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MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration

Motorcycle Training & Education

Welcome to the new MVA.Maryland.gov!

You’ve reached the new website for the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. Thanks for visiting!

The Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program includes education and training for motorcycle riders, awareness campaigns for motorists, and enforcement of traffic laws for all road users. Visit the Maryland Highway Safety Office (MHSO)’s ZeroDeathsMD website for more motorcycle safety information.

Rider training courses

The best way for new riders to learn the right information and receive coaching is to enroll in a certified Basic Rider Course. The course is required to get your motorcycle license. There are also motorcycle rider training courses for experienced riders. Courses teach the special skills and mental strategies necessary for responsible motorcycle operation and meet or exceed the standards established by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Motorcycle licensing & manual

In order to legally ride a motorcycle in Maryland, you must have a motorcycle endorsement added to your driver's license or Class M (motorcycle license) if you do not already have a Maryland driver's license.

Motorcycle license

FAST TRACK program

FAST TRACK allows riders to take the knowledge test for the Class M learner's permit and the riding test on the same day. A learner's permit is not required and there is no 14-day waiting period. If necessary, you can take one, or both tests, a second time on the same day. FAST TRACK is not a substitute for rider training.

Applicants who cannot pass either the knowledge or the riding skills tests on the second attempt will be counseled and provided with information on the Basic Rider Course or the Basic Rider Course 2 - License Waiver​. Both courses will allow a rider to practice street riding skills and if they pass they will be issued a Motorcycle Safety Program Completion Certificate for the Class M license. All participants are encouraged to enroll in courses for experienced riders after getting their license to update and refresh their riding skills.

FAST TRACK Process

  1. Prepare by reading the Motorcycle Operators Manual

    Applicants are expected to have already read and be familiar with the Motorcycle Operators Manual. The manual will not be reviewed, but applicants can ask questions about the information in the manual prior to the knowledge test being administered.

    Motorcycle Operators Manual

  2. Knowledge test

    Applicants with valid Class M Learner’s Permits will go to the riding test course. For those applicants who do not have a permit, the Class M Knowledge Test will be administered and applicants must answer 22 out of 25 questions correctly, or score 88%, to pass.​

    FAST TRACK Note:

    If a rider fails the knowledge test they do not have to return the next day to retake the test. The applicant will be coached as to the correct answers for the questions missed and then a second, but different test, will be administered.

  3. Riding test course

    After passing the knowledge test applicants will then be administered the on-cycle Rider Skill Test. The examiner will conduct a short T-CLOCKS inspection of an applicant’s motorcycle to be sure that all the lights work and that there are no obvious equipment violations. The applicant must be able to straddle the motorcycle seated in the riding position with, at a minimum, the balls of both feet firmly on the ground.

    FAST TRACK Note:

    If an applicant fails the skills test, after a short break a retest will be administered.

    T-CLOCS Pre-Ride Inspection Checklist

  4. FAST TRACK Certificate

    After passing both tests an applicant will be given a FAST TRACK Completion Certificate. This Certificate is valid only at the branch where it is issued and for that day only. The applicant will present this certificate to an MVA customer agent to have the Class M license added to their current license. If an applicant fails the riding test he or she will be issued a Class M learner’s permit. All fees will be assessed at the time of licensing.​


FAST TRACK testing requirements

Riding gear requirements

The riding gear requirements are the same as in a motorcycle safety course. This includes: 

  • ​a properly fitting USDOT compliant helmet in good condition
  • approved eye protection
  • a sturdy long sleeved jacket or shirt
  • full-fingered gloves
  • long pants of a sturdy material
  • over-the-ankle footwear

An applicant’s motorcycle must be street legal

That means it is insured, registered and tagged. The applicant must present the vehicle's current registration card, and if the motorcycle is not registered in the applicant’s name, they will have to show proof that they have permission from the registered owner to use the motorcycle.

An applicant must transport their motorcycle legally to the MVA branch

If you ride your bike, please introduce your accompanying rider to one of our instructors. If you have transported your bike in a truck, or on a trailer, one of our instructors will direct you to offload it. Our instructors are not permitted to assist an applicant with offloading or loading their motorcycle. The MVA is not responsible for any violation obtained by an individual who fails to operate their vehicle in accordance with Maryland law.

FAST TRACK Licensing is available for both two and three-wheeled motorcycles

The riding test is designed to accommodate both the traditional trike with two wheels in the rear and newer reverse-trikes with two wheels in the front. However, it may not accommodate some three-wheeled motorcycles that are considered automotive conversions, or automotive hybrids. If you are not sure whether your 3-wheeler can be used in the riding skill test, please contact the Motorcycle Safety Program office before scheduling an appointment. Autocycles may not be used in FAST TRACK Licensing.

Motorcycle helmets and protective gear

In the event of a crash while riding a motorcycle, proper protective gear and helmets can help minimize head injuries and prevent death. 

Required by Maryland law

  • DOT-certified helmet: FMVSS 218 compliant and a required DOT label
  • Approved eye protection: face shield, goggles, or impact-resistant glasses that meet FDA standards

Recommended protective gear

  • Jackets: Leather offers strong protection but can be hot and expensive. Textile/mesh jackets with built-in armor and removable liners provide ventilation and versatility.
  • Gloves: Full-fingered gloves (leather or synthetic) improve grip and control in all conditions.
  • Pants: Standard denim is not durable enough. Use riding pants or reinforced jeans (Kevlar or leather-lined in impact areas).
  • Boots: Over-the-ankle boots with low heels and non-slip soles support, control, and provide protection.
  • Visibility: Bright or reflective clothing improves visibility to other drivers.