Motorcycle licenses are sorted into classes based on engine size and power

A motorcycle license class tells you what size and type of bike you are legally allowed to ride. The class system exists because larger, more powerful motorcycles require different skills and pose different risks than smaller ones. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles assigns a class when you pass the written test and riding skills test for that category.

The most common classes are Class M (or Class A in some states), which covers all motorcycles with no engine size limit, and Class M1 (or Class A1), which restricts you to bikes under a certain engine size — usually 125cc or 250cc depending on your state. Some states also have intermediate classes for bikes between 250cc and 500cc. A few states use letter combinations like AM, A2, or A1 instead of numbers.

Your age, riding experience, and the type of bike you want to ride determine which class you should pursue. If you want to ride a full-size motorcycle right away, you need the unrestricted class. If you are starting out or prefer smaller bikes, a restricted class may be simpler to test for and less expensive to insure.

Key Takeaways

  • Class M or Class A licenses allow you to ride any motorcycle with no engine size limit, while Class M1 or Class A1 restrict you to smaller bikes, usually 125cc or 250cc.
  • Your state determines the exact class names and engine size thresholds, so the specific classes available depend on where you live.
  • You must pass both a written test and a riding skills test to earn a motorcycle license in any class.
  • Restricted classes are often easier to test for if you are new to riding, but you will need to upgrade to an unrestricted class if you want to ride larger motorcycles later.

Class M and Class A: No engine size limit

The unrestricted motorcycle license class — called Class M in most states, or Class A in a few — allows you to ride any motorcycle, regardless of engine size or power output. This includes cruisers, sport bikes, touring bikes, and any other type of motorcycle you choose. Once you hold this class, you never need to upgrade or restrict yourself based on what bike you own.

To earn Class M or Class A, you must pass the motorcycle written test and the riding skills test in your state. The riding test typically involves demonstrating basic control — starting, stopping, turning, and swerving — on a closed course. Some states require you to be at least 16 or 18 years old; others have no age minimum if you pass the test. A few states allow you to test for the unrestricted class only after holding a restricted class for a set period, usually six months to a year.

Class M1 and Class A1: Restricted to smaller bikes

Restricted motorcycle license classes limit you to bikes under a specific engine size. Class M1 or Class A1 typically caps you at 125cc, though some states use 250cc as the threshold. These classes exist to let new riders start on smaller, lighter, easier-to-control motorcycles before moving to full-size bikes.

The written and riding tests for restricted classes are often the same difficulty as the unrestricted test, but you only need to demonstrate control on a smaller bike. Once you hold a restricted class, you can ride any bike under the engine size limit. To ride larger motorcycles, you must pass the test again for the unrestricted class — you cannot straightforward upgrade without retesting in most states.

Intermediate classes: A2 and other middle options

Some states offer intermediate classes between the smallest and largest categories. Class A2, used in a handful of states, typically covers bikes between 125cc and 500cc or between 250cc and 500cc, depending on the state. These classes appeal to riders who want something larger than a beginner bike but are not yet ready for a full-size motorcycle.

Intermediate classes follow the same testing structure as other classes: you pass a written test and a riding skills test on a bike in that size range. The availability and exact engine size limits vary by state, so check your state's DMV website to see whether an intermediate class exists where you live.

How age affects which class you can test for

Most states allow riders as young as 14 or 15 to test for a restricted class on a smaller motorcycle. The unrestricted class often requires you to be 16 or older, though some states have no age requirement if you pass the test. A few states require you to hold a restricted class for a minimum period — often six months to one year — before you can test for the unrestricted class, regardless of age.

Check your state's DMV website for the exact age requirements and any waiting periods. If you are under the age requirement for the class you want, you can still test for a restricted class now and upgrade later once you meet the age threshold.

What happens if you ride a bike outside your class

Riding a motorcycle larger than your license class permits is a traffic violation in every state. The penalty is typically a fine, though in some states it can also result in points on your driving record or a suspended license. Your insurance may also deny a claim if you were riding outside your licensed class at the time of an accident.

If you own a bike that exceeds your current class limit, you must test for the appropriate unrestricted class before riding it on public roads. Testing again takes a few hours and costs the standard motorcycle license test fee in your state, which is usually between $20 and $50.

Upgrading from a restricted class to unrestricted

To upgrade from a restricted class to an unrestricted one, you must pass the motorcycle written test and riding skills test again. You do not need to retake the test on the same size bike — you can test on a full-size motorcycle even if you currently hold a restricted class. Most riders find the unrestricted test no harder than the restricted test, since the skills being tested are the same.

Schedule your test through your state's DMV the same way you did for your first motorcycle license. Bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residence. The test fee is the same as it was for your initial class. Once you pass, your license is updated to the unrestricted class, usually on the spot or within a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. A motorcycle license is separate from a car license in every state. You must pass a motorcycle-specific written test and riding skills test to legally ride a motorcycle on public roads, even if you hold a valid car license.

What is the difference between a Class M and a Class A license?

Class M and Class A are the same thing — different states straightforward use different names for the unrestricted motorcycle license. Both allow you to ride any motorcycle with no engine size limit. Check your state's DMV to see which term your state uses.

Do I have to start with a restricted class or can I test for unrestricted right away?

In most states, you can test for the unrestricted class when ready if you meet the age requirement. A few states require you to hold a restricted class for a set period first. Check your state's DMV website to see whether a waiting period applies where you live.

If I get a restricted license now, can I upgrade to unrestricted later without retesting?

No. You must pass the written test and riding skills test again to upgrade from a restricted class to an unrestricted one. The test is the same as the first time, and the fee is the same as well.

What engine size is 125cc or 250cc in real terms?

Engine size in cubic centimeters (cc) measures the volume of the engine's cylinders. A 125cc bike is typically a small, lightweight motorcycle suitable for beginners — think of a bike you might rent at a tourist destination. A 250cc bike is noticeably larger and faster but still considered entry-level. A full-size motorcycle often ranges from 500cc to 1200cc or larger.