Motorcycle licenses are classified by engine size and rider experience, and the class you need depends on the bike you want to ride

Most U.S. states use a Class M license as the standard motorcycle endorsement, but some states break it into subcategories based on engine displacement (measured in cubic centimeters, or cc). A few states still use older letter systems. The class you hold determines what you're legally permitted to operate on public roads — riding a bike outside your license class is a violation, even if you own the motorcycle.

The specific classes available and their engine limits vary by state. Some states offer only one motorcycle class; others offer two or three tiers. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency publishes the exact breakdown for your location, and that's the document you need to check before taking a test or buying a bike.

Key Takeaways

  • Class M is the standard motorcycle license in most states, but some states split it into M1 (larger bikes) and M2 (smaller bikes) based on engine size.
  • Engine displacement limits vary by state — a 500cc bike might be legal under one state's M2 class but require an M1 in another.
  • Your state's DMV website lists the exact cc limits for each class and what you can legally ride under each one.
  • Some states allow you to test for a lower class first and upgrade later; others require you to test at the class level of the bike you own.

How states structure motorcycle license classes

The most common structure is a single Class M that covers all motorcycles, with no engine size restriction. This is the approach used by California, Florida, Texas, New York, and many others. You pass one test and can legally ride any motorcycle, from a 125cc scooter to a 1200cc cruiser.

Other states use a two-tier system. Colorado, for example, offers Class M1 (over 700cc) and Class M2 (700cc and under). Oregon uses M1 (over 35 horsepower) and M2 (35 horsepower and under). A few states, including Washington and Nevada, use similar splits but with different cc thresholds. The reasoning is that smaller bikes are easier to control and require less training, so newer riders can start there.

A handful of states still use older letter designations — Class D or Class E for motorcycles — but these function the same way: they're endorsements that go on your driver's license and specify what you can ride. The letter or number is less important than the engine size limit attached to it.

Engine size limits and what they mean

Engine displacement is measured in cubic centimeters (cc) and represents the total volume of air and fuel the engine can draw in per cycle. A 125cc bike is small and lightweight, typically used for beginners or city riding. A 500cc bike is mid-sized and suitable for highway use. A 1000cc or larger bike is a full-size cruiser or sport bike with significant power.

If your state has a two-tier system, the lower class usually caps out between 500cc and 700cc, and the upper class has no limit. If you hold a lower-class license and buy a bike that exceeds the cc limit for your class, you cannot legally ride it on public roads until you test for the higher class. Some states allow you to test up to your bike's class; others require you to test at the class level of the bike you currently own.

A few states also reference horsepower instead of cc. This matters because a 500cc bike from one manufacturer might produce different horsepower than a 500cc bike from another. If your state uses horsepower limits, check your specific bike's specs against the state's threshold, not just the engine size.

How to find your state's motorcycle license classes

Your state's DMV or Department of Licensing website publishes a motorcycle handbook or licensing guide that lists every class, the engine size or horsepower limit for each, and what you can legally ride. Search "[your state] DMV motorcycle license classes" or "[your state] motorcycle endorsement" to find it.

The handbook also explains what you need to bring to the test, whether you can test on a borrowed bike or must use your own, and whether you need to pass a written test, a riding skills test, or both. Some states waive the riding test if you complete an approved motorcycle safety course; others require both. This varies significantly, so the handbook for your specific state is the only reliable source.

If you cannot find the information online, call your local DMV office directly. Staff can tell you the classes available in your state, the cc limits for each, and what you need to do to test for the class you want.

Testing for a motorcycle license at your class level

Most states require you to test at the class level of the bike you plan to ride. If you own a 900cc cruiser and your state has M1 and M2 classes, you must test for M1. You cannot test for M2 first and then upgrade later — you test once, at the level your bike requires.

A few states do allow you to test for a lower class first. If you start on a 400cc bike and later buy a 1000cc bike, you can return to the DMV and test for the higher class without retesting for the lower one. This is less common, so check your state's rules before assuming you can do this.

The test itself usually includes a written component (covering road rules and motorcycle-specific safety) and a riding skills test (where an examiner watches you maneuver the bike in a parking lot or closed course). Some states allow you to substitute an approved motorcycle safety course for the riding test. The course typically takes one or two days and covers both classroom instruction and hands-on riding.

Restrictions that come with lower motorcycle license classes

If your state has a two-tier system and you hold the lower class, you are restricted to bikes under that class's cc limit. Riding a bike above that limit is a traffic violation, even if you own it and even if you are a skilled rider. The restriction exists because the state's licensing system assumes that riders with lower-class licenses have not demonstrated the skills needed for larger bikes.

Some states also impose age restrictions on lower classes. A few require riders under 18 to hold a lower class for a set period before testing for a higher one. Others allow any age to test for any class. These rules are state-specific and are listed in the motorcycle handbook.

Upgrading to a higher class usually requires passing a new riding test. Some states waive the written test if you already hold a lower motorcycle class, but most require you to demonstrate riding skills at the higher level. The process is straightforward: contact your DMV, schedule a test, and bring a bike that meets the higher class's requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride a motorcycle with just a regular driver's license?

No. A standard driver's license does not permit you to operate a motorcycle on public roads. You need a motorcycle endorsement (Class M or equivalent) added to your license. Riding without one is a violation, even if you own the bike.

What if I buy a bike that's larger than my license class allows?

You cannot legally ride it on public roads until you test for the higher class. You can own the bike, store it, and work on it, but operating it without the correct license class is a traffic violation. You will need to schedule a riding test at your DMV for the appropriate class.

Do I have to test on my own bike, or can I use a rental or borrowed bike?

This varies by state. Some states require you to test on your own bike; others allow you to use a rental or borrowed bike as long as it meets the class requirements and is registered and insured. Check your state's motorcycle handbook or call your DMV to confirm what's allowed in your location.

If I take a motorcycle safety course, do I still have to pass the DMV riding test?

Many states waive the riding test if you complete an approved motorcycle safety course, but not all. Some states require both the course and the test. A few states accept the course in place of the written test but still require a riding test. Your state's DMV website will specify which tests can be waived by course completion.

Can I hold multiple motorcycle license classes at the same time?

Yes. If your state has M1 and M2 classes, you can hold both. Once you test for M1, you are permitted to ride any motorcycle. Holding M2 alone means you can only ride bikes under the M2 cc limit. There is no reason to hold only the lower class once you have tested for the higher one.