Getting a Motorcycle License

You must hold a valid driver's license with a Class M designation to operate a motorcycle in Virginia.

Class M Designations

If your driver’s license says "M", "M2", or "M3" under "Class," you may operate a motorcycle. The designation indicates the type(s) of motorcycles you may operate:

  • M: Both two and three-wheeled motorcycles
  • M2: Only two-wheeled motorcycles
  • M3: Only three-wheeled motorcycles

Most motorcyclists are licensed to operate both a motorcycle and a motor vehicle; however, if your license displays both an "M", "M2", or "M3" designation and a "6" listed under "Restriction," you may only operate a motorcycle and may not operate a motor vehicle.

Adding the Class M Designation to Your License

If you already hold a valid Virginia driver's license without a motorcycle designation, you may add a Class M, M2 or M3 designation to your license that will allow you to operate a motorcycle.

Note: Not all DMV customer service centers offer the motorcycle road skills test, so check the list of test locations before you decide to take the test.

Steps

If you are 18 or older

  1. Pass the required vision screening
  2. Pass a Virginia Rider Training Program course
  3. Hold a motorcycle learner's permit for 9 months

OR

  1. Pass the required vision screening
  2. Pass the motorcycle knowledge exam
  3. Hold a motorcycle learner's permit for 30 days
  4. Pass the motorcycle road skills test

If you complete a Virginia Rider Training Program course, you will receive a course completion certificate and will not need to complete the motorcycle knowledge exam or road skills test.

If you are 19 or older, the course completion certificate acts as a temporary M2 or M3 classification when carried with your driver's license. This allows you to operate the appropriate motorcycle for 30 days from the course completion date.

After the initial 30 days, you will not be authorized to operate a motorcycle until you visit a DMV customer service center to have the motorcycle designation added to your license. Certificates are valid for one year from the date of completion. Make sure to bring the certificate of completion with you when you visit DMV to apply for your motorcycle classification.

If you are under 18

  1. Pass the required vision screening
  2. Pass a Virginia Rider Training Program course
  3. Hold a motorcycle learner's permit for 9 months

OR

  1. Pass the required vision screening
  2. Pass the motorcycle knowledge exam
  3. Hold a motorcycle learner's permit for 9 months
  4. Pass the motorcycle road skills test

If you provide DMV with a Virginia Rider Training Program certificate of completion, you are still required to hold a motorcycle learner's permit for nine months; however, you are exempt from taking the motorcycle knowledge exam and the motorcycle road skills test for a period of one year from the date of course completion.

The motorcycle class has an annual fee and is valid for the same period of time as your driver's license. When you renew your driver's license, remember to renew your Class M, M2 or M3 designation as well. Refer to the DMV Fee Chart to see the yearly charge.

Driver's License Restricted to Operating a Motorcycle

You may get a driver's license that allows you to operate only a motorcycle, as indicated by the "6" added to Restrictions on your license.

In addition to the above requirements for adding a motorcycle designation to a driver's license, you must pass the two-part driver's license knowledge exam.

The motorcycle-only driver's license costs $6 per year and is normally valid for 8 years. If you decide later that you want a regular driver's license, you will have to pass only the driver road skills test. See Apply for a License for more information.

If you are under 18, you must provide proof of successful completion of an approved driver education program before receiving any Virginia driver's license, including a motorcycle-only license. This is a separate requirement from the Virginia Rider Training Program.

Out-Of-State License Holders

If you hold a valid out-of-state driver's license and complete the Virginia Rider Training Program, you will not be eligible for a Virginia motorcycle-only license. Virginia law prohibits you from holding both your out-of-state license and any type of Virginia license. However, you may be able to exchange your out-of-state driver's license for a Virginia license and get the appropriate Class M, M2 or M3 designation.

If you hold a valid out-of-state driver's license and possess an out-of-state motorcycle safety course certificate but do not have a motorcycle class designation on your license, you are not eligible for a Virginia Class M designation. Virginia does not accept out-of-state motorcycle safety course certificates. To receive a Class M, M2 or M3 designation, you must pass the motorcycle knowledge and road skills tests and hold a motorcycle learner's permit for 30 days. If you are under 18, you will need to hold a motorcycle learner's permit for 9 months.

Members of the Military

See Out-for-State Motorcycle Classification for information.

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