Q&A for How to Get a Motorcycle License

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  • Question
    Can I take the permit test online?
    Community Answer
    No, it needs to be at your local DMV. Fill out an application, pay the fee, take your vision test, then take your permit test.
  • Question
    I have a bike license from India, what do I need to do to get a full U.K. license?
    Community Answer
    Look into getting an international driver's license (AAA can help you).
  • Question
    How do I practice riding/shifting before going to get my motorcycle license?
    Isiah D. Davis
    Community Answer
    The best way to practice shifting would be to do a bit of studying of the concepts online, read articles, watch video tutorials, etc. Afterwards, have an experienced motorcycle driver walk you through the process on an actual motorcycle.
  • Question
    Do I need to get a motorcycle permit before I get a motorcycle license?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it is mandatory to get a permit before getting a license. The time frame of having a permit to the time of getting your license is based on your state.
  • Question
    Can I drive my bike to the DMV to get my license?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as you have your motorcycle permit and are taking your driving test.
  • Question
    How old do I need to be to get a motorcycle license?
    Community Answer
    It depends on your state, check online or with your local DMV. In California you need to be 15 1/2 to get your permit, and wait 6 months to get your license.
  • Question
    Do I need to purchase a bike before getting my license?
    Community Answer
    No. You can get your permit and license without owning a bike, as long as you can borrow a legal one for the license test.
  • Question
    Do I need to take a vehicle test when I only need a motorcycle license?
    Community Answer
    In the United States, you must possess a class D (cars) drivers license before you can get a class M (motorcycles) license.
  • Question
    How do I find the age requirements for my state?
    Community Answer
    If you can't find it on the internet, ask at your local motor vehicle registration.
  • Question
    Do I need a driver's license before I get a motorcycle license?
    CMOsborne
    Community Answer
    In most jurisdictions, you can get just a motorcycle license, or a motorcycle endorsement added to your standard driver's license. Check with the motor vehicle bureau where you live.
  • Question
    How do I get my motorcycle to the DMV to take the test if I don't have a permit?
    CMOsborne
    Community Answer
    To get a permit, you only need to take a written test, so you don't need to bring a motorcycle to the DMV--just get a ride there if you don't already have a driver's license. For the motorcycle license test, you will need to bring a street-legal, insured motorcycle--you can buy, rent, or borrow one for the test.
  • Question
    Are the requirements different for a scooter?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the engine size and your state laws. In many states, scooters with an engine size of 50cc or below don't require a special license. A scooter with a 50cc engine has a top speed of 35-40mph.
  • Question
    Do I need a regular driver's license before I can get a motorcycle license?
    Community Answer
    Yes. In the United States, you must possess a class D (car) driver's license before you can get a class M (motorcycle) license.
  • Question
    How long does the license last for?
    CMOsborne
    Community Answer
    This varies widely based on the jurisdiction in which you are licensed. In many places, licenses are good for 2-3 years--check the expiration date on the license.
  • Question
    California has a Class C license, how does that affect my scooter permit to license
    CMOsborne
    Community Answer
    If you have a Class C license, you need to get an M2 endorsement added to it in order to legally ride a scooter--a full-power motorcycle requires an M1 endorsement. You earn the endorsement through the same testing process described in the article.
  • Question
    Can I drive a bike in other states with the same license?
    CMOsborne
    Community Answer
    Yes, within the U.S., you can use a license from your home state to legally ride in another state. If you move to a new state, though, you'll probably have to take at least a written test (and possibly a road test) to get a license in the new state--the process varies by state.
  • Question
    Where do I start if I already have a learner's permit?
    CMOsborne
    Community Answer
    If you have a motorcycle learner's permit, practice your riding skills until you are ready to take the road test and earn your full license. If you have a standard learner's permit (for cars), you'll have to take a written test to get a motorcycle learner's permit, then prepare for the road test.
  • Question
    Can I get motorcycle license if I'm wearing eyeglasses?
    CMOsborne
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it will be listed on your license that you are required to wear the glasses while operating the motorcycle.
  • Question
    Do I get a permit before my safety class or do I take the class first and then get the permit?
    CMOsborne
    Community Answer
    In most cases, you'll get the permit first, then take the safety class as part of the process of getting your full license. The specific process may vary based on your location, though.
  • Question
    How long does it take to receive my new license?
    CMOsborne
    Community Answer
    You may be able to pick it up immediately at some locations, or you may have to wait a few days or weeks to have it mailed to you. In the latter case, you'll be given a temporary license to use until you get the permanent one.
  • Question
    Can I take the motorcycle license test online?
    Community Answer
    No, it must be taken at the DMV where it can be administered by a licensed professional.
  • Question
    What would happen if I am pulled over by the police without a motorcycle license? I do have a regular driver's license.
    Community Answer
    You get a "no license ticket" and oftentimes the police will make you walk home.
  • Question
    What do i do if I don’t have a motorcycle but want to get my motorcycle license?
    Community Answer
    Take a motorcycle safety course. Go to you local DMV website or and type into a search engine: "(your state) motorcycle safety training centers" and you should find it. If that doesn't work, then go to your local DMV website and scroll through till you find state approved safety training centers. Try to use Harley Davidson because they will provide you with a bike to use on the driving portion of the course. Some states require you to pass a permit test first before you can get a license so check your DMV first to see what the requirements are. A simple online search can give you all the answers you need to get into riding.
  • Question
    If I live in south Carolina and don't need a motorcycle license to ride my Canam Spyder, am I good in any state to ride it also?
    Tiffany Walaski-Cayce
    Top Answerer
    Absolutely not! In most states you must have a 2 or 3 wheel license to ride a Canam Spyder. You can get more detailed information by going to the Department of motor vehicle website for the state you wish to drive in.
  • Question
    How do I test for a motorcycle license if I don't already have a motorcycle?
    Tiffany Walaski-Cayce
    Top Answerer
    In the US, you will have to take a safety riding course in most states. Alabama is the only state that doesn't require a motorcycle license for riders. The Safety course is book work and practical. And most of them have motorcycles that you can use.
  • Question
    What courses do I need to take to get a motorcycle license if I already have my CDL?
    Tiffany Walaski-Cayce
    Top Answerer
    It depends on where you're located. In the US, almost all states require you take a motorcycle riding safety course before you can take your written and practical licensing test. Your best bet is to contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles and they can tell you everything you need to know and do to get your motorcycle license.
  • Question
    How much does a motorcycle license cost in Louisiana?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    In order to get a motorcycle license in Louisiana, you need to complete the Basic Rider Course. The course covers basic info like the rules of the road and how to handle and maintain a motorcycle. If you use your own bike, it costs $25 USD. If you need to borrow a bike for the course, it costs $100 USD. Once you complete the course, you can go to the DMV and purchase an endorsement for $19, but if you have a valid license that's less than 4 years old, it costs $15 USD. You'll also need to purchase insurance for your motorcycle before you take it out on the road.
  • Question
    How fast can you get a motorcycle license?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    Before you receive your license, you'll need to practice with your learner's permit. You’ll always have to wait some period of time before you can test for a full license. In some U.S. states the mandatory waiting period is 20 days, in others it's at least 6 months. In any case, spend this time practicing your skills. As the end of your learner’s permit waiting period draws near, sign up for a privately-operated but government-approved motorcycle training course. In many jurisdictions, successfully completing this fairly brief course means you can skip taking the road test at the motor vehicle bureau and go straight to getting your full license. Once you're eligible for a license, you can head down to your local DMV and get one!
  • Question
    How much is the DMV motorcycle permit test?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    It can vary. In the US, you may need to complete a basic safety course before you can even take the permit test. If you have your own motorcycle, the courses usually cost about $25, or about $100 if you need to borrow a bike for the course. As part of the course, you'll also need to take a written exam, which will test your knowledge of driving rules, as well as your knowledge of road signs. Once you pass the test, you can then go down to your local DMV and purchase a license.
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