Pennsylvania Motorcycle Driver’s License

If you prefer the thrill of riding a motorcycle than any other vehicle, the State of Pennsylvania requires you to have a motorcycle driver’s license or Class M license to legally operate a motorcycle on public roads. In order to have a motorcycle driver’s license, you first need a permit from the Department of Transportation (Penn DOT) and to pass a basic motorcycle knowledge test. The learner’s permit will allow you to ride a motorcycle only between sunrise and sunset and under the supervision or instruction of an individual who holds a valid Class M license. The Class M permit does not allow you to carry any passengers other than an instructor properly licensed to operate a motorcycle. This permit will be valid for 1 year and will cost you $10.00.

Basic Requirements for the License

To obtain a Class M learner’s permit, you have to follow these steps:

• Get an application form for a Motorcycle learner’s permit (DL-5) and study the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator’s Manual.
• You are required to get and pass the vision screening test and the motorcycle knowledge test. Upon successful completion, you will be issued a learner’s permit.

• Following the receipt of your learner’s permit, you can schedule your skills test at your local Driver License Center or schedule training through the Motorcycle Safety Program . If you choose to go to a Motorcycle Safety Program course, a skills evaluation will be administered by a certified Rider Coach at the end of the training. If you pass the skills evaluation you are not required to report to a Driver’s license center to take the test; the licensing examination is waived.

Note:

• If you are under 18 years old, you must practice riding with your learner’s permit for at least 6 months and complete 50 hours of practical driving experience before your 18^th birthday. After completing this requirement, you may test for a motorcycle license at either the Driver’s license center or through the PAMSP
• You can either practice for your skills test on your own time or enroll in a motorcycle safety program in Pennsylvania. The program is free and will provide 15 hours of safety instruction while supplying bikes and helmets. Upon completion of the program, your permit will automatically upgrades to full motorcycle driver’s license (Class M) status.
• Only certain Driver License Centers  offer 3-wheeled motorcycle skills testing therefore make sure to review the list of 3-wheeled motorcycle skills testing locations before you schedule an appointment to make sure that the center offers testing on this type of vehicle.

Required Documents

When applying for a motorcycle driver’s license or endorsement, you are required to furnish documents as proof of your identity. Before heading into the nearest DMV office in Pennsylvania, make sure that you have the following documents:

• Certified or original Birth certificate from any state
• Driver’s license or instruction permit issued in another state
• U.S. passport
• U.S. military ID card ( active, retired, reserve)
• Pennsylvania ID card
• Social security number
• Marriage certificate

After completing all the aforementioned prerequisites and passing all the required tests, you will be issued a motorcycle driver’s license or endorsement that will allow you to ride a motorcycle anywhere in Pennsylvania.