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Do I have to obtain a motorcycle permit before I apply for a motorcycle license?
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Motorcycle Permit Requirements by State
Most states do require applicants to obtain a motorcycle permit (or at least wait a certain amount of time between taking the written test and road test) before they can get a full motorcycle license (or motorcycle endorsement on their drivers license).After you check your state in the grid below, be sure to give your local DMV a call because, despite what’s included in the grid, you might still need to ask about:
- Specific motorcycle training required of you. Not every state requires riders to enroll in a motorcycle safety course; yet, those that do (and oftentimes those that don’t) will waive the test requirements (usually the motorcycle riding test) for applicants who successfully complete the course.
- The kind(s) of motorcycle test you’ll have to take. You might have to take a written test, road test, both, or neither. Sometimes this depends on your age; sometimes it depends on whether you’ve enrolled in a motorcycle course. (If you must take the written test, search for a practice test geared toward motorcycles to help you prepare.)
- The length of time you must hold the permit. Some states require everyone to hold a permit for a certain amount of time, others differentiate between riders younger and older than 18, and some have no time requirements.
| Yes | No | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | x | ||
| Alaska | x | ||
| Arizona | x | If you're younger than 18, you must hold a permit for six months. | |
| Arkansas | x | ||
| California | x | ||
| Colorado | x | ||
| Connecticut | x | ||
| Delaware | x | ||
| Florida | x | You don't need a motorcycle permit, but you do have to be at least 16 and already have a regular drivers license. If you’re younger than 18 you must have held a learners license for at least one year. As of July 1, 2008, everyone – regardless of age – must take the Basic Rider Course before getting the motorcycle endorsement. | |
| Georgia | x | ||
| Hawaii | x | ||
| Idaho | x | ||
| Illinois | x | You must hold it for three months if you're younger than 18. | |
| Indiana | x | ||
| Iowa | x | ||
| Kansas | You only need a permit if you don't enroll in motorcycle training school. | ||
| Kentucky | x | ||
| Louisiana | x | ||
| Maine | x | ||
| Maryland | x | If you must obtain a Type II learners permit you must hold for 14 days. | |
| Massachusetts | x | ||
| Michigan | x | ||
| Minnesota | x | ||
| Mississippi | x | ||
| Missouri | x | ||
| Montana | x | No motorcycle permit is required, but you do have to have a learners license. | |
| Nebraska | x | But, if you're 17, you must have held a provisional operators permit for one year. | |
| Nevada | x | It's optional if you're 18 or older, but if you're younger than 18 you must hold the permit for six months. | |
| New Hampshire | x | ||
| New Jersey | x | ||
| New Mexico | x | ||
| New York | x | ||
| North Carolina | x | ||
| North Dakota | x | ||
| Ohio | x | ||
| Oklahoma | x | ||
| Oregon | x | ||
| Pennsylvania | x | ||
| Rhode Island | x | Hold the permit for 30 days. | |
| South Carolina | x | If you're 15, hold the permit for 180 days. | |
| South Dakota | x | ||
| Tennessee | x | ||
| Texas | x | ||
| Utah | x | ||
| Vermont | x | ||
| Virginia | x | If you're younger than 19 you must hold the permit for nine months; if you're 19 or older (and have never held a license of any kind), hold the permit for 30 days. | |
| Washington | x | But it IS required if you don't enroll in motorcycle training. | |
| West Virginia | x | ||
| Wisconsin | x | ||
| Wyoming | x | ||
| Washington DC | x | Also, you must be 18 and already have a drivers license before you can get the motorcycle endorsement. |
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