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How can I get a Motorcycle License?

Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

If you’ve been dreaming of taking a cross-country road trip on your new Harley, you’ll need to spend some time learning about your state’s motorcycle license requirements before you hit the highway.

Motorcycle licenses are typically issued by your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Transportation, or Department of Revenue—the same organizations responsible for issuing driver’s licenses to all motorists. You can learn more about what steps are necessary to obtain a motorcycle license in your state by visiting your nearest driver’s license office.

A safety course is often required for a motorcycle license.
A safety course is often required for a motorcycle license.

Generally, anyone who wants to legally operate a motorcycle on state roads will need to obtain a valid motorcycle license. Having a license to drive a car or truck does not qualify you to legally operate a motorcycle. However, you can usually obtain a motorcycle license without being licensed to drive a car or truck. Age requirements for obtaining a motorcycle license vary by state.

A motorcycle license is not the same as a car or truck license.
A motorcycle license is not the same as a car or truck license.

Getting a motorcycle license typically requires completing a knowledge test and a skills test. These exams can usually be completed during regular business hours at your local driver’s license station. However, an appointment may be required for motorcycle license testing in some areas.

The knowledge test is generally a multiple-choice exam, either written or computerized, that evaluates your knowledge of your state’s motorcycle license laws as well as basic motorcycle safety procedures. Most states have a motorcycle instruction manual to help residents prepare for this exam. Practice tests or a list of sample questions may also be available.

The written test is generally a multiple-choice exam.
The written test is generally a multiple-choice exam.

The skills test, conducted by a trained motorcycle instructor, provides an opportunity to assess your motorcycle control skills by asking you to complete tasks such as making a right U-turn, coming to a quick stop, or swerving around an obstacle. If you fail this exam, the instructor will explain your mistakes and tell you how long you must wait before retaking the text.

Many states require motorcyclists to complete an approved safety course before obtaining a motorcycle license. These courses, often sponsored by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, combine classroom instruction with hands-on riding experience. Experienced motorcyclists teach essential skills such as choosing appropriate protective gear, conducting a safety inspection of your bike, riding in a straight line, turning, shifting, stopping, avoiding obstacles, and operating your bike under adverse weather conditions. In some states where a motorcycle safety course is not mandatory, successful completion of the class will excuse you from the motorcycle license skills test. Consult your local driver’s license office for additional information.

Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Dana holds a B.A. in journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. She has loved being part of the WikiMotors team ever since discovering the joys of freelance writing after her son was born. Dana also hones her writing skills by contributing articles to various blogs, as well as creating sales copy and content for e-courses.

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Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Dana holds a B.A. in journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. She has loved being part of the WikiMotors team ever since discovering the joys of freelance writing after her son was born. Dana also hones her writing skills by contributing articles to various blogs, as well as creating sales copy and content for e-courses.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

BoniJ

My cousin's son wanted to get a motorcycle license. She was more than a little nervous about his driving a cycle. He had been reading the instruction manual for a motorcycle license test and was ready for that part.

Where was he going to get instruction on safety and driving skills? Someone had told her that they just take the skill's test and that's it.

Then she called the motor vehicles office and they told her that in her state, applicants are required to take an instruction and safety course before they could try for a license. She said is was a great course - information about safety gear,cycle inspection, and skills to operate your cycle. You must pass this course.

anon36934

very helpful, thanks!

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    • A safety course is often required for a motorcycle license.
      By: albert schleich
      A safety course is often required for a motorcycle license.
    • A motorcycle license is not the same as a car or truck license.
      By: Akhilesh Sharma
      A motorcycle license is not the same as a car or truck license.
    • The written test is generally a multiple-choice exam.
      By: uwimages
      The written test is generally a multiple-choice exam.