How to get a Virginia Motorcycle License
- Virginia Motorcycle License Guidelines
- How to Prepare for the Written Exam
- Required ID and Paperwork
Virginia DMV Motorcycle License Rules
Ready to take your motorcycle on the open road? We'll walk you through the steps to get your Virginia motorcycle license with an extra emphasis on safe driving.
You'll need to be familiar with the Virginia Driver's Manual. Think you know the material?
Take our Motorcycle License practice test now and test your knowledge here first!
First Time Motorcycle Riders
Under Virginia DMV guidelines, anyone who drives a motorcycle must have a Class M motorcycle license or motorcycle instruction permit.
If you already hold a valid Virginia driver's license without a motorcycle designation, you may add Class M that will allow you to also operate a motorcycle. To obtain this motorcycle designation, you must:
- Pass the required vision screening
- Pass the motorcycle knowledge exam
- Pass the motorcycle road skills test
Providing a Virginia Rider Training Program certificate of completion that is issued after July 1, 2007 also exempts you from taking the motorcycle knowledge exam and when carried with your Virginia driver's license you may operate a motorcycle for 30 days from the date of course completion.
IF YOU ARE UNDER 19, you must also:
- Pass the required vision screening
- Pass the motorcycle knowledge exam
- Hold a motorcycle learner's permit for 9 months
- Pass the motorcycle road skills test
Providing a Virginia Rider Training Program certificate of completion that is issued after July 1, 2007 will exempt you from taking the motorcycle knowledge exam and road skills test for a period of one year from course completion.
If you are under 19, you must provide proof of successful completion of an approved driver education program before receiving any Virginia driver's license, even if you are applying for a motorcycle-only license. This is a separate program from the Virginia Rider Training Program.
Prepare for the Motorcycle License Written Test
The Virginia DMV requires that all applicants must pass a written motorcycle knowledge test on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques. If you fail the exam, some states require you to wait until at least until the next day to take the test again and charge a re-examination fee.
All motorcyclists are encouraged to study for this written test so you don't take a chance on standing in line at the DMV Office only to go home empty-handed. Test your motorcycle safety and driving knowledge and take our Virginia motorcycle practice test today!
Required Paperwork
Before you head to the Virginia DMV Office, make sure you have the following required documents to get your motorcycle license. Examples include:
- Birth certificate issued in any state
- Drivers license or instruction permit issued in another state
- U.S. passport
- U.S. military ID card (active duty, retired, reserve)
- Virginia ID card
- Social Security Number, if issued,
- Documents from a court of record
- Marriage certificate
On the Road
Once your licensing requirements have been met, a Class M endorsement will be added to your driver's license. Remember... the safe operation of a motorcycle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the operator, the machine, and the environment.
