If you are ready to begin your journey as a motorcyclist, your first step will be to earn a motorcycle license. We believe that completing a beginning rider training course is the best way for new riders to gain skills and confidence on the bike while also earning a motorcycle license. In most states successful completion of a Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy New Rider Course or a similar state-approved private course will qualify you for a motorcycle license, and you’ll get professional instruction.

If taking a new rider course is not an option for you, another path is to obtain a motorcycle instruction permit – often just called a learner’s permit – that will allow you to legally ride on the road while you build up skills, experience and confidence and prepare to earn a full motorcycle license. Each state dictates its own regulations regarding the motorcycle instruction permits, so you can visit your local DMV office or your state DMV website to get the details specific to your state. However, below we answer some more general motorcycle permit FAQs to get you ready and on the bike.

Motorcycle Permit FAQs

An instructional motorcycle permit is a temporary and usually limited permit to ride legally on public roads. It’s intended to give you an opportunity to hone your riding proficiency before taking a skills test to earn your full motorcycle license. It is illegal to ride on the road without either an instructional permit or a full license.

With the instruction permit you may ride legally on public roads. The permit is temporary and intended to give you time to practice riding before taking the skills test for a full motorcycle license. The permit may have some restrictions, such as no riding after dark or on four-lane freeways or require wearing a helmet.

The instructional permit usually expires after six months, and it may not allow or limit riding after dark or in bad weather, and in some cases on four-lane roads. With the permit you may be required to wear a motorcycle helmet in states where a helmet is not always required. If you are under age 18, you may be required to have the endorsement of a parent or guardian to apply for the permit. Contrarily, a motorcycle license is usually permanent and has no restrictions if you are over the age of 18.

Earning the permit usually requires passing a short motorcycle knowledge test, a signs test and a vision test, usually all conducted in a DMV facility. The test will be based on a motorcyclist handbook you can likely obtain from your DMV or download online. There may be practice tests online, and you may also have to pay a fee.

The minimum age is typically 16 years of age. If you are under 18, you may need sponsorship from a parent or guardian to show proof that you completed an approved driver education course and show proof of enrollment in a basic motorcycle rider course.

Yes. There is a basic knowledge test, usually written or completed using a touch screen at the DMV facility.

Most tests are 25 to 30 questions.

No, the test is administered at a DMV office. However, you can take practice tests online beforehand if you wish.

Each state has a different fee, but it is typically about $30. Check with your local state’s DMV for more information on price.

You will probably need to go to a state DMV office or facility, or its equivalent; the same location that handles other drivers license, registration and title requests.

You will take the test at your state DMV office or the equivalent.

Yes. In most states you do not need to have a regular driver’s license to earn a motorcycle instructional permit or a regular motorcycle license. If you are under 18, you may need sponsorship from a parent or guardian to show proof that you completed an approved driver education course and show proof of enrollment in a basic motorcycle rider course.

• If you are over 18 you must pass a motorcycle knowledge course and usually a signs test and a vision test.

• If you are under 18 you may need sponsorship from a parent or guardian, to show proof that you completed an approved driver education course and to show proof of enrollment in a basic motorcycle rider course.

The permit is usually valid for six months. In most states the permit can be renewed. Some states limit the number of renewals. Check with your local state’s DMV for more information on length of validation.

Most states require a score of 80 percent correct answers on the knowledge test. The test will be based on a motorcyclist handbook you can obtain from your DMV or download online.

Most often a big fine. In most states the fine is the same as for riding or driving without a license, ranging from $200 to $1,000.

It depends. Some study time and a visit to the DMV office is needed. It's recommended to study before the test so you can pass the test the first time you take it.

No motorcycle gear is required to take the test and earn a motorcycle instructional permit. However, to ride with the permit you will usually be required to wear an approved motorcycle helmet and eye protection. Harley-Davidson recommends that all motorcycle riders wear a DOT approved helmet, eye protection, full-fingered gloves, a long sleeve shirt and sturdy jeans or riding pants, and sturdy over-the-ankle footwear.

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