Do You Need a Motorcycle License?
In most states, you must have a motorcycle license or endorsement to operate a bike legally.
You're also often required to have a motorcycle license to drive mopeds and scooters above a certain engine size. Not following your state's motorcycle license requirements may lead to fines or even jail time.
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In most states, you must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle permit. Once you turn 18, you might be able to get a license without having a permit first. State law varies, but a motorcycle license is usually inexpensive and only takes a few weeks for older drivers to get.
Do you need a motorcycle license to drive a motorcycle?
You need a motorcycle license, endorsement or permit to drive a motorcycle, no matter which state you live in.
In most states, anyone under 18 has to carry a motorcycle permit before applying for a license. As with a learner's permit for a car, riders with permits must drive with a licensed driver for a required number of hours before getting their own license.
Drivers over 18 are often eligible for motorcycle licenses or endorsements without getting a permit first. Licenses are stand-alone certifications for operating motorcycles. Endorsements are attached to a regular license but grant the same privileges as a motorcycle license.
How to get a motorcycle license
To get a motorcycle license, you must take a road test, supervised by an official from a local DMV or license center. If you don't have a regular license, you might have to take a written exam before your course test. If you pass, you'll need to pay a fee to get your motorcycle license.
In some cases, you might be able to get a motorcycle license without a road test. Typically, this exception applies to experienced drivers. For instance, if you're an adult rider with a motorcycle permit, you could skip the road test if you pass a skills test on a closed course approved by your state's regulators.
Taking a skills test could pay off: Many motorcycle insurance companies offer a discount if you pass a closed-course safety test.
How long does it take to get a motorcycle license?
The time it takes to get a motorcycle license depends on your age, prior riding experience and other factors. A seasoned motorcycle driver with a permit, could have a license shortly after passing the road test.
It could take longer for inexperienced drivers. Riders under 18 are required in most states to carry a learner's permit for a set amount of time before testing for a motorcycle license. Riders may have to carry the learner's permit until they've driven a certain number of hours or months on the road. Only then can they earn a full license or endorsement.
How much is a motorcycle license?
The price of a motorcycle license depends on your experience, age and license type.
Because each state has different application fees and cost structures, you could pay anywhere from $10 to over $100. If you get a permit first, you'll have to pay a separate application fee, which is required for a full motorcycle license.
The cost of a permit and a motorcycle license can depend on age. Younger drivers tend to pay more for certification than older riders — up to $30 more in some states.
Motorcycle endorsements tend to be cheaper than a separate motorcycle license. That's because you're only paying for a modification to your existing driver's license.
The table below shows the cost of a motorcycle license or endorsement in three states.
State | New license | Renewal | Endorsement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $33.00 | $44.00 | $16.00 |
| California | $45.00 | $45.00 | $45.00 |
| New York | $82.50–$107.50 | $17.50 | $12.50 |
Do you need a motorcycle license to drive mopeds or scooters?
Depending on which state you live in, you may need a motorcycle license to drive a scooter or moped.
The regulations on scooters and mopeds depend on where you live. Scooters almost always require registration and a motorcycle license, especially ones with engines that are 50 cubic centimeters (cc) or larger. Mopeds and scooters with engine sizes smaller than 50cc don't usually require a motorcycle license or registration.
If your moped or scooter has an engine under 50cc, laws in California and other states only require a standard driver's license or learner's permit. Other states don't require a license but do impose age limits on riders. In North Carolina and elsewhere, riders must be at least 16.
If your moped or scooter has an engine larger than 50cc, most states require a motorcycle license or a driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement. For instance, a Vespa is considered a scooter in most states. If your Vespa is over 50cc, you'll need a motorcycle license to drive it in most cases.
The Honda Grom, another popular sports bike, typically requires a motorcycle license to operate since it has a 124cc engine.
Can you register a motorcycle without a license?
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You don't technically need a motorcycle license to register a motorcycle. But you do need motorcycle insurance. And because most insurance companies require a license to get coverage, it's harder to register your bike without a license.
To make matters more complicated, minors can have a hard time finding insurance companies that will sell them coverage. For example, 16-year-old motorcycle drivers have fewer options than 18-year-olds and will likely need to add the bike to a parent's policy to get coverage.
Companies that will sell you coverage without a license likely charge higher premiums. If you're younger or don't have a motorcycle license, compare prices from different companies before buying coverage. That way you can get the cheapest prices in your area.
Penalties for driving a motorcycle without a license
In most states, driving a motorcycle without the right license can result in fines and even jail time. For instance, driving a motorcycle in California without a motorcycle license could mean paying a fine of up to $1,000 or spending up to six months in jail.
While some states have more lax penalties for unlicensed drivers, ultimately it's never a good idea to drive without the appropriate license. Repeat offenders usually face penalties that accumulate with each offense. So avoiding a $50 license fee could eventually cost you hundreds of dollars in citations.
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