Last Updated 25th of May, 2010

How do I apply for a PA motorcycle license if I am 18 or older? Pennsylvania

Enter your Zip Code below to get a Free Quote. We suggest getting quotes from multiple companies to ensure you get the best rate. There is no obligation to purchase.

  • You could save 15% or more
  • 24 hour claims service
  • Get a FREE instant quote, today!

Pennsylvania Motorcycle Permit Required

Even if you are 18 or over and already have a PA drivers license, you will still have to get a motorcycle permit before you get a regular motorcycle license.

To get a permit, visit a PennDOT driver license center and:

  1. Complete a Motorcycle Learner’s Permit Application (you can get this online, too).
  2. Pay $10.
  3. Pass a vision test.
  4. Pass a written motorcycle test. This will ask you questions about traffic laws, motorcycle safety, and motorcycle riding. In order to pass, you’ll want to take a practice test. Pennsylvania offers a Motorcycle Operator’s Manual to study but taking a multiple-choice quiz beforehand will help you both study and improve your chances of passing. Drivers ed courses offer these online for a small fee.
Your motorcycle permit is valid for one year.

Driver Training


If you want to learn how to ride a motorcycle the correct way, you can enroll in one of the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) classes. Take the safety course before or after you get a permit. It’s not free, but it will help save your life and could even get you an insurance break.

There are two different courses:

  • The Beginner Riders Course: Motorcycles are provided; the course teaches you everything you need to know about motorcycle safety.
  • The Experienced Riders Course: A single-day class one-day course for those with some experience; you’ll need your own motorcycle for this.
Either class is authorized to test you for the motorcycle skills test to get a motorcycle license, so you don’t have to go back into a driver license office.

Getting a Motorcycle License

There is no set number of hours you’re supposed to practice if you’re older than 18. So, once you’re ready to pass the skills test, make an appointment at a driver license office (if you’re enrolled in a safety class, as noted above, you will take the test at the school).

Once you pass the skills test, which includes a quiz about pre-trip inspections, PennDOT will issue you a motorcycle license.

The fee is $43 for four years, and $32.50 if you’re age 65 or older; this is good for two years instead.

Related Articles

Visitor Comments

No visitor comments posted. Post a comment

Post Comment for "How do I apply for a PA motorcycle license if I am 18 or older?"

To post a comment for this article, simply complete the form below. Fields marked with an asterisk are required.

User Opinions

No users have voted.

How would you rate this answer?



Thank you for rating this answer.

Continue
DMVAnswers.com (the Site) is a privately owned, for-profit Web site owned by OnlineGURU, Inc. The Site specifically disclaims any and all connection with any state bureau, division, or Department of Motor Vehicles, or any state or federal government agency. DMVAnswers.com does its best to get the correct information but does not claim responsibility for the accuracy of the information displayed herein. It is not complete or certified information. The information provided on DMVAnswers.com is not legal advice, DMVAnswers.com is not a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or should be formed by use of the site. Additionally, the Site expressly disclaims any and all liability for third party links or resources on the Site and any claims of negligence arising from same. For official information, please consult your state motor vehicle department.