Motorcycle licenses are sorted by engine size and riding type, and the class you need depends on the bike you want to ride

The class of motorcycle license you hold determines which motorcycles you are legally allowed to operate. Most U.S. states use a letter-based system — typically Class M, Class A, Class B, or variations of those — where each class corresponds to engine displacement (measured in cubic centimeters, or cc) and sometimes to transmission type or whether the bike has a sidecar. A motorcycle with a 50cc engine requires a different license class than a 500cc bike, and some states distinguish between automatic and manual transmissions.

The specific class names and their engine thresholds vary by state. What counts as a Class A motorcycle in one state may be called something different in another, and the cc cutoffs are not uniform across all 50 states. Before you buy or ride, you need to know what your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency calls each class and what engine size each one covers.

Key Takeaways

  • Motorcycle license classes are defined by engine size (in cubic centimeters), and riding a bike larger than your license permits is illegal and voids your insurance.
  • Most states use Class M or Class A for full-size motorcycles (typically 500cc and up), and Class M1 or Class B for smaller bikes (under 500cc).
  • Some states have separate classes for automatic-transmission scooters and manual-transmission motorcycles, even at the same engine size.
  • Your state's DMV website lists the exact cc thresholds for each class and what test you must pass to get that class.
  • Riding a motorcycle without the correct license class on your record can result in fines, license suspension, and denial of insurance claims.

How states define motorcycle license classes by engine size

Most states organize motorcycle licenses into two or three main classes based on engine displacement. A common structure is:

  • Class M or Class A: Full-size motorcycles, typically 500cc and above. Some states set the threshold at 500cc; others use 600cc or do not specify a minimum at all, meaning any motorcycle qualifies.
  • Class M1 or Class B: Smaller motorcycles, usually under 500cc. This class often includes scooters and mopeds.
  • Class M2 or Moped Class: Very small motorized bicycles and scooters, typically under 50cc or 100cc depending on the state.

California, for example, uses Class M for all motorcycles and Class M1 and M2 for smaller bikes. Texas uses Class M for motorcycles over 250cc and Class M for motorcycles 250cc and under. New York has Class M for motorcycles and Class MJ for junior riders under 18. The names and thresholds shift from state to state, which is why checking your own state's DMV rules is essential before you ride.

A few states also distinguish between automatic transmission and manual transmission bikes within the same engine size. If you pass your test on an automatic scooter, your license may restrict you to automatic bikes only, even if you later want to ride a manual motorcycle of the same cc. You would need to take another test or pass a waiver to remove that restriction.

What happens if you ride a motorcycle without the correct license class

Riding a motorcycle that exceeds your license class is a traffic violation in every state. The penalties typically include a fine (often $100 to $500 or more), points on your driving record, and possible license suspension. Some states treat it as a misdemeanor if the violation is flagged during a traffic stop or accident.

Beyond legal penalties, riding without the correct license class will almost certainly void your motorcycle insurance. If you are in an accident and the insurer discovers you were operating a bike outside your license class, they can deny your claim entirely, leaving you personally liable for medical bills, property damage, and legal costs. This is one of the most common reasons insurance companies refuse to pay motorcycle accident claims.

Additionally, if you are stopped by police and do not have the correct class on your license, you may be cited for driving without a valid license for that vehicle, which is treated more seriously than a straightforward equipment violation.

How to find out what class you need for a specific motorcycle

The first step is to look up your motorcycle's engine displacement in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's specification sheet. This number is always listed in cubic centimeters (cc). Once you have the cc, go to your state's DMV website and find the page on motorcycle license classes. Most DMV sites have a table or chart showing which cc range corresponds to which class.

If your state's DMV website is unclear, call the motorcycle licensing section directly. They can tell you the exact cc threshold for each class and whether your specific bike model falls into Class A, Class B, or another designation. Some states also allow you to email a photo of your bike's VIN or registration to the DMV for confirmation.

Do not assume that because a bike is small or looks like a scooter it falls into a lower class. A 300cc scooter may legally require a full Class A or Class M license in your state, while a 50cc automatic scooter may only need a Class M2 or moped endorsement. The engine size, not the appearance, determines the class.

Getting the right license class before you ride

To obtain a specific motorcycle license class, you must pass a written test and a riding skills test (called a road test or practical exam) for that class. Some states allow you to take both tests at the DMV; others require you to pass a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course first, which can waive the riding test if you pass.

The written test covers traffic laws, motorcycle-specific rules, and safe riding practices. The riding test evaluates your ability to control the motorcycle, brake, turn, and navigate obstacles. Both tests are designed to confirm you can safely operate a bike of that engine size and type.

If you already hold a motorcycle license for one class and want to add a higher class, you typically only need to pass the riding test for the new class; the written test may be waived. If you want to add a restriction removal (such as removing an automatic-only restriction), you may only need to pass a riding test, not the full licensing process again.

Differences between motorcycle classes and endorsements

A motorcycle license class is the main category that determines which bikes you can ride. An endorsement is an additional notation on your license that allows you to operate a specific type of vehicle or removes a restriction. For example, you might hold a Class M license with an "M1" endorsement for smaller bikes, or a Class M license with a restriction that says "automatic transmission only."

Some states use the terms interchangeably or structure their system differently. In some places, "Class M" is the license and "M1" and "M2" are endorsements you add to it. In others, M, M1, and M2 are separate license classes entirely. The terminology varies, but the principle is the same: your license document specifies which motorcycles you are legally permitted to ride.

If you hold a license for a lower class and want to ride a higher-class bike, you cannot straightforward add an endorsement — you must obtain the higher class through testing. Endorsements typically add permissions or remove restrictions; they do not upgrade you to a larger engine size.

Common mistakes when choosing a motorcycle license class

One frequent error is assuming that because you can ride a 50cc scooter without a motorcycle license in your state, you can ride any small bike without one. Many states allow unlicensed operation of bikes under 50cc, but a 100cc or 150cc scooter requires a full motorcycle license, even though it feels similar to ride. Always check the cc threshold for your state, not the feel of the bike.

Another mistake is taking the test on an automatic scooter to save time, then later buying a manual motorcycle and assuming you can ride it. If your license is restricted to automatic transmission, you cannot legally ride a manual bike. You would need to pass another test or request a restriction waiver. Plan ahead: if you think you might want to ride manual motorcycles in the future, take your initial test on a manual bike.

A third error is not updating your license when you buy a larger bike. Some riders think their old license still covers them or that the insurance company will not notice. Both assumptions are wrong. Your license must match the bike you are riding, and your insurance company will verify this during a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. A standard car driver's license does not permit you to operate any motorcycle, regardless of engine size. You must obtain a separate motorcycle license or endorsement. Some states allow you to ride bikes under 50cc without a motorcycle license, but anything larger requires one.

What if I buy a motorcycle that is larger than my current license class allows?

You cannot legally ride it until you pass the test for the higher class. Riding it anyway is a traffic violation and will void your insurance. You must take the written and riding tests for the new class before you operate the bike on public roads.

Do I need to take the test again if I move to a different state?

Most states recognize out-of-state motorcycle licenses and will issue you a license in your new state without retesting, as long as your old license is valid and shows the same class. However, some states have different class definitions, so confirm with your new state's DMV. You may need to pass a test if the classes do not align.

Can I remove an automatic-only restriction from my license?

Yes, but you must pass a riding test on a manual motorcycle to do so. You cannot remove the restriction by taking a written test alone. Contact your state's DMV to find out how to schedule a restriction-removal test and what bike you need to bring.

What is the difference between a motorcycle license and a motorcycle endorsement?

A motorcycle license is a separate license category that allows you to ride motorcycles. An endorsement is an addition to your driver's license that grants permission for a specific vehicle type or removes a restriction. Some states issue a standalone motorcycle license; others add a motorcycle endorsement to your regular driver's license. The legal effect is the same.