The basic path to a Maryland motorcycle license

Maryland issues a motorcycle endorsement added to your existing driver's license, not a separate license. You can get it by passing a written test and a riding skills test, or by taking an approved motorcycle safety course that waives both tests. The fastest route for most people is the safety course — it takes one or two days, costs between $150 and $250, and you walk out with your endorsement without stepping into the DMV.

If you choose the test route instead, you'll need to pass the motorcycle knowledge test at your local Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, then schedule a separate riding skills test. The whole process typically takes several weeks because the riding test has a waiting list.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland offers a motorcycle safety course that covers both the written and riding test requirements in one or two days, letting you skip the MVA testing process entirely.
  • If you take the safety course route, you'll receive a completion certificate to bring to the MVA, where staff will add the endorsement to your license on the spot.
  • The test-only route requires passing the motorcycle knowledge exam at an MVA office, then scheduling a separate riding skills test that may have a weeks-long wait.
  • You must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid Maryland driver's license before you can get a motorcycle endorsement.

Taking the Maryland motorcycle safety course

The Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program runs courses through the Maryland Department of Transportation. These courses are taught by certified instructors and cover basic motorcycle operation, safety, and road awareness. Most courses run Friday evening through Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, and cost between $150 and $250 depending on the provider.

To register for a course, visit the Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program website or call their office directly. You'll need to provide your name, date of birth, and current driver's license number. Courses fill up, especially in spring and summer, so register as soon as you know your schedule. When you complete the course, you'll receive a completion certificate (called an MSF card or safety course certificate).

Take that certificate to any MVA office along with your valid driver's license and proof of Social Security number. The MVA staff will add the motorcycle endorsement to your license while you wait — usually within 15 minutes. There is no additional fee for adding the endorsement itself, though you may pay a small fee if your license needs to be reissued.

The written test and riding test route

If you don't take a safety course, you'll need to pass two separate tests. First, schedule an appointment at your local MVA office to take the motorcycle knowledge test. This is a written exam covering Maryland traffic laws, motorcycle-specific rules, and safe riding practices. You can study using the Maryland Motorcycle Operator's Manual, which is free on the MVA website.

After you pass the written test, you'll need to schedule a separate appointment for the riding skills test. This test is administered by MVA examiners and takes place in a controlled lot or low-traffic area. You'll demonstrate basic motorcycle control, turning, stopping, and obstacle avoidance. The riding test has a waiting list that varies by location — some offices have openings within two weeks, while others may have a month or longer wait.

You must bring your own motorcycle or have someone with a valid motorcycle endorsement bring one for you. The bike must be street-legal and registered in Maryland. If you don't own a motorcycle, some MVA offices partner with local riding schools that rent bikes for the test, though you'll need to arrange this in advance.

What documents you'll need

For either route — safety course or tests — you'll need a valid Maryland driver's license and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of Social Security can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a bank statement showing your full number.

If you're taking the safety course, bring your completion certificate and these documents to the MVA. If you're taking the test route, bring your driver's license and Social Security proof to your written test appointment, and bring the same documents plus your motorcycle to your riding test appointment.

Age requirements and restrictions

You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle endorsement in Maryland. If you're 16 or 17, you'll receive a restricted endorsement that limits you to motorcycles under 50 cubic centimeters (cc) and prohibits riding between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you're traveling to or from work or school. These restrictions lift when you turn 18.

You must also hold a valid Maryland driver's license before you can add a motorcycle endorsement. If you don't have a driver's license yet, you'll need to get one first by passing the written and driving tests for a regular license.

Finding an MVA office and scheduling appointments

Maryland has MVA offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check their hours on the MVA website. Many offices now use an online appointment system where you can book a time slot for the written test. For the riding test, you'll typically need to call the office directly or visit in person to schedule, since the waiting list is managed locally.

Wait times vary significantly by location and season. Urban offices like Baltimore and Annapolis tend to have shorter waits for written tests but longer waits for riding tests. Rural offices may have fewer course offerings but sometimes shorter test wait times. If your local office has a long wait, you can travel to a different county's MVA office to take your test.

Costs and fees

The motorcycle safety course costs between $150 and $250, depending on which provider you choose. The Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program website lists all approved providers and their current prices.

If you take the test route instead, there is no fee for the written test or the riding test themselves. However, if you need to renew or reissue your driver's license to add the endorsement, the MVA may charge a small fee — typically $5 to $10 — depending on whether your license is being renewed or straightforward amended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the motorcycle safety course if I don't own a motorcycle yet?

Yes. The safety course provides motorcycles for students to use during the class. You don't need to own a bike to take the course or pass the riding test. However, if you choose the test-only route, you'll need to bring your own motorcycle or arrange to borrow one for the riding test.

What happens if I fail the riding test?

You can retake the riding test after waiting a set period — usually 10 days to two weeks, depending on the MVA office. You'll need to schedule another appointment and pay any applicable fees. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.

Do I need a motorcycle endorsement to ride a motorcycle on public roads in Maryland?

Yes. Riding a motorcycle without a valid endorsement is illegal in Maryland and can result in a citation and fine. The endorsement must be on your driver's license or you must carry a separate motorcycle license.

Can I get a motorcycle endorsement if I have a suspended or revoked driver's license?

No. Your driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended or revoked, you'll need to resolve that issue with the MVA before you can add a motorcycle endorsement.

How long does the motorcycle endorsement last?

The motorcycle endorsement stays on your license as long as your driver's license is valid. When your driver's license expires and you renew it, the endorsement renews with it at no additional cost.