Motorcycle License Age Requirements by State and License Class

Minimum age depends on the type of motorcycle license you want

You can get a motorcycle license at different ages depending on the class of bike and whether you want to ride alone or with restrictions. Most states let you ride a motorized bicycle or moped at 14 or 15, a restricted motorcycle at 15 or 16, and an unrestricted motorcycle at 16 or 17. A few states allow full motorcycle licenses at 14. The exact age in your state depends on engine size, whether you've completed a safety course, and whether you already hold a regular driver's license.

The reason for these age tiers is that smaller bikes and restricted licenses come with lower insurance costs and simpler handling. States use engine displacement (measured in cubic centimeters, or cc) and horsepower to sort bikes into categories. A 50cc moped is treated very differently from a 600cc sport bike, and the law reflects that difference.

Key Takeaways

Mopeds and motorized bicycles can usually be ridden at 14 or 15 with a separate endorsement, not a full motorcycle license.
Restricted motorcycle licenses (often for bikes under 500cc) are available at 15 or 16 in most states, sometimes without a full driver's license.
Unrestricted motorcycle licenses typically require you to be 16 or 17 and usually require passing a written test, riding skills test, and vision screening.
Completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course or state-approved rider training can lower the minimum age by one year in some states and waive the riding test in others.
Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website lists the exact age, engine size limits, and required documents for each motorcycle license class.

Mopeds and motorized bicycles: 14 to 15 years old

A moped or motorized bicycle is the entry point for most young riders. These are defined by engine size — usually 50cc or smaller — and top speed, typically capped at 30 or 40 mph. You can ride one at 14 in some states and 15 in others, and you do not need a full motorcycle license. Instead, you get a moped endorsement added to a regular driver's license, or in some cases a separate moped-only permit.

The requirements are lighter than for a motorcycle: you usually need to pass a written test about moped rules and safety, pass a vision screening, and provide proof of identity and residency. Some states waive the written test if you complete a safety course. You typically do not need to take a riding skills test on the road or at a testing facility. Insurance is cheaper for mopeds than motorcycles, and many states do not require it at all, though your parents' homeowner's policy may cover damage you cause.

Restricted motorcycle licenses: 15 to 16 years old

A restricted motorcycle license lets you ride a bike larger than a moped but smaller than a full-size motorcycle. The restriction usually applies to engine size — often 500cc or less — and sometimes to horsepower. You can get one at 15 in some states and 16 in others. The restriction stays on your license until you reach a certain age (usually 18 or 21) or pass an additional test on a larger bike.

To get a restricted license, you typically need a regular driver's license first, though a few states let you get a motorcycle-only license without one. You must pass a written test on motorcycle rules and safety, a vision screening, and a riding skills test. The riding test is usually conducted by the state at a testing facility or by an approved third party, and it covers basic maneuvers like starting, stopping, turning, and swerving. Some states let you skip the riding test if you complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course or a state-approved rider training program.

The age requirement can drop by one year if you finish a safety course before you test. For example, if your state normally requires 16 for a restricted license, you might be able to test at 15 if you have a course certificate. Check your state's DMV website to see whether this applies where you live.

Unrestricted motorcycle licenses: 16 to 17 years old

An unrestricted motorcycle license lets you ride any bike, regardless of engine size or horsepower. You can get one at 16 in most states and 17 in a few. You must have a regular driver's license first in nearly all states. The testing process is the same as for a restricted license — written test, vision screening, and riding skills test — but you take the riding test on a full-size motorcycle, not a restricted one.

If you already hold a restricted license, you can usually upgrade to unrestricted once you reach the age your state sets for unrestricted riders (often 18 or 21). You may need to pass another riding test or straightforward pay a fee and update your license, depending on your state's rules. Some states let you skip the riding test if you hold an MSF course certificate, even for the unrestricted upgrade.

How a motorcycle safety course can lower the age requirement

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and state-approved rider training programs offer courses that can reduce the minimum age by one year in many states. These courses typically run 15 to 20 hours over two to three days and cover classroom instruction, video, and hands-on riding practice. You learn on a school bike, not your own, so you do not need to own a motorcycle to take the course.

When you finish, you get a course completion certificate. Present this to your DMV, and you can often test at a younger age than the standard minimum. Some states also waive the riding skills test if you hold an MSF certificate, meaning you only need to pass the written test and vision screening. This can save you weeks of practice and the cost of a riding test appointment. Not all states honor MSF certificates for age reduction or test waiver, so check your state's DMV website before you enroll.

State-by-state age differences and engine size limits

Motorcycle license ages and restrictions vary significantly by state. Some states set a single age for all motorcycle licenses (for example, 16 for both restricted and unrestricted), while others have separate ages for mopeds, restricted bikes, and full licenses. Engine size limits for restricted licenses range from 250cc to 750cc depending on the state. A few states do not use engine size at all; instead, they restrict by horsepower or straightforward require a separate test for larger bikes.

Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website lists the exact age, engine size limits, and required documents for each class. Some states publish this information in a motorcycle handbook or a separate guide. If the website is unclear, call your local DMV office — they can tell you the minimum age for each license type and whether a safety course will lower it. Do not rely on information from other states or from motorcycle forums, because the rules change frequently and differ widely.

What you need to bring to test for a motorcycle license

When you go to test, bring proof of identity (a passport or state ID), proof of residency (a utility bill or lease in your name), and your regular driver's license if you already have one. You will also need a motorcycle to ride during the skills test, unless your state lets you use a school bike provided by the testing facility. Some DMV offices have bikes available; others require you to bring your own or arrange one through a safety course.

If you are under 18, you may need a parent or guardian's signature on your process. Some states require parental consent for riders under 16 or 18. Check your state's requirements before you go, because missing a document means a wasted trip. Bring your safety course certificate if you have one, because it may waive the riding test or lower your testing fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a motorcycle license without a regular driver's license?

In most states, no — you need a regular driver's license first. A few states let you get a motorcycle-only license without one, but this is rare. Check your state's DMV website to see whether a motorcycle-only path exists where you live.

What if I fail the riding skills test?

You can retake it, usually after waiting a few days or weeks. The waiting period and retake fee vary by state. Some states let you retake the test the same day; others require you to wait. Ask the testing officer or your DMV office what the retake policy is before you leave.

Do I need insurance to ride a motorcycle?

Most states require motorcycle insurance if you ride on public roads. A few states do not mandate it, but your parents' homeowner's or auto policy may require it anyway. Check your state's requirements and your insurance policy before you ride.

Can I ride a motorcycle with a learner's permit?

Some states issue motorcycle learner's permits that let you practice with restrictions — usually no passengers, no night riding, and a licensed rider nearby. Others do not have a learner's permit for motorcycles. Check your state's rules; if a permit exists, it can be a good way to practice before you test for a full license.

Does my age restriction ever go away?

Yes. Once you reach the age your state sets for unrestricted licenses (often 18 or 21), you can upgrade from a restricted to an unrestricted license. You may need to pass another test or straightforward pay a fee and update your license, depending on your state.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.