Louisiana Motorcycle Driver’s License

The operator of any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle as well as of motorized bicycle/moped, that exceed 5 horsepower, regardless of its maximum speed and size of motor, must have an “M” endorsement on one of the basic classes of operator’s license.  The endorsement allows you to operate the vehicle on the streets, highways and roadways of Louisiana. This endorsement is not required to operate motorcycles or motor driven cycles under 5 horsepower. However, the motorcycle endorsement is only issued after the applicant has taken and successfully passed tests  specifically designed for the operation of motorcycles.

Basic Requirements for the license

In order to obtain a motorcycle endorsement, you have to go to your local license office and complete the following requirements:

• Possess a valid Louisiana driver license or learner’s permit – Applicants who are 15 or 16 years old and hold a learner’s permit are restricted to driving within a distance of three miles from their residence, unless a parent, tutor or the other person having custody is temporarily staying at another location where the applicant would be restricted to due to the three miles from home limitation.
• Successfully complete the motorcycle road rules test and skills test with a score of 80% – to take the road rules and skills test, applicants must furnish the motorcycle used in the test. The motorcycle must have a current license plate, insurance and current inspection sticker. A motorcycle helmet is also required.

Avoiding the skills test

An operator’s skills test or written test is not required to an applicant who has successfully completed the Department of Public safety, Motorcycle Safety, Awareness and Operators Training Program on or after October 28, 2011. Any certificate with a course completion date prior to October 28, 2011 will exempt the holder from the skills test requirement ONLY.

Note: An operator’s skills test is not required to an applicant who has successfully completed the Harley-Davidson Rider’s Edge New Rider Course. The applicant only has to present the original certificate of completion to the Office of Motor Vehicles.

If you do not meet these waiver requirement (and I guessing if you are reading this you do not meet the date deadline), you can still take the course with info and schedule found here – Louisiana Motorcycle Safety, Awareness, and Operator Training Program.  After the completion of the program, applicants must provide the original certificate of completion to the Office of Motor Vehicles for the endorsement. Once you received your motorcycle driver’s endorsement, be sure to register your motorcycle before you can start riding in the streets. You also have to follow the Louisiana traffic law they imposes on riders of motorcycles, motor-driven cycles and power cycles listed below:

• Riders are required to wear an approved safety helmet and eye protection.
• Motorcycles, motor-driven cycles or power cycles must be inspected yearly.
• Riders must carry their basic operator’s license with motorcycle endorsement.
• Riders must keep proof of current liability or other approved security in their motorcycle at all times.

Only by getting a motorcycle driver’s license or endorsement and by following the traffic rules and regulations given above,  can you legally operate a motorcycle freely and enjoy the privilege of riding a motorcycle down Louisiana’s streets, highways and roadways.