Motorcycle license age requirements vary by state, but most allow you to start at 14 or 15
The earliest you can get a motorcycle license depends on where you live. Most states let you get a learner's permit (also called a learner's endorsement or instruction permit) between ages 14 and 16, and a full motorcycle license between 16 and 18. A few states allow permits as early as age 14; others wait until 15 or 16. Some states have a two-tier system where you can get a restricted license at a younger age, then upgrade to an unrestricted one at 18.
The age you can test also depends on engine size. Many states let younger riders get permits or licenses for smaller bikes (under 500cc) before they can ride larger ones. For example, you might be able to ride a 50cc scooter at 14 but cannot touch a full-size motorcycle until 16. Check your state's motor vehicle department website to find the exact ages and engine limits that explore to you.
Key Takeaways
- Most states allow learner's permits between ages 14 and 16, and full licenses between 16 and 18, though your state may differ.
- Engine size restrictions are common for younger riders—you may be able to ride a 50cc scooter before a full-size motorcycle.
- A learner's permit usually requires you to ride with a licensed adult and follow specific rules like no night riding or passengers.
- You will need to pass a written test on motorcycle rules and an on-bike riding test, or take an approved safety course instead.
- Some states waive the riding test if you complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course or equivalent.
What a learner's permit lets you do and when you get it
A learner's permit is the first step in most states. It lets you ride a motorcycle on public roads, but with restrictions. You typically must wear a helmet, cannot ride at night (the cutoff is usually 6 p.m. or sunset), cannot carry passengers, and must ride with a licensed motorcycle rider present. Some states require that rider to be within arm's reach; others just require them to be nearby. The permit usually lasts one to two years, and you can renew it if you are not ready to test for a full license.
To get a learner's permit, you will need to pass a written test on motorcycle rules, road signs, and safe riding practices. The test is usually 25 to 50 questions, and you need to score around 80 percent to pass. You take it at your state's motor vehicle office. Some states let you study online or read a practice test; others provide a handbook you can pick up in person. The written test costs between $10 and $30 in most states.
How to move from a learner's permit to a full license
Once you have held your learner's permit for the required time (usually 6 months to 1 year, depending on your state), you can test for a full motorcycle license. The test has two parts: a written exam and a riding test. The written exam is similar to the one you took for the permit—it covers road rules, hazard recognition, and motorcycle-specific knowledge. You take it at the motor vehicle office.
The riding test is where many people stumble. You ride a motorcycle through a course set up by the state, usually in a parking lot or closed course. An examiner watches you perform maneuvers like figure-eights, quick stops, and swerves. The test lasts 10 to 20 minutes. You must bring your own motorcycle or rent one—the state does not provide it. If you fail, you can usually retake it within a few weeks for another fee (typically $10 to $50).
Taking a safety course instead of the riding test
Many states let you skip the riding test if you complete an approved motorcycle safety course. The most common is the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course, which runs for two or three days and costs between $150 and $300. You learn in a classroom and on a range with small motorcycles provided by the course. At the end, you take a riding test run by the course instructors, not the state. If you pass, the course gives you a certificate that your state's motor vehicle office will accept in place of the state riding test.
Other states recognize courses from the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) or state-run programs. Check your state's motor vehicle website to see which courses are approved. Taking a course is often faster than waiting for a state test appointment, and many insurance companies give discounts to riders who have completed one. The course also teaches you on a bike smaller and lighter than what you might own, which can build confidence before you ride your own motorcycle on the road.
Restrictions that explore to young riders in some states
Even after you get a full license, some states impose restrictions on riders under 18. These might include a ban on carrying passengers, a curfew on night riding, or a requirement to wear a reflective vest. A few states require a separate endorsement for riders under 16 to ride anything larger than 50cc. These restrictions usually lift when you turn 18 or after you have held your license for a set time (often one to two years).
Some states also have a graduated licensing system for motorcycles, similar to what exists for cars. You might get a Level 1 permit at 14, a Level 2 license at 16 with restrictions, and a full Level 3 license at 18. Each level has different rules about engine size, passengers, and riding hours. Your state's motor vehicle department can tell you whether a graduated system applies to you.
What documents and fees you will need
To get a learner's permit or license, bring a valid form of ID (usually a driver's license or state ID), proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. Some states also require proof of citizenship or legal residency. Fees vary widely: a learner's permit costs $10 to $40, and a full license endorsement costs $15 to $60. If you retake a test, you usually pay the test fee again but not the license fee.
You will also need to bring a motorcycle to the riding test unless you take a safety course. The bike must be street-legal (registered and insured) and in working order. Some testing centers let you use a rental motorcycle, but you have to arrange that ahead of time. If you are taking the MSF course, the course provides the motorcycle, so you do not need to own one yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a motorcycle license before I get a driver's license?
Yes, in most states. A motorcycle license is separate from a driver's license, and the age requirements are often lower. You can get a motorcycle learner's permit at 14 or 15 in many states even if you have not yet turned 16 and cannot drive a car. However, you will still need a valid ID to explore.
What happens if I fail the riding test?
You can retake it, usually within a few weeks. You will pay the test fee again (typically $10 to $50). Many people fail on their first try—it is a real test of bike control, not just a formality. Taking a safety course beforehand can improve your odds because you practice the exact maneuvers the state test covers.
Do I need a motorcycle license if I only ride a scooter or moped?
It depends on engine size. Most states do not require a license for bikes under 50cc, but you may need a special endorsement or a separate moped license. Some states treat 50cc scooters like regular motorcycles and require a full license. Check your state's rules—the engine size threshold varies.
Can I ride out of state with my motorcycle license?
Yes. A motorcycle license from your home state is valid in all other states. However, if you are moving to a new state, you will need to get a license in that state within a set time (usually 30 to 60 days). The new state may have different age rules or restrictions, so check before you move.
How long does it take to get a motorcycle license from start to finish?
If you take a safety course, you can have a full license in as little as three to four days—one day for the written permit test, two to three days for the course, and one day to get the license at the motor vehicle office. If you test with the state, it usually takes longer because you have to wait for a test appointment, which can be weeks away depending on demand in your area.