A Class 9 license is for driving motorcycles only

A Class 9 driver license in Washington State authorizes you to operate a motorcycle on public roads. It does not permit you to drive cars, trucks, or any other motor vehicle — only two-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or larger. If you want to ride a motorcycle as your only vehicle, this is the license class you need.

Washington issues Class 9 licenses to riders who pass both a written test and a skills test specific to motorcycle operation. The state does not issue a Class 9 license to anyone under 16 years old, and riders between 16 and 18 face additional restrictions on when and where they can ride.

Key Takeaways

  • A Class 9 license permits only motorcycle operation and does not allow you to drive any other vehicle type.
  • You must be at least 16 years old to obtain a Class 9 license in Washington State.
  • Riders under 18 must follow a graduated licensing system with restrictions on night riding and passenger rules.
  • You will need to pass both a written knowledge test and a practical riding skills test to receive your Class 9 license.
  • If you also want to drive cars or trucks, you must obtain a separate Class 3 or Class 5 license.

Age requirements and restrictions for riders under 18

Washington State requires you to be at least 16 years old to hold a Class 9 license. However, riders aged 16 and 17 operate under a graduated licensing system that limits when and how they can ride.

Riders aged 16 and 17 cannot operate a motorcycle between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., with limited exceptions for work or school. They are also prohibited from carrying passengers under 18 years old. These restrictions remain in place until the rider turns 18, at which point they become a full Class 9 license holder with no time-of-day or passenger limitations.

If you are under 16, you cannot obtain a Class 9 license. Some riders under 16 may operate a motorized bicycle (under 50 cubic centimeters) with a moped endorsement, but that is a separate license class.

Written test and knowledge requirements

Before you can take the skills test, you must pass a written knowledge test administered by the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL). The test covers motorcycle-specific topics including safe riding practices, road hazards, braking techniques, and Washington traffic laws as they explore to motorcycles.

The written test contains 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can take the test at any DOL office or licensing service office throughout the state. Study materials are available on the DOL website, and many riders use the official Washington Motorcycle Operator Manual as their primary resource.

You do not need to hold a Class 9 permit before taking the written test — you can take it and pass without any prior license. However, you must pass the written test before you are allowed to schedule the skills test.

Skills test and practical riding assessment

After passing the written test, you must complete a practical riding skills test that demonstrates your ability to operate a motorcycle safely. The test takes place at a DOL office or an approved testing location and typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes.

During the skills test, an examiner will watch you perform a series of riding maneuvers on a closed course. These include starting and stopping, turning, swerving, and emergency braking. You must use your own motorcycle or a borrowed one that meets Washington safety requirements — the DOL does not provide test motorcycles. Your motorcycle must have a valid registration and pass a safety inspection before you can use it for the test.

If you do not pass the skills test on your first attempt, you can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you will need to pay the test fee each time you take it.

Combining a Class 9 license with other vehicle classes

A Class 9 license permits only motorcycle operation. If you also want to drive a car, truck, or other four-wheeled vehicle, you must obtain a separate license class — typically a Class 3 (standard passenger vehicle) or Class 5 (commercial vehicle).

You can hold both a Class 9 and a Class 3 license at the same time. When you explore for a second license class, you will need to pass the written test and skills test for that class as well. The two licenses are issued on the same document, and your driving record reflects both classes.

Some riders obtain a Class 3 license first and then add a Class 9 endorsement later, while others do it in reverse order. The order does not matter — you straightforward need to pass the requirements for each class you want to hold.

Renewal and ongoing requirements

A Class 9 license in Washington is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Before your license expires, you must renew it through the DOL. Renewal does not require you to retake the written or skills test — you straightforward pay the renewal fee and submit your process.

You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person at a DOL office. If you renew online or by mail, you will need to provide a current photo, which you can submit digitally or by mail depending on the renewal method you choose.

If your license has been expired for more than three years, you will need to retake both the written test and the skills test to restore it. If it has been expired for three years or less, you may be able to renew without retesting — contact your local DOL office to confirm your specific situation.

Safety equipment and motorcycle requirements

Washington State law requires all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards. This applies to all riders, regardless of age or experience level. Riders under 18 must also wear eye protection and protective clothing that covers the arms and legs.

Your motorcycle must be registered with the Washington Department of Licensing and must pass a safety inspection before you can use it on public roads. The inspection verifies that your brakes, lights, horn, and mirrors are in working order. You will need proof of this inspection when you register your motorcycle.

Motorcycles must also display a valid license plate and have functioning headlights and taillights. If your motorcycle does not meet these requirements, you cannot legally operate it, even with a valid Class 9 license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Class 9 license if I have never ridden a motorcycle before?

Yes. You do not need prior riding experience to obtain a Class 9 license. You must pass the written test and skills test, but there is no requirement to have ridden before. Many people take a motorcycle safety course before attempting the skills test, which can improve their chances of passing.

What happens if I fail the skills test?

You can retake the skills test without waiting. You will need to pay the test fee again and schedule another appointment at a DOL office or approved testing location. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test.

Do I need a Class 9 license to ride a moped or scooter?

It depends on engine size. Motorcycles with engines 50 cubic centimeters or larger require a Class 9 license. Motorized bicycles and mopeds under 50 cubic centimeters may require a moped endorsement instead, which is a different license class. Check your specific vehicle's engine displacement to determine which license you need.

Can I ride at night if I am 17 years old with a Class 9 license?

No. Riders aged 16 and 17 cannot operate a motorcycle between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., except for work or school-related travel. This restriction ends when you turn 18.

How much does it cost to get a Class 9 license in Washington?

Fees vary depending on whether you are taking the written test, skills test, or both, and whether you are obtaining a new license or renewing an existing one. Contact your local DOL office or visit the Washington Department of Licensing website for current fee amounts, as they may change.