A Class B endorsement lets you drive certain vehicles that a standard license does not cover
A Class B endorsement is an addition to your driver's license that permits you to operate specific types of vehicles beyond what your base license class allows. The exact vehicles covered depend on your state, but Class B endorsements typically authorize you to drive motorcycles, motorized bicycles, or mopeds — depending on engine size and design. Some states use different naming systems, so what one state calls a Class B another might call a motorcycle endorsement or a separate license class altogether.
You cannot legally drive these vehicles with only your standard driver's license. If you operate a vehicle that requires an endorsement and you do not have it, you can be cited for driving without the proper license class, even if you are otherwise a safe and experienced driver. The endorsement itself costs money and requires you to pass both a written test and a riding skills test in most states.
Key Takeaways
- A Class B endorsement authorizes you to ride motorcycles or motorized two-wheelers, depending on your state's definitions and engine size limits.
- You must pass a written knowledge test and a practical riding skills test to receive the endorsement; you cannot straightforward add it to an existing license.
- The cost, testing requirements, and exact vehicles covered vary significantly by state, so you need to check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles rules.
- Riding without the proper endorsement is a traffic violation that can result in a citation even if you are an experienced rider.
What vehicles require a Class B endorsement
Most states that use a Class B endorsement require it for motorcycles — two-wheeled motorized vehicles with an engine. The engine size threshold varies: some states require an endorsement only for bikes above 50 cubic centimeters (cc), while others require it for any motorcycle regardless of engine size. A few states also include motorized bicycles or mopeds under Class B, though many treat those as a separate category.
The safest approach is to contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles directly or visit their website, because the definition of what counts as a Class B vehicle changes from state to state and sometimes changes within a state when laws are updated. If you own a vehicle and are unsure whether you need the endorsement, the vehicle's registration paperwork or the manufacturer's specifications will tell you the engine size, and you can match that against your state's rules.
How to get a Class B endorsement
The process begins with a written test at your local DMV office. This test covers motorcycle safety, road rules specific to riding, and handling of emergency situations. You study using your state's motorcycle handbook, which the DMV provides free online or in print. Most states allow you to take the written test without any prior training, though some require proof of completion of a motorcycle safety course before you can take the skills test.
After you pass the written test, you schedule a practical riding skills test. You bring your own motorcycle or moped (or use one provided by a testing facility if your state offers that option), and a DMV examiner watches you perform specific maneuvers — figure-eights, emergency stops, and controlled turns at low and high speeds. You must demonstrate that you can balance, steer, and brake safely. If you fail either the written or skills test, you can retake it after a waiting period, which varies by state but is usually a few days to a week.
Some states waive the skills test if you complete an approved motorcycle safety course, often called a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course or a state-equivalent program. These courses run one to three days and teach both classroom and hands-on riding skills. Taking the course costs money (typically $100 to $300) but can save you time and the stress of the DMV skills test.
Cost and timeline for getting the endorsement
The written test itself costs between $10 and $50 depending on your state. The skills test, if you take it at the DMV, usually costs $25 to $75. If you choose a motorcycle safety course instead, expect to pay $100 to $300 for the course, but you avoid the DMV skills test fee. Adding the endorsement to your existing license typically costs $10 to $30.
The timeline depends on how quickly you can schedule tests and how many attempts you need. If you pass both the written and skills tests on your first try, you can complete the process in two to four weeks from start to finish — one week to study and take the written test, then another week or two to schedule and pass the skills test, then a few days for the DMV to issue your updated license. If you take a motorcycle safety course instead, you can often complete it in a single weekend, then submit your course certificate to the DMV and receive your endorsement within days.
Differences between Class B and other motorcycle-related licenses
Some states do not use a Class B system at all. Instead, they issue a separate motorcycle license class (often called Class M) or they use a different letter system. A few states have multiple tiers — for example, a Class M for standard motorcycles and a Class M-1 for larger bikes or three-wheeled vehicles. The name and structure vary, but the concept is the same: you need a separate authorization to ride a motorcycle legally.
A learner's permit for motorcycles is different from an endorsement. A learner's permit allows you to ride under certain restrictions — usually only during daylight, only on certain roads, and only with a licensed rider present. An endorsement is the full license that removes those restrictions. Most states require you to hold a learner's permit for a set period (often 30 to 90 days) before you can test for the full endorsement.
What happens if you ride without a Class B endorsement
Riding a motorcycle without the proper endorsement is a traffic violation in every state. The penalty varies but typically includes a fine of $100 to $500, points added to your driving record, and possible license suspension. In some states, the violation is classified as a misdemeanor if it is a repeat offense, which can result in jail time in addition to fines.
Beyond the legal consequences, riding without an endorsement can complicate insurance claims. If you are in an accident and your insurance company discovers you were not properly licensed to ride that vehicle, they may deny your claim, leaving you responsible for all medical bills and property damage. This is one reason why getting the endorsement before you ride is important — it protects you legally and financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a motorcycle with just my regular driver's license?
No. A standard driver's license does not authorize you to ride a motorcycle. You must have a Class B endorsement or the equivalent in your state. Riding without it is a traffic violation, even if you are an experienced rider.
Do I have to take a motorcycle safety course to get the endorsement?
Not always. Most states allow you to take the written and skills tests at the DMV without a course. However, some states waive the skills test if you complete an approved safety course, which can be faster and less stressful than the DMV test.
What if I fail the skills test?
You can retake it after a waiting period, usually a few days to a week. There is no limit on how many times you can attempt it. Many people pass on a second or third try after practicing more or getting additional instruction.
Does a Class B endorsement from one state transfer if I move?
Not automatically. When you move to a new state, you must get a new driver's license from that state. Some states recognize out-of-state endorsements and let you transfer it without retesting, but others require you to pass their written and skills tests. Check with your new state's DMV before you move.
Can I get a Class B endorsement if I have had traffic violations?
Most traffic violations do not disqualify you from getting a motorcycle endorsement. However, some states may deny or delay the endorsement if you have a suspended license, a DUI conviction, or multiple recent violations. Contact your state's DMV to learn about your specific situation affects your may be able to access.