Without a license to ride it, a motorcycle is just an expensive decoration for your garage. So, if you don’t know how to get your motorcycle license yet, there’s no time like the present to get it done. Your motorcycle license will allow you to take your bike out on the road, start honing your skills and have some adventures. Before you know it, you’ll be zipping down the highway with your favorite playlist in your Bluetooth motorcycle speakers.
However, every state has a different process and different requirements for how to get a motorcycle license, and it’s crucial to know the rules you’ll need to follow. In this guide, we’ll provide a quick breakdown of how to get a motorcycle license in every state.
What Do I Have to Do to Get a Motorcycle License?
Most states require you to fulfill some combination of these basic conditions:
– Age: All states have a minimum age for a motorcycle license. Usually, you can get a motorcycle license at 16 years old, sometimes younger. Many states require signed parental consent and/or other conditions to issue a motorcycle license to someone under 18.
– Motorcycle Endorsement/Motorcycle-Only License: In many states, a motorcycle endorsement is added on to an existing license. In others, it’s possible to get either an endorsement or a motorcycle-only license. Many states also offer small-displacement motorcycle licenses that allow an operator to ride a vehicle with displacement under a certain number (typically 250 cc), such as a scooter or small motorcycle.
– Driver’s License: If you don’t already have a standard driver’s license, many states will require you to take at least the knowledge test for a driver’s license in order to get a motorcycle license.
– Graduated Licensing: Many states have a graduated licensing procedure that involves getting a learner’s permit before you receive your full motorcycle license. A learner’s permit usually requires the rider to ride only with supervision, ride only within certain hours and areas and never carry passengers. Graduated licensing procedures may be optional, but some states require them either for riders under 18 or for all riders.
– Riding Experience: Some graduated licensing procedures require riders (especially ones under 18) to log a certain amount of experience with older and more experienced riders on their instruction permits. It can be a good idea to use a hands-free Bluetooth motorcycle helmet system while on these training rides so your riding buddies can give you pointers.
– Safety Course: Most states require riders to take an approved motorcycle safety course before getting their license or permit. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s BasicRider Course is the most common safety course. In some states, you’ll be required to complete a safety course if you’re under a certain age.
– Knowledge Test: Much as you would for a normal driver’s license, you’ll have to pass a knowledge exam to get your motorcycle license in most states.
– Skills Test: Some states require a skills test to get your motorcycle license, while others allow you to substitute an approved safety course for a skills test. A skills test may be performed in a parking lot or on a designated road. Many states require applicants to reserve a time slot for a skills test through their website or phone system, and you’ll usually have to bring your own street-legal motorcycle to take the test on.
– Vision Test: Nearly all states require a basic vision test as part of the motorcycle license application process.
– Documentation: Your DMV will request documents verifying your identity, such as a driver’s license, passport and/or birth certificate.
– Fingerprints: Some states will require you to get fingerprinted when applying for a motorcycle license.
– License Fee: You’ll be required to pay one or more license fees as part of your motorcycle license application. Amounts vary, but most are between $10 and $30. Many states charge for each test you take and for each license they issue.
Disclaimer: The purpose of this article is to talk about the basic requirements of how to get a motorcycle license in each state and to direct you to your state’s resources for motorcycle licensing. It’s not a complete list of every requirement that you’ll need to meet. For the most up-to-date information on how to get a motorcycle license, check the link to each state’s DMV.
Alabama Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 16
Website: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
How to Get an Alabama Motorcycle License: Riders of any age can pass either an approved motorcycle safety course or a written knowledge exam. Then, you’ll apply for your Alabama motorcycle endorsement.
Alaska Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 16, or 14 for permit
Website: Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
How to Get an Alaska Motorcycle License: If you’re under 18, apply for a motorcycle learner’s permit and hold it for at least six months. No matter your age, you’ll also need to either take an approved motorcycle safety course or pass a road skills test. Once you have completed one of the two and are at least 16, you’ll be able to apply for your motorcycle license.
Arizona Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 16, or 15 and 6 months for permit
Website: Arizona Department of Transportation
How to Get an Arizona Motorcycle License: Riders under 18 will need to apply for a motorcycle learner’s permit and hold it for at least six months. To apply for your Arizona motorcycle endorsement, you’ll need to either complete an approved motorcycle safety course or pass a road skills test. Your Arizona motorcycle license will be valid until you turn 65, but you’ll be required to update your picture and take another vision test every 12 years.
Arkansas Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 16
Website: Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
How to Get an Arkansas Motorcycle License: All riders must apply for a motorcycle learner’s permit and pass a knowledge test before applying for their license. When you’re ready to apply for your Arkansas motorcycle endorsement, you’ll have to pass a road test at your local Arkansas State Police office. Completing an approved motorcycle safety course allows you to waive the road test.
California Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 15 and 6 months
Website: California Department of Motor Vehicles
How to Get a California Motorcycle License: All riders under 21 must apply for a California motorcycle learner’s permit and hold it for at least six months and must also complete a California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) course. Riders 21 and over are encouraged to take the CMSP course, but are only required to pass knowledge and skills tests and complete an application for a California motorcycle endorsement.
Colorado Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 16
Website: Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles
How to Get a Colorado Motorcycle License: First, you’ll need a standard Colorado driver’s license. One way to get a Colorado motorcycle endorsement is to pass a knowledge exam, get a motorcycle learner’s permit and then pass a skills test. The other method is to complete a Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) course and present a MOST waiver card at your local DMV. Both methods require the applicant to purchase a new copy of their license with the motorcycle endorsement added.
Connecticut Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 16
Website: Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
How to Get a Connecticut Motorcycle License: You’ll need a standard Connecticut driver’s license to have a motorcycle endorsement added. Riders can get an optional learner’s permit by passing a knowledge test. To get your full Connecticut motorcycle endorsement, you’ll need to complete an approved motorcycle safety course and then apply for your motorcycle endorsement at a DMV office and pass the knowledge test–if you haven’t already.
Delaware Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 17
Website: Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles
How to Get a Delaware Motorcycle License: You must first have a standard Delaware driver’s license. To get your Delaware motorcycle license, you’ll need to pass a knowledge exam for your learner’s permit. When you’re ready, take a road test and a knowledge test for your full endorsement. Completing an approved motorcycle safety course allows you to waive the road and knowledge test, and it’s required for riders under 18.
Florida Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 16
Website: Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
How to Get a Florida Motorcycle License: Florida offers both motorcycle endorsements and motorcycle-only licenses. To get a Florida motorcycle endorsement, pass an approved motorcycle safety course and apply for the endorsement at your local DMV. To get a Florida motorcycle-only license, you’ll need to pass a safety course and take the knowledge test required for a normal Class E driver’s license.
Georgia Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 17
Website: Georgia Department of Driver Services
How to Get a Georgia Motorcycle License: An applicant for a Georgia motorcycle license needs to pass a knowledge test for a learner’s permit and then pass a road skills test. You can complete your skills test either at a Georgia DDS site or by taking an approved motorcycle safety course. Once you’ve completed one or the other, you can receive your Georgia motorcycle endorsement.
Hawaii Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 16
Website: Hawaii Department of Transportation
How to Get a Hawaii Motorcycle License: First, pass a knowledge test to obtain your motorcycle learner’s permit. Riders under 18 will need to have their permit for 90 days before applying for their license. To apply for your full Hawaii motorcycle license, you’ll need to either pass an approved motorcycle safety course or a road test. For riders under 18, both the safety course and road test are mandatory.
Idaho Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 15
Website: Idaho Transportation Department
How to Get an Idaho Motorcycle License: You’ll need a valid Idaho driver’s license first. Get your motorcycle learner’s permit by passing a knowledge test. To get your full Idaho motorcycle endorsement, you’ll need to either pass an Idaho Skills Training Advantage for Riders (STAR) safety course or a road skills test. If you’re under 21, both the safety course and the skills test are required.
Illinois Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 16
Website: CyberDrive Illinois
How to Get an Illinois Motorcycle License: Getting an Illinois motorcycle endorsement starts with applying for a motorcycle instruction permit. Riders under 18 will need to pass an IDOT Motorcycle Safety Course before getting their permit, while riders over 18 will need to pass a knowledge test. To get your full license, you’ll need to pass knowledge and road skills tests, although riders over 18 can waive these tests if they complete an IDOT safety course.
Indiana Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 16 and 90 days
Website: Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
How to Get an Indiana Motorcycle License: All riders in Indiana must hold a valid Indiana driver’s license. Riders who are at least 16 years and 90 days of age can get their Indiana motorcycle license upon completion of a Ride Safe Indiana safety course. Riders who are at least 16 years and 270 days of age can take a knowledge test to get a motorcycle instruction permit and then obtain their endorsement by passing a road skills test.
Iowa Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 16, or 14 for permit
Website: Iowa Department of Transportation
How to Get an Iowa Motorcycle License: In Iowa, you’ll first need to pass a knowledge test and get your motorcycle instruction permit. To get your full Iowa motorcycle endorsement, you’ll need to complete an approved motorcycle safety course and pass a road skills test. For riders over 18, completing a safety course will allow you to waive the road skills test.
Kansas Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 16, or 14 for permit
Website: Kansas Division of Vehicles
How to Get a Kansas Motorcycle License: Riders 14 and up can get a Kansas motorcycle instruction permit by passing a knowledge test. At age 16, riders can get a restricted license by completing at least 50 hours of riding instruction, completing an approved motorcycle safety course and/or passing knowledge and road tests (which can be waived if the rider has taken a safety course). At age 17, riders can get an unrestricted Kansas motorcycle license by passing another knowledge test and a road test (which, again, can be waived with a completed safety course).
Kentucky Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 18, or 16 with a valid driver’s license
Website: Drive.ky
How to Get a Kentucky Motorcycle License: Riders who are at least 18 (or 16 and have a driver’s license) can get a motorcycle instruction permit by passing a knowledge test. The permit is valid for one year. When you’re ready to get your full Kentucky motorcycle endorsement, you’ll need to either pass a road skills exam administered by the Kentucky State Police or show that you’ve completed an approved motorcycle safety course.
Louisiana Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 16
Website: Louisiana ExpressLane
How to Get a Louisiana Motorcycle License: To get a Louisiana motorcycle endorsement, you’ll need to pass a knowledge test and a road skills test. The state will waive these tests if you’ve already completed an approved motorcycle safety course.
Maine Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 16
Website: Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
How to Get a Maine Motorcycle License: If you’re over 18, your first step will be to take an approved motorcycle safety course. (Riders 16 to 18 will also have to take a driver’s education course.) At the end of the course, you’ll take a knowledge exam and a skills exam. If you pass both tests, you may qualify for a road test waiver, which either adds a motorcycle endorsement directly to your Maine driver’s license or issues you a motorcycle-only license. If you pass or take only the knowledge test, you’ll get an instruction permit. Permit holders can apply for their full Maine motorcycle endorsement by taking a road test any time within two years after getting their permit.
Maryland Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 16 and 6 months, or 15 and 9 months for permit
Website: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
How to Get a Maryland Motorcycle License: Applicants under 18 have to complete both a driver’s education course and an approved motorcycle safety course. If you’re over 18, you can get your Maryland motorcycle license immediately by passing both a knowledge test and a road skills test. If you complete an approved safety course, it can take the place of the skills test.
Massachusetts Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 18, or 16 for permit
Website: Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
How to Get a Massachusetts Motorcycle License: Riders of any age first need to get an instruction permit in Massachusetts, for which you’ll need to pass a knowledge test. If you’re between 16 years, 6 months and 18 years old, you can apply for a Junior Operator’s License six months after you get your permit, which comes with some restrictions. A rider who’s 18 or older can apply for an unrestricted Massachusetts motorcycle endorsement, which requires either a road test or a Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP) Course.
Michigan Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 16
Website: Michigan Secretary of State
How to Get a Michigan Motorcycle License: Michigan offers two paths to your motorcycle license. You can pass a written test to get your Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP), spend time practicing your skills and then take a Michigan Rider Education Program (Mi-REP) course and pass a road test through an approved third party tester. If you’re under 18, this is the only path available. If you’re over 18, you can also complete a Mi-REP course (which waives the skills test) and pass a knowledge test to go straight for your full Michigan motorcycle endorsement.
Minnesota Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 16
Website: Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety
How to Get a Minnesota Motorcycle License: Riders under 18 first have to complete an approved motorcycle safety course. You’ll then be able to take a knowledge test (for your permit) and a skills test (for your full Minnesota motorcycle endorsement). Riders over 18 must take and pass both the knowledge test and the skills test, but the state can waive the skills test for riders who have completed a safety course.
Mississippi Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 17
Website: Mississippi Department of Public Safety
How to Get a Mississippi Motorcycle License: First, you’ll already need to have a standard Mississippi driver’s license. Riders of any age will need to pass a knowledge test and get their instruction permit. Then, you’ll need to pass a skills test (which can be taken any time after the permit is issued). Once these conditions are complete, you’ll be issued a Mississippi motorcycle endorsement.
Missouri Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 15 and 6 months
Website: Missouri Department of Revenue
How to Get a Missouri Motorcycle License: Missouri riders under 16 have to complete an approved motorcycle safety course, and all riders under 18 have to use a graduated license system which includes taking a knowledge test to get an instruction permit and, later, a restricted license. Riders over 18 are eligible to take the road skills test and receive their full Missouri motorcycle endorsement.
If you’re getting your motorcycle learner’s permit, you should practice with a more experienced rider. A motorcycle communication system will help you keep in touch.
Montana Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 16, or 15 with approved course
Website: Montana Department of Justice
How to Get a Montana Motorcycle License: First, you’ll need a valid Montana driver’s license. If you have one and meet the other requirements, apply for a Montana instruction permit and pass a knowledge test. Once you’ve gotten your permit, you can apply for a Montana motorcycle endorsement by taking a road skills test or completing an approved motorcycle safety course.
Nebraska Motorcycle License
Minimum Age: 17
