Minimum age to ride a motorcycle varies by state and license class

You can legally ride a motorcycle at 14 or 15 in most states, but the exact age depends on whether you want a learner's permit, a restricted license, or an unrestricted license — and which state you live in. Some states let you ride at 14 with a permit; others require you to be 16 or 17 before you can get on a bike at all. A few states have no minimum age for off-road riding but set higher ages for public roads.

The age you can start also depends on engine size. Many states let younger riders operate bikes under 50cc (mopeds and small scooters) at a lower age than larger motorcycles. If you're planning to ride on public roads, you'll need to know your state's specific rules for both the permit stage and the license stage, because they're often different.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states allow motorcycle learner's permits between ages 14 and 16, but some require you to be 16 or 17 before you can ride at all.
  • Bikes under 50cc (mopeds and small scooters) usually have a lower minimum age than full-size motorcycles in the same state.
  • A learner's permit typically requires you to ride with an adult supervisor and follow daytime-only or speed restrictions.
  • Unrestricted motorcycle licenses usually require you to be at least 16 or 17, pass a written test and riding skills test, and sometimes complete a safety course.
  • Some states recognize out-of-state licenses or safety course completion as a way to skip the riding test.

Learner's permit ages by state

Fourteen is the youngest age you can get a motorcycle learner's permit in most states. Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming all allow permits at 14. In these states, a learner's permit usually means you can ride during daylight hours only, must wear a helmet, and cannot carry passengers.

Some states set the permit age at 15 or 16. Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin require you to be at least 15 or 16 before you can get a learner's permit. A few states — including California and Colorado — do not issue separate motorcycle learner's permits; instead, you move directly from a written test to a riding test to get your license.

Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, and Utah have different rules for mopeds (under 50cc) than for full-size motorcycles. In these states, you may be able to ride a moped at 14 or 15 but must wait until 16 or 17 for a larger bike.

Full motorcycle license ages and restrictions

Sixteen is the most common age to get an unrestricted motorcycle license. Most states that issue learner's permits at 14 or 15 require you to be 16 before you can take the riding test and get a full license. A few states — including New York and some others — require you to be 17 or 18 for an unrestricted license, though you can ride with restrictions at a younger age.

Restricted licenses are common for riders under 18. A restricted license might limit you to daytime riding, require you to wear a helmet and eye protection, prohibit passengers, or cap engine size at 500cc or 650cc. The restrictions usually lift when you turn 18 or after you've held the license for a set period (often six months to a year).

Some states skip the learner's permit stage entirely and let you go straight from a written test to a riding test once you reach the minimum age. Others require you to hold a learner's permit for a minimum number of days or months before you can test for a full license.

What you need to bring to get a motorcycle permit or license

You'll need a valid state ID or passport, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease usually works). Some states also require a parent or guardian signature if you're under 18. Bring these documents to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency.

For a learner's permit, you'll take a written test covering motorcycle safety, road signs, and state traffic laws. The test is usually 25 to 50 questions, and you need to score 80 percent or higher to pass. You can study using your state's motorcycle handbook, which is free and available online from your DMV website.

For a full license, you'll also need to pass a riding skills test. Some states let you skip this test if you complete an approved motorcycle safety course, such as one offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). These courses typically cost $150 to $300, take one or two days, and include both classroom and hands-on riding instruction.

Motorcycle safety course as an alternative to the riding test

Taking a motorcycle safety course can shorten the path to your license and sometimes lower your insurance costs. The MSF Basic Rider Course is the most widely recognized program and is offered in all 50 states through local riding schools, community colleges, and motorcycle dealerships. The course covers starting and stopping, turning, braking, and hazard avoidance, and you ride a small motorcycle provided by the school.

If you pass the MSF course, most states will waive the riding skills test at the DMV and issue you a license based on your course completion certificate. Some states still require you to pass the written test. The course usually takes 15 to 20 hours spread over two or three days, and you need to be at least the minimum age for your state to enroll.

Insurance companies often offer a discount — typically 5 to 15 percent off your premium — if you complete an approved safety course. That discount can pay back the course cost within the first year or two of riding.

Age rules for riding off-road motorcycles and dirt bikes

Off-road riding has different rules than public road riding. Most states have no minimum age for riding a motorcycle on private property, such as a farm or private track. Some states set a minimum age of 12 or 14 for off-road riding, and a few require parental supervision for riders under 16.

If you want to ride off-road on public land — such as a state forest or Bureau of Land Management area — you may need an off-road vehicle safety certificate. Some states require this certificate for riders under 16 or 18. You can usually get the certificate by taking an online or in-person safety course, which takes a few hours and costs $20 to $50.

What happens if you ride without a license or permit

Riding a motorcycle without a valid permit or license is illegal in all states and can result in a fine, points on your driving record, and impoundment of the motorcycle. Fines typically range from $100 to $500 for a first offense, and points can raise your car insurance rates even if you were riding a motorcycle. If you cause an accident while unlicensed, your insurance may not cover the damage.

If you're under 18 and riding without a permit, you may also face juvenile court charges, which can affect your record even after you turn 18. The safest and cheapest path is to get your learner's permit first, practice under the permit restrictions, and then test for your full license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride a motorcycle at 13 or younger?

No state allows you to ride a motorcycle on public roads at 13. Some states permit off-road riding on private property with no age minimum, but public road riding requires a learner's permit or license, and the minimum age for a permit is 14 in most states.

Do I need a separate motorcycle license or does it go on my car license?

A motorcycle license is a separate endorsement added to your driver's license. You'll get a "M" endorsement on your license card. You still need a valid car license to drive a car, and you need the motorcycle endorsement to ride a motorcycle legally.

Can I take the motorcycle safety course before I'm old enough for a permit?

Most MSF courses require you to be at least the minimum permit age for your state. Some schools may let you take the course a few months early if you're close to that age, but you won't be able to use the certificate to get a license until you reach the minimum age.

What if I have a motorcycle license from another state?

Most states recognize out-of-state motorcycle licenses and will issue you a new license without a test if you show your current out-of-state license and pass the written test. Some states require you to pass the riding test anyway. Contact your state's DMV to confirm their reciprocity rules before you move.

Do I need a motorcycle license to ride a moped or scooter under 50cc?

It depends on your state. Some states treat mopeds as bicycles and require no license. Others require a moped-only endorsement, which has a lower age requirement and easier test than a full motorcycle license. Check your state's DMV website to see what your state requires for the specific bike you want to ride.