Motorcycle License
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You need a motorcycle license in Maryland if you want to ride:
- A motorcycle
- Any two- or three-wheeled motorized vehicle that meets motorcycle rules
You'll either get the 'Class M' added to your driver's license, or a motorcycle license (Class M) if you do not already have a Maryland driver’s license.
Motorcycle license quick links
Getting your motorcycle license
You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a motorcycle license.
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Prepare for the motorcycle knowledge tests
You must pass the written motorcycle knowledge tests first before any skills test. The tests include questions about:
- Motorcycle traffic laws
- Riding safety
- Road rules specific to motorcycles
You can study for the tests using the Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual.
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Gather the required documents for a motorcycle license
You can find out which documents you need to bring to your appointment using the myMVA Document Guide.
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Choose how to complete your motorcycle skills testing
Maryland offers two ways to complete your motorcycle skills testing. Consider taking an approved motorcycle training course so you don't have to take the skills test.
Option 1: Fast Track Licensing Program or Basic Rider Course
Maryland offers a Fast Track Licensing Program through approved motorcycle training schools. The program allows you to take an approved motorcycle training course. This option is faster, easier, and safer for new riders.
All riders under 18 must pass the Basic Rider Training course. Riders over 18 who pass the Basic Rider Training course, don't have to take the MVA motorcycle skills test.
If you complete the training and pass their skills test, the school will notify the MVA that you passed so you can get your Class M license.
Option 2: Take the motorcycle skills test with your own motorcycle
You must provide your own motorcycle that is safe and legal to ride for your skills test. You will show you can:
- Control your motorcycle
- Make safe turns and stops
- Ride safely in traffic
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Schedule a motorcycle appointment to take your tests
Make an appointment at an MVA Branch Office to apply for your license or endorsement.
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Take your knowledge tests
Bring proper identification and your documents with you to your appointment at a MVA branch office. At the MVA, you will:
- Submit your documents
- Pay the required fee
- Take written motorcycle knowledge tests
- Schedule your skills test (if not using Fast Track)
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Take and pass the skills test
The skills test shows you can ride safely in real-world conditions. Practice riding in a safe, open area before testing.
If you did not complete the Fast Track motorcycle course, you must:
- Take your motorcycle to the MVA
- Pass the skills test given by an MVA tester
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Pay the fee
Once you complete all required tests, you'll pay the fee. The amount depends on whether you are adding a motorcycle endorsement to your current driver's license or getting a motorcycle license.
What to expect after passing all tests
The MVA will issue your motorcycle license, and you will receive it in the mail within 7-10 business days:
- If you already have a Driver's License, the 'M' will be added to the Classifications on your existing driver’s license.
- If you do not have a driver’s license, you will receive a motorcycle license (Class M).
More information about motorcycle licenses
If you are under 18 years old, you must complete the Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program’s Basic Rider Course before applying for a motorcycle license.
Riders 18 and older are encouraged, but not required, to take a motorcycle safety course. However, if you take a Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program course and have a valid certificate of completion, you don't have to:
- obtain a learner's permit; or
- take the knowledge test; or
- take the skills test, if you are adding the Class M to your current Maryland driver's license.
The MVA does not accept motorcycle safety program completion documentation from any other state or the military except those approved and regulated by the MVA.
An approved provider is one that operates under an agreement with the Maryland Department of Transportation and the MVA.
Individuals with an out-of-state motorcycle license will not be issued a Maryland motorcycle safety program completion certificate.
Out-of-state participants should check with the department of motor vehicles in their home state to find out if they will issue a motorcycle license for a course completed in Maryland.
Unless you have a Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program Completion Certificate, you must obtain a Maryland motorcycle (Class M) learner’s permit and pass the skills test.
If you are applying for a Maryland driver’s license for the first time and wants to ride a motorcycle, you are required to obtain a motorcycle learner's permit regardless of whether or not a Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program course has been completed.
A Maryland Motorcycle Safety Completion Certificate is electronically submitted to MVA and only valid for six (6) months from the date the individual completes the course, pass or fail.
If the Certificates expires it will NOT be renewed for any reason.
If you have a Maryland driver’s license and satisfactorily complete a Motorcycle Safety Program course, you can present your certificate at any MVA full-service office to obtain a motorcycle "Class M" on your license. So make sure you have:
- a valid Maryland driver’s license;
- Basic Rider Course (BRC) or the Alternate Basic Rider Course (ABRC) Motorcycle Safety Program Completion Certificate; and
- paid Fee (Unless you have a valid motorcycle learner's permit, the appropriate fee must be paid.).
You must apply for a Maryland driver’s license to operate other vehicles. For more information on obtaining a driver's license, visit the Get a New License, Permit or ID page.
- If you have a valid out-of-state motorcycle license or endorsement, you must meet the vision requirements to transfer your license. The knowledge test and skills test are not required unless your out-of-state license has been expired for one (1) year or more.
- If you have a valid out-of-country motorcycle license or endorsement, you will be required to complete the following steps before you can receive your license:
- Meet the MVA’s vision requirements; and
- Pass the applicable knowledge test; and
- Pass the applicable skills test.
- If you are under18 years old, you must complete the Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program or an acceptable out-of-state safety program. Find an approved program using the myMVA Search tool.
- Other Driver Safety Education may be required. Visit the Driver Education and Safety page for more information.
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