The definition of a motorcycle is a motorized vehicle that is made with two or three wheels. In order to be a motorcycle it has to have a power source and it has to be able to travel at speeds greater than 30 miles per hour with a rider weighing 150 pounds or more.

Who Must Have A Motorcycle License

Anybody planning to operate a motorcycle must have a motorcycle license or they must possess a motorcycle permit.

Individuals planning on driving a moped do not need a Class M license unless the moped is certified at 50cc or more. Individuals operating a moped must, however, possess a Class D license.

Before a Class M motorcycle license can be obtained and individual must possess a motorcycle permit or they must have a license, motorcycle license that is, from a different state.

Motorcycle Permit

In order to get a motorcycle permit, the individual has to successfully complete the motorcycle permit test as well as successfully complete a sign identification test and eye test.

Individuals under the age of 18 must also:

- Be older than 16
- Obtain parental consent or be sponsored
- Prove that they successfully completed Driver Education
- Prove that they are enrolled in a motorcycle safety course

The motorcycle permit is valid for 6 months and can be renewed for 2 more 6-month periods before it is no longer renewable and is no longer valid. If the rider wishes to renew the permit again, there must be proof that the rider is enrolled in a motorcycle safety course.

There are some rules that must be followed when a rider possess a motorcycle permit:

- Rider is required to wear approved eye protection
- Rider is required to wear an approved helmet
- Rider can ride alone in daylight hours
- After dark riding is allowed if the permit holder is with another Class M licensed rider over the age of 25 with two or more years of licensed riding experience.

Motorcycle Skills Test

Individuals looking to obtain a motorcycle license must either pass a motorcycle skills test or must enroll and successfully complete a Motorcycle Rider Course. Individuals participating in a Motorcycle Rider Course will be waived from the skills test.

In order to participate in the motorcycle skills test riders must provide a motorcycle in good working condition and proper protective gear including eye wear and helmet. Skills tests are carried out at local department of transportation centers by appointment only.

Motorcycle Rider Course

Riders can enroll themselves in an approved motorcycle rider course instead of taking the motorcycle skills test. Individuals may be required to take a rider course under the following circumstances:
- Under age 18
- Three expired motorcycle permits have been held
- Failed two DOT motorcycle skills tests

Motorcycle Violations

Riders who would like to clean up their driving record (applies to Class M points only) can take a Motorcycle Rider Course to reduce demerits up to 3 points. Violations must have occurred within the past 12 months and riders are limited to one reduction for every 5 years.