Virginia requires a written test, riding skills test, and a valid driver's license before you can ride a motorcycle on public roads

To get a motorcycle license in Virginia, you need to pass a knowledge test about motorcycle laws and safety, demonstrate riding ability on a closed course, and already hold a valid Virginia driver's license or learner's permit. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) administers both tests. You can take the knowledge test at any DMV office, but the riding skills test is only offered at specific locations and requires you to bring your own motorcycle or use one provided by an approved training course.

The entire process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can compress it significantly if you complete an approved motorcycle safety course. That course can waive both the knowledge and skills tests, which is the fastest path for most people.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia requires a valid driver's license or learner's permit before you can test for a motorcycle endorsement.
  • You can pass the knowledge test at any DMV office, but the riding skills test is only offered at select locations and requires a motorcycle.
  • Taking an approved motorcycle safety course waives both the knowledge and skills tests, saving weeks of preparation.
  • The motorcycle endorsement costs $10 and is added to your existing driver's license, not issued as a separate document.
  • You must be at least 16 years old to ride a motorcycle in Virginia, but riders under 18 face restrictions on engine size and riding hours.

What you need before you start

You must already hold a valid Virginia driver's license or a learner's permit. If you do not have either, you will need to get a driver's license first by passing the written and vision tests at a DMV office. Bring your Social Security card, proof of Virginia residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of identity (passport or birth certificate).

You also need to be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18, Virginia law restricts you to motorcycles with engines no larger than 50 cubic centimeters and prohibits riding between midnight and 4 a.m. unless you are traveling to or from work or school.

Have your current driver's license with you when you go to the DMV to test or explore for the endorsement. You will also need to pay a $10 fee for the motorcycle endorsement, which is added to your existing license rather than issued separately.

The knowledge test route

If you do not take a safety course, you must pass a written knowledge test at a DMV office. The test covers Virginia motorcycle laws, safe riding practices, hazard recognition, and proper use of brakes and acceleration. You can study using the Virginia DMV Motorcycle Manual, available free on the DMV website or in print at any DMV office.

The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can retake it if you fail, but there is typically a waiting period between attempts. After you pass the knowledge test, you move on to the riding skills test.

Schedule your knowledge test appointment online through the Virginia DMV website or by calling your local DMV office. Walk-ins are sometimes accepted but may have long wait times, especially in urban areas.

The riding skills test and where to take it

The riding skills test is a practical demonstration of your ability to control a motorcycle safely. You must bring your own motorcycle or arrange to use one through an approved training course. The test takes place on a closed course at one of Virginia's designated testing locations, which include select DMV offices and approved training facilities.

The test evaluates your ability to start and stop smoothly, turn at various speeds, swerve to avoid obstacles, and maintain control in different riding situations. You must wear a helmet, eye protection, long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes. Bring your valid driver's license and proof that you passed the knowledge test.

Contact your local DMV office or check the Virginia DMV website to find which locations offer riding skills tests near you. Testing availability varies by location and season, and some locations book weeks in advance.

Using an approved motorcycle safety course to skip both tests

Taking an approved motorcycle safety course is the fastest way to get your endorsement. The course covers classroom instruction and hands-on riding practice, usually over one or two days. Upon completion, you receive a certificate that waives both the knowledge test and the riding skills test at the DMV.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course is the most widely recognized program in Virginia. Many community colleges, vocational schools, and private training facilities offer MSF courses or Virginia-approved alternatives. Courses typically cost between $150 and $300 and include the use of a training motorcycle, helmet, and protective gear.

After you complete the course, take your certificate to a DMV office along with your driver's license and the $10 endorsement fee. The DMV will add the motorcycle endorsement to your license on the spot, usually within minutes. This route eliminates weeks of studying and scheduling separate tests.

The DMV appointment and endorsement process

Once you have passed both the knowledge and skills tests (or completed an approved safety course), go to a DMV office with your driver's license, proof of the test results or course certificate, and $10. Bring your Social Security card and proof of residency if your license information has changed since you last renewed it.

The DMV will verify your test results, collect the fee, and add the motorcycle endorsement to your existing driver's license. You will receive your updated license when ready or within a few days by mail, depending on the office. The endorsement appears on your license as a restriction code and allows you to legally operate a motorcycle on Virginia roads.

If you are under 18, the endorsement will include the engine size and time-of-day restrictions required by Virginia law. These restrictions remain until you turn 18, at which point you can request an updated license without them.

Restrictions for riders under 18

Virginia law limits young riders to motorcycles with engines of 50 cubic centimeters or smaller until they turn 18. This restriction applies whether you obtained your endorsement at 16 or 17. You also cannot ride between midnight and 4 a.m. unless you are traveling directly to or from work, school, or a court-ordered activity.

These restrictions are printed on your license and are enforced by law enforcement. Violating them can result in fines and license suspension. Once you turn 18, you can explore for a new license without these restrictions at any DMV office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a motorcycle license if I do not have a driver's license yet?

No. Virginia requires a valid driver's license or learner's permit before you can test for or receive a motorcycle endorsement. If you do not have a driver's license, you must pass the written and vision tests for a standard license first.

How long does it take to get a motorcycle license in Virginia?

If you take an approved safety course, you can have your endorsement within a few days of completing the course. If you test separately, the timeline depends on how quickly you can schedule and pass both the knowledge and skills tests, which typically takes two to four weeks.

What if I fail the riding skills test?

You can retake the test after a waiting period, usually a few days to a week. Contact the DMV location where you tested to schedule your next attempt. Taking a safety course before retesting can help you prepare and may be faster than scheduling another DMV test.

Do I need to bring my own motorcycle to the riding skills test?

You can bring your own motorcycle if it is registered and insured, or you can use one provided by an approved training course. If you are taking a safety course, the course provides the motorcycle as part of the program.

What happens to my motorcycle endorsement if I move out of Virginia?

Your Virginia motorcycle endorsement is valid only in Virginia. If you move to another state, you will need to obtain a motorcycle license or endorsement from that state's DMV. Most states recognize safety course certificates, so you may be able to waive tests there as well.