How old to have a motorcycle license

To apply for a Motorcycle license between the age of 14 and 16, you must appear before a Driver License Examiner, present the required documentation and take a vision and the basic law written exam.  You will have to present a completion certificate showing you have completed a basic riders course approved by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. Under the age of 16, you have to hold a learner permit for a minimum of 30 days. The Learner Permit will allow you to operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle.

Applicants also have the option of taking the written test at a Career Tech Testing Center. There is a $25.00 fee associated with this and the applicant will still have to visit a DPS location for the vision test and to be issued the permit. Click here for more information on Career Tech testing.

The restricted licensee may apply on or after thirty (30) days from date of issuance of the restricted class D license with a motorcycle-only restriction to have the restriction of being accompanied by a licensed driver removed by successfully completing the driving portion of an examination. If the licensee presents a completion card showing that the applicant has completed the Motorcycle Safety FoundationCourse, the road test and written test will be waived.

The joy of driving a motorcycle is incomparable. Although it can be fun, it’s also risky. Obtaining a valid motorcycle license, permit, or endorsement is one way to protect riders’ and others’ safety. A license shows the operator is trained and allowed to be on public roads. It can also save the rider from fines or jail time. 

Continue reading for information about when and how to get a motorcycle license in the United States. 

At what age can you get a motorcycle license in the U.S.?

How old to have a motorcycle license
A student motorcycle rider | Jean-François Monier/AFP via Getty Images

The required age to get a motorcycle license depends on your state. In most states, you can get a license, permit, or endorsement at 16 years old. Other states, such as South Dakota, North Dakota, and Arkansas, allow 14-year-olds to hold motorcycle licenses. 

According to Biker Rights, Hawaii, Arizona, and Missouri allow teens aged 15½ to obtain a motorcycle license. However, there are some restrictions. For instance, they cannot ride at night or carry passengers. 

In some states, riders can get a motorcycle permit, especially beginners. A permit is mainly given to motorcycle learners above 16 years. To obtain this, you must take a riding exam and ride under supervision for several weeks. With a permit, you are not allowed to carry passengers. 

Other states, such as Colorado and Florida, don’t require a separate specialized license. Instead, riders must already possess a valid driver’s license and then get a motorcycle endorsement to ride on public roads. An endorsement is a modification to an existing driver’s license that shows the holder is a trained rider.

Operating a motorcycle on private land vs. public roads

I got a motorcycle license today. Now I just need a bike!

— Ross Lynch ? (@RossLynch) October 28, 2015

There is no U.S. age restriction for riding a motorcycle on private land. But the operator must have an experienced rider supervising to avoid injury or death.

However, a rider must be old enough to get a license to operate a motorcycle on public roads. Otherwise, a permit is a must. A driver’s license is not enough to allow a rider on public roads unless it is endorsed. 

Requirements to obtain a motorcycle license 

To qualify for a motorcycle license, you must do the following:

  • Meet the age requirment — your state law will guide you regarding the right age. However, in most states, it’s 15 or 16. 
  • Obtain a motorcycle permit — in some states, such as Alaska, you need a motorcycle permit to get the license. This permit is valid for about two years. You take tests to qualify for it. 
  • Submit payment — you pay a fee to receive the motorcycle license. This fee varies by state but is usually $25 to $100. The cost differs based on experience, license type, and age. Young and inexperienced riders tend to pay more. An endorsement is cheaper than a license because it is just a modification. 
  • Show proof of experience and/or training — to get the license, you must pass the DMV license test. Passing this test requires training and experience. You can attend a motorcycle safety program or work with an instructor for several days to help you pass the test for your license. 

RELATED: 10 Kids Motorcycles Your Little One Will Be Thrilled to Ride

How do I get my motorcycle license in Netherlands?

You do need to be in possession of a driving license B, or a motorcycle theory certificate. The motorcycle licence comprises two parts: first the AVB (vehicle control) and then AVD (traffic participation). If you are 18 years old, you can take the exam for a motorcycle with a cylinder capacity up to 125 cc and 11 kW.

What motorbike can I ride at 18 UK?

A1 licence (allowing you to ride a 125cc bike) if you are 17 or over. A2 licence (limiting you to a bike up to 35kw) if you are 19 and over. A licence (allowing you to ride any bike of any sized engine) if you are 24 or over.

When can I ride a motorcycle?

If you're wondering how old you need to be to ride a motorcycle, while some jurisdictions will issue motorcycle licenses as young as 14 years of age, most states issue learners permits to riders over the age of 16 and after you have taken a driving exam.

How do I get AM license in Netherlands?

To obtain a moped driving licence (category AM) in The Netherlands you must take a CBR Moped Theory Test and an on-road CBR Riding Test. You can reserve a slot for the CBR Theory Test from 15 years of age onwards, but you can only take this test when you are 15,5.