How long must I hold a motorcycle permit following my drivers license test?

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After taking a drivers license test and obtaining your motorcycle permit you may or may not have to wait to apply for a motorcycle endorsement. It all depends on your state. Most states have no set waiting period. Others, like Rhode Island, for example, require a waiting period of 30 days. See the grid below for your state's waiting requirements.

To obtain a motorcycle learners permit you will need to pass a written exam. All questions are based on material contained in your state's motorcycle manual, including night riding, passing, riding in groups and negotiating curves. In addition to studying the manual, you should also take a practice permit test. These can be found online and feature questions similar to those found on an actual motorcycle drivers permit exam. 

Before applying for your permit and/or motorcycle license, be sure to familiarize yourself with your state's motorcycle requirements. Some may even require holding a regular drivers license. 

Alabama No required waiting.
Alaska No required waiting.
Arizona Riders under 18 must hold permit for 6 months.
Arkansas No required waiting.
California No required waiting.
Colorado No required waiting.
Connecticut No waiting period. As is the permit is only valid for 60 days.
Delaware No waiting period. As is the permit is only valid for 60 days
Florida No required waiting.
Georgia No required waiting.
Hawaii No required waiting, but if you allow permit to expire without taking a skills test you must wait 3 months to renew permit.
Idaho No required waiting.
Illinois With completion of a motorcycle safety course: 3 months for riders under 18; no waiting for riders 18 and older.
Indiana 30 days
Iowa No required waiting.
Kansas No required waiting.
Kentucky No required waiting.
Louisiana No required waiting.
Maine No required waiting.
Maryland If you're required to obtain a Type II learner's permit you must hold for 14 days.
Massachusetts No required waiting.
Michigan No required waiting.
Minnesota No required waiting.
Mississippi No required waiting if 17 or older.
Missouri No required waiting.
Montana No required waiting.
Nebraska No required waiting.
Nevada Riders under 18 must hold a permit for 6 months.
New Hampshire No required waiting.
New Jersey 20 days
New Mexico No required waiting.
New York No required waiting, but DMV recommends at least 30 hours of road practice.
North Carolina No required waiting.
North Dakota No required waiting.
Ohio No required waiting.
Oklahoma No required waiting.
Oregon No required waiting.
Pennsylvania No required waiting.
Rhode Island 30 days
South Carolina If you're 15 you must hold for 180 days.
South Dakota No required waiting for riders 18 and older.
Tennessee No waiting. Skills and knowledge tests will be waived upon completing a safety course.
Texas No required waiting.
Utah No required waiting.
Vermont No required waiting.
Virginia Nine months if under 19; 30 days if 19 and older and have never held a license of any kind.
Washington No required waiting.
West Virginia No required waiting.
Wisconsin No required waiting.
Wyoming No required waiting.
Washington DC No required waiting. Riders must be 18.

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