Delaware Motorcycle Driver’s License

Any person who operates a motorcycle, motorbike or any other 2-wheeled, motor-driven vehicle on the highways of Delaware must have a motorcycle driver’s license or a motorcycle endorsement. The Division of Motor Vehicles in Delaware publishes a Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual which covers the requirements for motorcycle endorsement, the different procedures to acquire the endorsement, testing requirements and the basic knowledge needs to get a motorcycle endorsement.

Basic Requirements for the License

To apply for a motorcycle endorsement, an applicant must already have a Class D license and should get a motorcycle permit. New applicants over 18 years old must complete the following requirements to get a motorcycle permit:

• Complete application form submitted in-person to the DMV office.
• Have your picture taken and give a thumb print.
• Pay the required fees.
• Pass the vision test.
• Pass the written examination and road skills test.
• Set an appointment to write your examination by calling your local DMV office.

Note: If you have a Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) remember that it is not a license but just a permit until it is upgraded to a Class D license when you complete the 12 months supervised driving experience.

In addition to the requirements given above, new applicants for motorcycle driver’s license who are between 16 and 18 years old must:

• Provide a parent or guardian’s signature on the form.
• Present proof that you have successfully completed a driver’s education and driver training.
• Present your current driver’s license.
• Present proof of birth date and legal status documentation.
• Provide your true full name and social security number.

After you completed the aforementioned prerequisites, you will be given an instruction permit that is valid for 60 days. It can be extended once for a similar period before its validity will totally expire. This permit will allow you to practice driving a motorcycle in preparation for the road skills test. These are the restrictions you have to follow when operating a motorcycle with a temporary motorcycle learner’s permit.

• No passengers are allowed on the motorcycle.
• You are not allowed to operate a motorcycle between sunset and sunrise.
• Must wear the approved safety helmet and eye protection gear.
• No operation is allowed on the federal interstate highway system.
• You can take the motorcycle road test anytime after 10 days but within 60 days at the DMV office where you received your permit.

The actual road test is given at the any DMV offices in Delaware that offer the motorcycle endorsement. The road examination will test your motorcycle safety skills and driver aptitude. If you were not able to handle the motorcycle then you will be given a chance to retake the test after you have practiced more. Get a Motorcycle Operator’s Manual and study about turning, following distances, speed, and braking. Once you completed the entire test, then you will be issued a new motorcycle driver’s license or your motorcycle endorsement. You will renew your motorcycle endorsement at the same time that you will renew your Delaware driver’s license.