Virginia requires a separate motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license, not a standalone license
To ride a motorcycle legally in Virginia, you need a Class M endorsement added to your existing driver's license, or you can get it on a new license if you don't have one yet. You cannot ride with just a regular car license. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all motorcycle licensing, and the process involves a written test, a skills test, and a fee.
You have two main paths: take an approved motorcycle safety course (which waives the skills test), or go directly to the DMV and take both tests yourself. Most riders choose the course route because it's faster and the skills test is challenging if you've never ridden before.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia requires a Class M endorsement on your driver's license to ride any motorcycle, moped, or motorized bicycle.
- You must pass a written test and a riding skills test, unless you complete an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, which waives the skills test.
- The DMV written test covers Virginia traffic laws, motorcycle-specific rules, and safe riding practices.
- An approved safety course costs between $150 and $300 and takes one to three days, depending on the provider.
- Once you pass or complete a course, you visit the DMV with your documents and pay the endorsement fee to add the Class M to your license.
What you need before you start
Before you can test for a motorcycle endorsement, you must already have a valid Virginia driver's license. If you don't have one, you'll need to get that first through the standard licensing process. You'll also need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency to the DMV when you explore for the endorsement.
If you're under 18, Virginia has additional restrictions. You cannot ride a motorcycle with an engine larger than 50 cubic centimeters (cc) until you turn 18, and you must wear a helmet at all times. If you're 16 or 17, you can still get the endorsement, but it will be limited to 50cc bikes.
The motorcycle safety course route (faster for most people)
Taking an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course is the most common path because it skips the DMV skills test entirely. Virginia recognizes courses from providers like the Virginia Motorcycle Safety Program, which operates at multiple locations across the state. These courses teach you how to ride, how to handle emergency situations, and Virginia traffic laws specific to motorcycles.
A typical course runs Friday evening and all day Saturday, or three evenings during the week, depending on the provider. You'll spend classroom time learning theory and then ride motorcycles provided by the course on a closed course or parking lot. The course costs between $150 and $300. When you finish, the instructor gives you a completion certificate that you bring to the DMV instead of taking the skills test.
To find an approved course near you, visit the Virginia DMV website and search for "motorcycle safety course providers" or call your local DMV office. You can also contact the Motorcycle Safety Foundation directly—they maintain a list of all approved instructors in Virginia.
Taking the DMV written test and skills test without a course
If you skip the safety course, you'll take two separate tests at the DMV: a written test and a riding skills test. The written test has 25 questions about Virginia motorcycle laws, safe riding practices, and how to handle your bike. You need to score at least 80 percent to pass. The test covers topics like proper helmet use, how to brake on a motorcycle, what to do if your brakes fail, and Virginia's rules about lane splitting (which is illegal in Virginia).
The skills test happens on the same day if you pass the written test. You'll ride a motorcycle provided by the DMV through a course that includes figure-eights, quick stops, and turns. The examiner watches for smooth acceleration, proper braking, and control. Many people fail this test on their first try because they've never ridden before, which is why the safety course is so popular—it teaches you exactly what the test requires.
To schedule your DMV tests, call your local DMV office or book online through the Virginia DMV website. You'll need to bring your valid driver's license, proof of identity, and proof of Social Security number.
The cost and timeline
The endorsement fee at the DMV is $10 if you're adding it to an existing license, or it's included in the cost of a new license if you're getting one for the first time. A safety course costs $150 to $300 depending on the provider. If you take the DMV tests instead of a course, there is no test fee—you only pay the $10 endorsement fee.
If you take a safety course, the whole process takes about two weeks: one to three days for the course, then a few days to a week to get an appointment at the DMV. If you go straight to the DMV, you might wait one to three weeks for an appointment, then take both tests on the same day. After you pass or complete a course, the DMV adds the endorsement to your license on the spot.
What happens if you fail the skills test
If you fail the DMV skills test, you can retake it, but you'll have to schedule another appointment and wait for an opening. There's no limit to how many times you can retake it, but each attempt requires a new appointment. Many people who fail the skills test then enroll in a safety course, which teaches them the specific techniques the test requires.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. You need to score at least 80 percent, and the test is the same whether you take it once or five times.
Helmet and gear requirements in Virginia
Virginia law requires all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet that meets Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. If you're under 18, you must wear a helmet at all times. If you're 18 or older, you can ride without a helmet only if you have health insurance that covers motorcycle injuries—otherwise, a helmet is required. Wearing eye protection is also required unless your motorcycle has a windshield.
These are legal requirements, not just safety recommendations. Riding without a helmet when required can result in a fine. Helmets don't have to be expensive—you can find DOT-approved helmets for $50 to $150, and they last for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a motorcycle with just a learner's permit?
No. A learner's permit does not allow you to ride a motorcycle. You must have either the full Class M endorsement or be enrolled in an approved safety course. Some courses allow you to ride during the class even without the endorsement, but you cannot ride on public roads until you have the endorsement on your license.
What if I already have a motorcycle license from another state?
Virginia will recognize an out-of-state motorcycle endorsement for 60 days while you're establishing residency. After that, you need to get a Virginia endorsement. You can transfer your out-of-state license to Virginia without retesting if your previous state's standards are equivalent to Virginia's, but you'll need to contact the DMV to confirm. Most states' standards are similar, so you may not need to retake the test.
Do I need a motorcycle endorsement to ride a moped or motorized bicycle?
Yes. Virginia requires a Class M endorsement for any motorized two-wheeled vehicle, including mopeds and motorized bicycles, regardless of engine size. The only exception is bicycles with pedals and an electric motor under 750 watts, which do not require a license.
How long is the Class M endorsement valid?
The Class M endorsement is valid for as long as your driver's license is valid. When you renew your driver's license, the endorsement renews with it. You do not need to retake any tests to renew the endorsement.
Can I take the safety course online?
Virginia requires at least part of the safety course to be in-person riding instruction on an actual motorcycle. Online courses alone do not satisfy Virginia's requirement. However, some providers offer a mix of online classroom time and in-person riding, which can shorten the time you spend at the facility.