Tennessee gives you two options:
To get your learner permit, you must:
There’s also a $6.50 fee.
Taking the MSF Basic Rider Course means the state will allow you to waive the written and on-road exams and will allow you to learn important and invaluable skills.
To secure your license, you need to be at least 15 years old and complete either a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course or pass a written exam.
You’ll also need to pass an on-road skills test and pay a licensing fee - $29 for a motorcycle license and $55 for a secondary license.
To get your Texas license, you must visit the DPS office and submit your certificate of completion for your safety course, provide a Class C license and proof of ID, and pay the fee ($33 if 18+, $16 if under 18).
To be eligible for a Class M license in Texas, you’ll need:
Additionally, those under 18 must pass the written knowledge and road skills exams.
You’ll need to complete a motorcycle safety course, which means if you’re aged 15-17, you’ll need to have a Class C learner’s license, completion of a Driver’s Ed course, and a provisional driver’s license.
Those over 18 can complete this to waive the written and road exams and to learn important skills.
Your age will determine any restrictions on your Texas Class M license.
To get your motorcycle license in Utah, you need to be at least 16, have a valid state driver’s license, pass a vision test and written exam, complete a medical questionnaire, pass a skills test, and pay the fee of $52 for license renewal and $23 for a duplicate license.
Your permit is required to help you learn how to ride. To claim it, you must head to the Utah DLD with your license and application form and ensure you have passed the written and vision exams.
The skill test is now the last step in getting your endorsement (and you can even skip it if you’ve passed the state’s motorcycle rider’s course).
The rider courses will mean you can waive the skills test and provide plenty of opportunities to learn the ropes and become a better rider.
To get your Vermont motorcycle license, you’ll need to be at least 16, have a valid state driver’s license, pass the skills test and written examination, and pay the fees.
You’ll need a permit before getting your license, which is integral to helping you practice. You’ll need to pass the motorcycle knowledge test and pay the fees ($9 for the knowledge test fee and $20 for the permit fee).
Endorsements are important in the process of applying for your motorcycle license.
A motorcycle awareness program is the best way to learn basic riding skills and techniques and bypass the Vermont DMV testing process. The 4-hour course costs $185 and automatically qualifies you for a Vermont motorcycle license.
The minimum age for a motorcycle license in Virginia is 15 ½, and you’ll need to pass a knowledge and skills test, earn your permit, and pay the necessary fee.
To be eligible for a Virginia motorcycle license:
Before you can start practicing, you’ll need to get a motorcycle permit, which means heading to the local Virginia DMV office.
The skills test is the next and final step in the process, and you can take this at the DMV. Bring your permit, safety equipment, your motorcycle, and fee payment.
You can skip all this by passing the training course (prices vary).
You must pass the motorcycle knowledge and skill tests or complete a motorcycle safety course to earn your Washington motorcycle license. Then you’ll need to submit your course completion card, driver’s license, and permit and pay the fee of $30.
Visiting the Washington State licensing office to get your endorsement:
Permits are optional in Washington and a great way to practice and hone your skills on the bike. You’ll need to pass a motorcycle knowledge test, bring your state license, and pay the $15 permit fee.
Taking a motorcycle safety course will allow you to secure your endorsement, and you’ll need to bring eye gear, a protective helmet, and a signed permission form for those under 18.
The course will cost $125 for 18+ and $50 for those under 18.
Gaining your license in DC is done in the form of an endorsement added to your current license. Applicants will be required to pass a motorcycle knowledge and skills exam.
To be eligible for a motorcycle endorsement, you must be at least 18, have a valid state driver’s license, pass the motorcycle knowledge test, complete an approved demonstration course, and pay the $20 fee.
For your endorsement, head to the local DMV with:
All applicants are required to pass a motorcycle demonstration course, and you might also be able to take your motorcycle knowledge test beforehand.
Getting your motorcycle license in Mountain State involves passing all the necessary exams. Head to the West Virginia DMV with your West Virginia driver’s license, your permit, and proof of completion of the relevant tests and courses, and pay the right fee ($2.50 for every valid license year).
To be eligible for your license in West Virginia, you must be at least 16, pass a written knowledge exam, and take a motorcycle driving test.
Your permit allows you to practice for your road test, and you can acquire one by heading to the DMV office with proof of ID, and state residency, passing a knowledge test, and paying a $5 permit fee.
Education courses allow you to waive the DMV skills test and can help you learn the basic skills and techniques for riding on the roads. Taking a Motorcycle Safety Awareness Program allows you to achieve this, and you’ll need a license or permit and the $100-course fee to complete it.
Getting your motorcycle license in Wisconsin is possible once you have passed your skills test or Basic Rider Course and have a valid driver’s license and a permit.
If you are at least 16 years of age, visit the Wisconsin DMV with:
If you’re under 18, you’ll also need to show proof of completion of the Basic Riders Course and complete a Driver’s Ed course.
A skills test is key to securing your license; you can take it at the DMV. Bring your motorcycle, helmet, and eye gear, and pay the $15 fee that is required.
Visit the DMV having passed your knowledge, road signs, and vision tests, provide proof of ID and residency, and pay the right fees ($22 for an original license, $18 for a license renewal).
In Wyoming, your endorsement is attached to the license to permit you to ride your motorcycle.
To be eligible, you must be at least 15 years old to get a permit and at least 17 to get a full license.
You’ll have to provide all documentation and proof of passing a motorcycle education course, as well as a written test.
Getting a permit is one of the key steps in this process, and you need to get it right to practice on the road. Passing the written test OR completing the motorcycle education course is part of this process.
You’ll also need to pass a vision screening and pay the permit fees ($20 or $10 for a restricted permit).
Getting your Wyoming endorsement means passing your written and skills tests (or completing an education course), providing proof of this, providing your permit, and paying the endorsement fee of $11.
The last thing you'll need to do is to pass a motorcycle skills test, which may require an additional fee; contact WYDOT to discuss this.
Understanding the requirements from state to state is important, and though many of them are similar in many ways, it can make the process much easier to know the terms of each state.
Contact your local DMV with other questions and stay safe on the open road!