Age requirements vary by state and depend on the type of motorcycle license you want
Most states let you get a motorcycle license between 16 and 18, but the exact age depends on where you live and whether you want to ride alone or with restrictions. Some states issue a learner's permit at 15 or 16, which lets you ride under supervision. Others require you to be 18 to ride without an adult present. A few states have a separate endorsement for smaller bikes that you can get at a younger age.
The age also depends on how you get the license. If you pass a motorcycle safety course, many states lower the age by one year. If you just take the written and riding test at the DMV without a course, you usually have to be older. Some states let 16-year-olds get a permit but require them to wait until 17 or 18 to get a full license.
Your state's DMV website lists the exact ages and what documents you need. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation also publishes a state-by-state breakdown if you want to compare rules across multiple states before you move or travel.
Key Takeaways
- Most states let you get a learner's permit at 15 or 16, which requires an adult to supervise while you ride.
- Full motorcycle licenses are usually available at 16 or 17 if you complete a safety course, or at 18 if you test at the DMV without a course.
- Some states issue a restricted license for bikes under 500cc at a younger age than the unrestricted license.
- Completing a state-approved motorcycle safety course can lower the minimum age by one year in many states and may reduce your insurance cost.
Learner's permits: what you can do before you get a full license
A learner's permit lets you ride a motorcycle on public roads, but only with a licensed adult on a separate bike or in a car following you. You cannot ride alone, and you usually cannot ride at night or on highways. The permit is a stepping stone to a full license and normally lasts six months to a year.
Most states issue learner's permits at 15 or 16. You pass a written test about motorcycle rules and safety, and some states also require a vision test. You do not take a riding test to get the permit — that comes later when you explore for the full license. The permit costs less than a full license and is valid only in your state.
While you hold the permit, you can take a motorcycle safety course. Many states waive the riding test at the DMV if you finish an approved course, which means you can get your full license without proving your skills to a state examiner. This is the fastest and cheapest path for most riders under 18.
Full licenses at 16 or 17 with a safety course
If you complete a state-approved motorcycle safety course, you can usually get a full license one year earlier than if you test at the DMV. Most states let you get a full license at 16 or 17 this way. The course typically takes one or two days and covers basic riding skills, traffic laws, and emergency maneuvers. You ride a small motorcycle provided by the course, not your own bike.
After you finish the course, you get a certificate. You take that certificate to the DMV along with your learner's permit, and in most states you skip the riding test entirely. You still take a written test, but many states waive that too if your course included a written exam. The whole process takes a few hours at the DMV.
The course costs between $100 and $300 depending on your state and the organization running it. Many insurance companies give a discount of 10 percent or more if you have completed a safety course, so the course often pays for itself in lower premiums over a year or two.
Full licenses at 18 without a safety course
If you do not take a safety course, you usually have to be 18 to get a full motorcycle license. You need a learner's permit first, which you hold for a set period — often 30 days to six months depending on your state. Then you go to the DMV, pass a written test, and pass a riding test on a motorcycle you provide or that the DMV provides.
The riding test is the main hurdle. You have to demonstrate basic control: starting, stopping, turning, and swerving to avoid an obstacle. You ride in a closed course or parking lot, not on public roads. If you fail, you can usually retake it after a waiting period, often one week to one month.
This path takes longer and costs more because you have to pay for the written and riding tests, and you may have to retake the riding test if you do not pass the first time. It also means you cannot ride alone until you are 18, whereas a safety course can let you get a full license at 16 or 17.
Restricted licenses for smaller bikes
Some states issue a restricted or limited license for motorcycles under a certain engine size — usually 500cc or 650cc. This lets younger riders get a full license for smaller bikes while requiring them to wait until they are older to ride larger bikes. The age for a restricted license is sometimes one or two years lower than the age for an unrestricted license.
A restricted license is useful if you plan to ride a small, lightweight bike. You can ride alone and at night, just like with a full license, but you cannot ride a bigger bike. When you turn 18 or 21, depending on your state, you can upgrade to an unrestricted license by passing another riding test or sometimes just paying a fee.
Not all states have restricted licenses, so check your state's DMV website to see if this option is available where you live. If it is, it can be a good way to get on the road sooner if you are willing to start with a smaller bike.
What documents and fees you need
To get a learner's permit or license, bring your state ID or passport, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address — usually a utility bill or lease. Some states also require a vision test, which the DMV does on the spot. Bring your learner's permit when you explore for a full license.
Fees vary by state. A learner's permit usually costs $15 to $50. A full license costs $30 to $100. If you retake the riding test, you may have to pay the test fee again, usually $10 to $30. Some states charge extra for a motorcycle endorsement if you already have a car license.
If you took a safety course, bring your certificate. Some states also accept a course certificate in place of a written test, which saves you time at the DMV. Check your state's DMV website before you go so you know exactly what to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a motorcycle license before I turn 16?
A few states let you get a learner's permit at 14 or 15, but most require you to be at least 15 or 16. No state lets you get a full license before 16, even with a safety course. Check your state's DMV website to see the exact ages in your state.
Do I have to take a safety course to get a motorcycle license?
No, but it is the fastest way to get a full license if you are under 18. Without a course, you have to wait until you are 18 and pass a riding test at the DMV. A course also usually costs less than retaking the DMV test if you fail, and it lowers your insurance.
What happens if I fail the riding test?
You can retake it after a waiting period, usually one week to one month. You have to pay the test fee again. If you failed because you were nervous or made a small mistake, taking a few more practice rides before you retake it usually helps. Some riders take a safety course after failing the DMV test to build their skills.
Can I ride a motorcycle with a car license?
No. A motorcycle endorsement or license is separate from a car license. You need both if you want to ride a motorcycle and drive a car. Some states let you add a motorcycle endorsement to your existing car license instead of getting a separate license, but you still have to pass the motorcycle tests.
Does a motorcycle safety course count in every state?
Most states recognize courses from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or a state-approved program, but not all states waive the riding test for course graduates. Some states waive only the written test, or they waive the test but still require you to be a certain age. Check your state's DMV website to see what your state accepts.