Like many states containing large swaths of mountainous topography carved with a latticework of winding roads, Wyoming is exceptionally popular with the leather-clad motorcycle clans. The belief is that two wheels are much better than four to glimpse the postcard perfect sites of Yellowstone, Devil’s Tower, the jagged Tetons, or simply roam the lonely desert roads of the southwestern plateau country.

The motorcycle has long been an icon of rugged freedom, of high velocity, and just a bit of rebellion for good measure. That hardy symbolism fits comfortably into Wyoming’s frontier spirit and remnant cowboy culture. But, if you are looking to hop on the saddle of the two-wheeled revolution there are a few things you will need to take care of first.

License Requirements

• Wyoming’s graduated licensing program allows for a “full privilege” motorcycle license at 16 1/2.

• Those applicants under 18 years of age will need a minor’s release document signed by a parent or guardian (form is available at any exam office).

• Supply two acceptable forms of identification.

• Achieve a passing grade (80% or higher) on the written exam.

• Pass the on-bike skills test.

• Pay a $23 fee for the “M” class license or endorsement.

Learning to Ride

Aside from studying the Motorcycle Operator Manual, you’re going to need some education. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation designed two courses that many states, including Wyoming, have incorporated into the training regimen for licensing prospective riders. In Wyoming, you will find these labeled as the Basic Rider course and the Experienced Rider course.

Basic Rider Education Course

The Basic Rider Education course is the perfect training curriculum for those that have watched way too many rounds of Easy Rider or Top Gun but are absolutely greenhorns when it comes actually riding a motorcycle. These sessions usually run throughout a weekend and consist of 20 hours of classroom and on-bike preparation.

Once you complete the program you are exempt from state testing for two years. The fees are $25 for residents and $125 for non-residents. The chief benefit is that the motorcycles are provided, so you can learn before you buy. Of course, you will need to meet a few qualifications:

• A completed Motorcycle Safety Course Application.

• Be 15 years of age on the day of the first class.

• Probably a good idea to have prime pedaling experience on a bicycle. You don’t need to be Lance Armstrong, but the essentials of equilibrium and coordination are not part of the state’s syllabus.

• If you are under 18 years of age a note of consent from a parent or guardian is required.

• Wear proper gear including a DOT approved helmet, eye protection, clothing and footwear. If you do not have an acceptable helmet one will be supplied.

WYDOT provides a list of available classes.

Experienced Rider Education Course

Step two on the climb to becoming a skilled rider, the Experienced Rider course is intended for those with more experience operating a motorcycle. More advanced does not translate into professional. Experienced means you have a solid understanding of the mechanics of the machine (like how to shift those gears) and possess intermediate or better handling skills. It is the perfect upgrade for those who have completed the Basic Rider course, although it is not a prerequisite.

This course moves out of the classroom (mostly) and hits the open road with five to six hours of on-bike exercises and guidance. The fee is $25 for residents and $125 for non-residents. Requirements for class are a bit tougher, hence the advanced level.

• A completed Motorcycle Safety Course Application.

• Possess an “M” class endorsement on your driver’s license.

• Exceed the goals presented in the first exercise, which is Control at Low Speed. After passing this test you must successfully exceed the goals of ensuing exercises. At any time the instructor can opt to cancel your progression if he/she feels you are unfit to succeed.

• Bring a motorcycle, which is registered and able pass a safety inspection, has evidence of insurance, and, if on loan, signed permission from the owner.

• Wear a DOT approved helmet (you must have your own this round) and all the proper gear.

• If under 18, have a note of consent from a parent or guardian.

Getting a Permit

A motorcycle permit applies to learning to ride both motorcycles and ATVs and to garner the “instruction” version, which is the first stage of the gradual licensing process, you need to:

• Be 15 years of age or older

• Present a certified birth certificate at an exam office

• Pass a vision test with a minimum 20/40

• Attain a minimum of 80% on a written test

• Pay a $23 permit fee

Although motorcycles and four-wheeled vehicles seem worlds apart, obtaining your motorcycle license or endorsement is similar to obtaining your driver’s license or CDL endorsements for other vehicles.

Motorcycle Endorsement

In order to be eligible for a motorcycle endorsement (F) on your existing driver’s license, you must:

• Be at least age 16

• Already possess a Class E driver’s license

• Pass a knowledge test and on-cycle skills test (practice tests and answers, as well as a wealth of other information, can be found in the Motorcycle Manual

• Complete Level II GDL before receiving a motorcycle instruction permit (applies only if you are younger than 18)

You can apply at your local DMV office. Fees are $5 for an instruction permit and $1 (per year) for the F endorsement added to your license.

Motorcycle-only License

In order to apply for your motorcycle-only license, you must fill the same requirements as needed for a motorcycle endorsement; however, you won’t need to test on a four-wheel vehicle.

New to West Virginia?

If you’re new to West Virginia and already have a motorcycle endorsement, you can transfer your existing endorsement at the same time you transfer your driver’s license.

Training Courses

Riding a motorcycle offers a certain liberation?the open road, the wind in your hair, the envious expressions of minivan drivers you pass. But no matter how many times we hear, “Get your Motor Runnin’,” none of us are as experienced as Peter Fonda’s character in “Easy Rider” when we first hop on a motorcycle, and none of us need to try impersonating Evel Knievel the first day of riding, if ever. But riding can still be fun?and safe?thanks to training and safety courses.

West Virginia Motorcycle Safety Program

The West Virginia Motorcycle Safety Program offers rider courses developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). These courses are taught by MSF-certified instructors and are approved by the state. Successful graduates from the courses reap many rewards, such as being exempt from taking the state riding skills test for their motorcycle licenses or endorsements.

Find available classes and locations at www.wv-msp.org and call (866) 355-9399 for registration information.

The Basic RiderCourse

The Basic RiderCourse (BRC) is a 15-hour course (five hours of classroom time and 10 hours of on-cycle time) for people ages 16 and older. Applicants younger than 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present on the first day to register and sign permission forms. Training bikes are provided and enrollment fees are $100, payable to the West Virginia Motorcycle Safety Program.

The Experienced RiderCourse

The Experienced RiderCourse (ERC) is a one-day course (six hours of on-cycle time and various breaks for discussion) for those riders who are more experienced and are looking to tune up their handling and driving skills. Students must provide their own street-legal bikes that pass inspection. Enrollment fees are $100, payable to the West Virginia Motorcycle Safety Program.

Note that an instruction permit (which can be obtained at your local DMV office and requires a written exam) must be obtained for all unendorsed riders enrolling in a course and all applicants must have a valid West Virginia driver’s license.

Riding a motorcycle along Virginia’s scenic highways is fun and breathtaking. Take one ride and you’ll be hooked on a new kind of freedom. But be sure to take the appropriate safety precautions?legally, you and your passengers must wear approved helmets, and you must wear eye and face protection. In addition, your motorcycle should have an approved windshield.

To drive a motorcycle in Virginia, you must be licensed. You have two options for licensing: adding a motorcycle designation to your regular license, or getting a motorcycle-only license.

To apply, you can visit any DMV customer service center. You will need to bring with you any required documentation, as you would for any other type of Virginia driver’s license.

Motorcycle Learner’s Permit

If you want to learn how to drive a motorcycle, you should first get a motorcycle learner’s permit. It lets you learn under supervision. Then you can get the practice you need to pass your motorcycle road skills test.

To obtain a motorcycle permit, you must pass the motorcycle knowledge (written) exam. Study the Motorcycle Manual before you take it (you can read the manual online or download a PDF to keep).

If you don’t already have a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license, you also have to pass the knowledge test for a regular driver’s license. For this you should master the Driver’s Manual. You’ll need to have your motorcycle learner’s permit for at least nine months before you take your road skills test if you’re less than 19 years old.

While riding with a motorcycle permit, you are required to wear an approved safety helmet and eye and face protection?just like a licensed rider. Additionally, you must be supervised by someone who is 21 or older and has a valid motorcycle driver’s license or Class M designation on their regular license. He or she must be able to help you from a separate motor vehicle. You may not have any passengers.

Regular Driver’s License with Class M Designation

If you already have a valid Virginia driver’s license, you can add a Class M designation that will also allow you to ride a motorcycle. You will have to pass the required vision screening and motorcycle knowledge test. You’ll also take the road skills test on a motorcycle (note that not all DMV locations offer motorcycle road skills tests). Studying the Virginia Motorcycle Manual will help you prepare for your knowledge exam.

If you are age 19 or older and have never held a license from any state, U.S. territory, or other country, you must also hold a motorcycle learner’s permit for at least 30 days OR take the state-approved Virginia Rider Training Program and provide the DMV with a completion certificate. Your road skills test is part of the course.

If you are younger than 19 and have never held a license from any state, U.S. territory, or another country, you must also hold a motorcycle learner’s permit for at least nine months AND take the state-approved Virginia Rider Training Program. The DMV will need your program completion certificate.

Motorcycle-only Driver’s License

Your other option is to obtain a driver’s license that only allows you to operate motorcycles. In addition to the above requirements for the Class M designation, you must pass the vision screening, driver’s license knowledge test, and motorcycle knowledge test.

You must get a motorcycle learner’s permit first if you are learning. After you’ve had the permit for at least 30 days, you can then take your road skills test, which you must pass to get your motorcycle-only license. Not all DMV locations offer the road skills test.

Fees

The motorcycle Class M designation is $2 per year. You pay it in advance, just like the regular driver’s license fees.

The motorcycle-only license is $6 per year and will be valid for five years. If you later decide that you want to operate another type of motor vehicle, such as a car, you must pass the knowledge exam and road skills test for automobiles so you can get the appropriate driver’s license.

Applying for a Learner Permit

You must be at least 16 years old. If you are 16 or 17, make sure you first own a junior operator license before applying. You will also need a parent or legal guardian to sign your motorcycle learner permit application. You can obtain this application at any DMV location throughout the state. You may also download the form.

If you are over 17, you must own a Vermont driver license before applying for a motorcycle learner permit. Then:

• Schedule a testing time at any statewide DMV location. The written test will consist of 25 questions, and you must correctly answer at least 20 to pass. If you fail the test, you must wait at least one day before scheduling another attempt.

• Pay a $7 test fee.

Learner Permit Liberties

After passing the written test you will be issued a motorcycle learner permit, which is valid for 120 days. During this period you can call (802) 828-2085 to schedule a road test at any time.

If you feel like you are not ready to test during this time, you can renew your permit for another 120 days free of charge at any DMV location. You will only be allowed two free renewals.

Keep in mind that road testing is limited, if it’s performed at all, during the winter months, so plan accordingly when applying for your permit.

With the permit you will be allowed to ride anywhere within state, but only during daylight hours and by yourself. No passengers are allowed.

Road Test Study Aids

The state’s Vermont Rider Education Program provides hands-on riding instructions. The course is not required, but it is recommended?especially for riders attempting to pass their first motorcycle road test.

As stated above, Vermont’s downloadable Motorcycle Licensing Guide and Operator’s Manual provides extremely detailed information about all the rules and regulations you will need to know during the road exam.

Testing

When testing, be sure to bring:

• Your motorcycle learner permit

• A Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet

• Proper goggles

• Valid insurance card

• Your regular Vermont driving license

• Proper registration

Though not mandatory, it will work to your benefit if you wear proper riding clothing: leather gloves, riding jacket, and over-the-ankle boots or shoes. Do not arrive in sneakers or you will not be tested.

The test consists of seven exercises designed to measure your ability to handle a bike, your riding judgment, and your response skills.

The motorcycle endorsement costs $2 per year in addition to your regular driver license fees. Should you pass the road test, you will be given the option of registering for a two-year endorsement to your normal driver license ($4) or a four-year endorsement ($8).

Formal motorcycle training helps keep you out of trouble by educating you on the most effective?but not necessarily intuitive?responses to dangerous situations like these that you will encounter every day.

There are other benefits to training, too. The Driver License Division usually waives the riding portion of the licensing exam for graduates of a basic riding course, insurance companies usually provide better rates for graduates, and some motorcycle manufacturers will help you with the tuition. The decision to take a course before getting your license should be a no-brainer.

For information about motorcycle training courses, contact any driver license field office or call (800) 532-7691.

One option is the 15-hour Basic Rider Course ($200) offered by Utah Rider Education, which comprises five hours of classroom training and up to 10 hours of riding (the school provides the bikes and helmets). The school is certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and offers more advanced courses for those who want to hone their skills even further; classes are held in the Salt Lake City area (Murray and Taylorsville), Ogden, Orem, and Provo.

How to Get a License

If you already have a Utah driver license, you will merely need to take the written and skills test to receive a motorcycle endorsement (or just the written test, if you can provide proof of completion of a motorcycle rider education course approved by the Driver License Division).

A motorcycle endorsement to your existing license costs only $9.50 and is available to any licensed driver, regardless of age. However, the law says that riders under 18 must always wear approved headgear.

If you do not have a Utah driver license, then you may get a motorcycle-only license if you are 16 or over. Your parent or guardian will need to sign your application if you are under 18, and all applicants will be required to pass at least a written test.

The Driver License Division may choose to waive the road skills portion of the test if you completed an approved rider training course. A learner’s permit is available if needed. A motorcycle-only license costs $27.50. Again, riders under 18 are required by law to wear approved headgear.

The steps to get your motorcycle license are essentially the same as those for getting a regular driver license:

1. Complete a motorcycle rider training course if desired (highly recommended).
2. If you are under 18, have a parent or guardian sign your application.
3. For an endorsement, show only your current driver license. For a motorcycle-only license, show proof of name, birthday, resident address, legal presence if necessary, and Social Security or individual tax ID number (ITIN)?choose from the DLD’s approved list.
4. Pay the applicable fees ($34.50 for a motorcycle-only license, or $9.50 for a motorcycle endorsement on your driver license).
5. Complete a medical questionnaire and vision test at the driver license field office where you apply (may not be required for an endorsement).
6. Pass the required written and/or road test.

For more details, see Applying For a New License on this site.

Although motorcycles and mopeds seem worlds apart from four-wheeled vehicles, obtaining your motorcycle or moped license or endorsement is similar to obtaining your license or endorsements for other vehicles in Tennessee.

License and Endorsement Requirements

You can apply for all motorcycle licenses and endorsements at your local driver license station. The fee is $20.50 for a motorcycle-only license, and $38 for both a regular driver license and motorcycle endorsement.

All applicants will need to provide the same documentation as required for regular driver’s licenses, and those younger than 18 must provide a Minor/Teenage Affidavit and Cancellation Form.

Types of Motorcycle Licenses in Tennessee

Motorcycle Learner’s Permit (Class P-M)

The permit is valid for one year, and once you turn 16 you can upgrade the permit to a regular motorcycle license. To get a motorcycle learner’s permit, you must be at least age 15. While you have your learner’s permit you must:

• Operate a motorcycle with only a 650 cc cylinder or smaller

• Operate only during daylight hours

• Operate only within 20 miles of your home

• Never carry passengers

• Never use the interstate system

Motorcycle Only (Class M)

The license is allows you to operate any two or three-wheeled vehicle with a 125 cc or greater cylinder, and is valid for four years. You must:

• Be at least age 16 (or 15 if you hold a special permit; certain restrictions apply)

• Pass vision, written, and on-cycle skills tests

Motorcycle-secondary (Class M)

This endorsement is added to and will expire at the same time as another type of license, such as a regular Class D license. You must:

• Already possess another type of operator license

• Pass vision, written, and on-cycle skills tests

Motor-driven Cycle (Class M Limited)

The license is valid for four years. You must:

• Be at least age 15

• Operate only two or three-wheeled vehicles with no more than 125 cc cylinders

• Operate only between 4 a.m. and 8 p.m. (if between the ages of 15 and 16)

• Operate only within 20 miles of your home (if between the ages of 15 and 16)

• Comply with the restrictions set forth by the Examiner (if 16 or older)

Motorized Bicycle

Operating a motorized bicycle doesn’t require any special license or endorsement, but you must already possess an operator license. Anyone between the ages of 15 and 16 without a valid driver’s license may apply for a restricted license to ride a motorized bicycle. The bicycle doesn’t need to be registered or titled.

Testing

Before you can obtain your motorcycle license, you must pass a knowledge test which will consist mostly of situational, multiple choice questions; and an on-cycle skill test to demonstrate your riding skills.

Motorcycle Training Courses

Riding a motorcycle offers a degree of freedom when you hit the open road, but that freedom comes with a price. The lack of metal protection that a car affords you means that you need to be even more careful as you straddle your bike and merge into traffic.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) provides Motorcycle RiderCourses to help you learn to operate your motorcycle safely and sharpen your riding skills. The MSF offers a Basic RiderCourse (BRC) and an Experienced RiderCourse (ERC). You can find a beginning or experienced rider course near you by calling 1-800-446-9227 or online.

For more information, visit Tennessee’s Motorcycle Rider Education Program website, call (615) 232-2913 or write to them at:

• Motorcycle Rider Education Program

• John Milliken, Program Coordinator

• 275 Stewarts Ferry Pike

• Nashville, TN 37214

• Fax: (615) 532-3606

Note that all applicants who successfully complete a State Certified Motorcycle Rider Education Course will be exempt from both the knowledge and the skills tests, and will receive a 10% liability insurance discount if they pass the vision test, as well.

Additional Education

The Tennessee Department of Safety (DOS) offers the Tennessee Motorcycle Manual both online using the free Adobe Reader or at any driver license station.

The manual provides everything you’ll need to know, as well as a sample practice knowledge test and possible requirements during your on-cycle test.

For registration information, visit our Motorcycle Registration section.

All applicants must be at least age 15, and applicants under the age of 18 must first pass a driver education course before applying. The completed Form PDLA, will certify school attendance and practice driving time.

Note that all applicants under the age of 18 must also have a parent or legal guardian present when signing the application.

If you are an adult driver over the age of 18, you will need to take the following information and forms of identification to the DMV when you apply for your motorcycle license:

• Certified birth certificate

• Social Security card

• Proof of residency

• Proof of insurance

• The appropriate fees?$12.50 for five years and $25 for 10 years

Motorcycle Safety Foundation

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers a safety course for motorcycle riders throughout the state.

The 15-hour course is offered over consecutive weekends, or a few days. It provides riders with hands-on motorcycle driving experience and covers all aspects of bike riding. Taking the course will also help reduce your insurance rates as much as 20%.

Mopeds

People wishing to operate a moped in South Carolina must be at least age 14, already have a driver’s license, motorcycle license, permit, or moped license.

Applicants for a moped operator’s license are required to submit the same documents as for any other license.

After completing the safety course, you’ll receive a certificate from CCRI. Bring this certificate and your Rhode Island driver’s license to any DMV location to obtain your motorcycle permit. You will be charged a $26.50 permit fee. Credit cards are accepted.

You then must go through a 30 day “trial” period without procuring any tickets or being involved in any accidents while operating your motorcycle. If you clear this hurdle, you’re free to return to any DMV location for your permanent motorcycle license. Bring your permit, driver’s license, and $26.50 for a new photo license with your motorcycle endorsement.

If you’re a new resident with a motorcycle endorsement from another state, you are not required to enroll in a motorcycle safety class. But, you are required to bring your current license/endorsement to any DMV office in order to receive a new one from Rhode Island.

In addition to a regular driver’s license, motorists in Oregon may obtain a motorcycle instruction permit or endorsement for the operation of motorcycles (you are NOT required to obtain a permit before applying for an endorsement).

The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) promotes professional motorcycle training through the Team Oregon program. This provides professional training for both beginners and experienced riders, preparing them for real-world riding and traffic. The course covers skills including:

• Braking maneuvers

• Effective turning

• Protective apparel

• Avoiding obstacles

• Traffic strategies

• Maintenance

The basic course is required for all new motorcycle endorsement applicants 30 years old and younger. More information on the beginning or experienced rider course and Team Oregon motorcycle safety program, fees and schedule is available on the Team Oregon website or by calling (800) 545-9944.

Instruction Permits

A motorcycle instruction permit in Oregon authorizes motorcycle operation during daylight, under the supervision of a licensed motorcycle driver who is at least 21 years old and in visual contact with the permit holder. To obtain this permit, you must apply in person at the DMV office and meet the following requirements:

• Oregon resident

• At least 16 years old

• provide proof of identity and address

• Possess a regular Oregon driver license

• Complete a Driver License/Identification Card Application

• Pass a motorcycle endorsement knowledge test, based on the Oregon Motorcycle and Moped Operating Manual

• Pass a vision screening test

• Pay appropriate testing and issuance fees

• Not have suspended or revoked driving privileges in Oregon or any other state

If you are younger than 18 years old, you must obtain a parent or guardian’s signature for the Driver License/ID Card application, unless you’re married or emancipated.

Motorcycle instruction permits are valid for one year from the date they are issued, but are not renewable. If a permit is expired, but it has only been one year or less, you may re-apply for an original motorcycle instruction permit. After one year of expiration, you must successfully complete the knowledge and vision tests and pay the fees again.

Motorcycle Endorsement on Your License

To obtain a motorcycle endorsement, which authorizes the operation of any size motorcycle, you must apply in person at the DMV and meet the following requirements:

• Oregon resident

• At least 16 years old

• Provide proof of identity and address

• Possess a regular Oregon Driver License

• Complete a Driver License/Identification Card Application

• Pass a motorcycle endorsement knowledge test and an on-cycle drive test, or present a Basic Rider Training Completion Card from the Team Oregon Motorcycle Safety Program

• Pass a vision screening test

• Pay appropriate testing and issuance fees

• Not have suspended or revoked driving privileges in Oregon or any other state

If you are younger than 18 years old, you must obtain a parent or guardian’s signature for the Driver License/ID Card application, unless you’re married or emancipated. If you are younger than 21 years old, you must complete a Team Oregon Motorcycle Basic Rider Training Course.

Fees

There are no fees for either the motorcycle permit knowledge test or motorcycle endorsement drive test. However, there is a fee for the permit ($23.50); the license is $87 for eight years.

The Oregon DMV does not accept credit or debit cards, but does accept checks with proper ID, and cash machines are available at most locations.