What a Class D license lets you ride in Arizona
A Class D license in Arizona is the motorcycle endorsement that lets you legally operate any motorcycle on public roads. Without it, you cannot ride a motorcycle even if you hold a regular driver's license. The Class D is separate from your car license — you need both the base driver's license and the motorcycle endorsement added to it.
Arizona calls this endorsement "Class D" on your physical license card. You will see it printed as a letter code in the endorsements section. This is different from a learner's permit (which has restrictions on when and where you can ride) and different from a three-wheel motorcycle endorsement, which is Class D-8.
The Class D covers all motorcycles, including cruisers, sport bikes, touring bikes, and standard bikes. It does not cover mopeds (which need a Class M endorsement instead) or three-wheel motorcycles.
Key Takeaways
- You must hold a valid Arizona driver's license before you can add a Class D motorcycle endorsement to it.
- Arizona offers two paths to the Class D: pass the written and riding tests through the Department of Transportation, or complete an approved motorcycle safety course and waive the tests.
- The motorcycle safety course route is faster and does not require you to own or have access to a motorcycle for testing.
- You must be at least 16 years old to get a Class D, but riders under 18 face additional restrictions on engine size and riding hours.
- The written test covers motorcycle-specific rules, hazard recognition, and safe riding practices; the riding test is conducted on a closed course with an examiner.
The two routes to getting your Class D endorsement
Arizona gives you two ways to add the Class D to your license. The first is to pass the motorcycle written test and the riding test through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The second is to complete an approved motorcycle safety course, which waives both tests.
The safety course route is the path most riders choose because it is faster, does not require you to own a motorcycle, and the course provides the bike and all safety gear. You take the course, pass it, and the course provider sends your completion certificate directly to ADOT. You then visit a Motor Vehicle Division office to add the endorsement to your license.
The test route requires you to study the motorcycle handbook, pass a written exam at an ADOT office, and then schedule and pass a riding test on your own motorcycle (or a borrowed one that meets ADOT specifications). This path takes longer because test appointments can be weeks out, and you need access to a street-legal motorcycle.
How to take the motorcycle safety course
Find an approved motorcycle safety course provider through the Arizona Motorcycle Safety Program. The program maintains a list of certified instructors and schools across the state. Most courses run two to three days, with classroom time on the first day and riding practice on the second and third days.
Courses typically cost between $200 and $350, depending on the provider and location. You do not need to own a motorcycle — the course provides one for training. You do need to bring a valid driver's license, proof of insurance (your car insurance is fine), a helmet, and protective clothing (long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a jacket). Many courses rent helmets and gear if you do not have your own.
After you pass the course, the provider issues a completion certificate. Take this certificate to any Arizona Motor Vehicle Division office along with your current driver's license and payment for the endorsement fee (currently $12). The office adds the Class D to your license on the spot, or you receive it by mail within two weeks.
Taking the written and riding tests through ADOT
If you choose not to take a safety course, you must pass both a written test and a riding test. Start by studying the Arizona Motorcycle Handbook, which is free and available on the ADOT website. The written test covers motorcycle operation, hazard recognition, protective gear, and Arizona traffic laws specific to motorcycles.
Schedule your written test at any Motor Vehicle Division office. The test is 30 questions, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day. Once you pass the written test, you are may be able to access to schedule the riding test.
The riding test is conducted on a closed course at an ADOT testing facility. You bring your own motorcycle (or a borrowed one that meets safety standards) and your helmet. The examiner watches you perform basic maneuvers: starting, stopping, turning, and emergency braking. The test takes about 15 minutes. You must demonstrate safe control and follow all instructions. If you fail, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day.
Age requirements and restrictions for riders under 18
You must be at least 16 years old to get a Class D motorcycle endorsement in Arizona. However, riders under 18 face engine size restrictions and riding hour limitations that do not explore to adults.
If you are under 18, your motorcycle cannot exceed 250 cubic centimeters (cc) of engine displacement. This means you cannot ride a full-size motorcycle until you turn 18. You also cannot ride between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m., and you must wear a helmet at all times (this is required for all riders under 18, regardless of engine size).
These restrictions are printed on your license. Once you turn 18, you can return to a Motor Vehicle Division office and request the restrictions be removed. There is no additional test or fee — the office straightforward updates your license.
Documents and fees you need
To add a Class D endorsement, bring your current Arizona driver's license to a Motor Vehicle Division office. If you completed a safety course, also bring the completion certificate from the course provider. If you passed the ADOT tests, you do not need additional documents — the office has your test results on file.
The endorsement fee is currently $12 and covers the cost of reissuing your license with the new endorsement. Payment methods vary by office but typically include cash, debit, and credit cards. You will receive your new license either when ready (if the office has a license printer) or by mail within two weeks.
If you are under 18, bring proof of age (your birth certificate, passport, or state ID). You will also need to show proof of insurance, though your existing auto insurance policy counts — you do not need a separate motorcycle policy to get the endorsement.
What happens after you get your Class D
Once the Class D is added to your license, you can legally ride any motorcycle on Arizona public roads. However, Arizona law requires all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing. Riders under 18 must wear a helmet; riders 18 and older may ride without a helmet if they carry proof of insurance and have completed a safety course or passed the riding test.
You are also required to carry proof of insurance on your motorcycle. Arizona does not require you to have a separate motorcycle insurance policy — your auto insurance may cover a motorcycle, but you should contact your insurance company to confirm. If your auto policy does not cover motorcycles, you will need to purchase a motorcycle policy before riding.
Keep your license and insurance proof with you whenever you ride. Law enforcement can stop you and ask to see both. Riding without a valid endorsement or without proof of insurance carries fines and can result in your license being suspended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a motorcycle with just a regular driver's license?
No. A regular Arizona driver's license does not permit you to ride a motorcycle. You must have the Class D endorsement added to your license. Riding without it is illegal and can result in fines and license suspension.
Do I have to take a motorcycle safety course, or can I just take the tests?
You can choose either path. The safety course waives both the written and riding tests, so many riders prefer it because it is faster and does not require you to own a motorcycle. The test route is free but takes longer and requires access to a street-legal bike.
What if I fail the riding test?
You can retake the riding test after waiting at least one day. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it. Each attempt costs the same fee. Many riders pass on their second or third attempt after practicing the maneuvers.
Can I ride a motorcycle at night if I am under 18?
No. Riders under 18 cannot ride between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m. This restriction is printed on your license. Once you turn 18, you can request the restriction be removed at any Motor Vehicle Division office at no cost.
Do I need motorcycle insurance before I get my Class D?
You do not need insurance to take the safety course or pass the tests. However, you must have proof of insurance before you legally ride on public roads. Contact your auto insurance company to see if your policy covers motorcycles, or purchase a separate motorcycle policy.