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Motorcycle License

To get a Class M (Motorcycle) license, an individual must pass a basic motorcycle knowledge test and apply for a Class M learner's permit. The learner's permit allows the applicant to ride only between sunrise and sunset and, except for a rider licensed to operate another class of vehicle, only while under the instruction and supervision of an individual who holds a Class M license. Class M permit holders cannot carry any passengers other than an instructor properly licensed to operate a motorcycle. The permit is valid for 1 year. The cost of the permit is currently $12.00.

If you are under 18, you must have your permit for at least 6 months and have 65 hours of supervised riding before taking your skills test. In addition, you must take and successfully complete a Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program Basic Rider Course, which counts as 15 hours of supervised riding toward the 65-hour requirement, before you can receive your motorcycle license.

Please note that you may reapply for a motorcycle learner's permit no more than three (3) times in a five (5) year period (four (4) total leaner's permits within the five (5) years). You must successfully pass the motorcycle knowledge test each time you apply for a learner's permit.

Process:

Step 1: 

Obtain an Application for a Motorcycle Learner's Permit (DL-5) (PDF) and the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator's Manual (PDF).
 

Step 2: 

You will be given a vision screening test and are required to pass the motorcycle knowledge test. Upon successful completion, you will be given the learner's permit.

Step 3:

Following the receipt of the learner's permit, you can either schedule your skills test at a local Driver License Center or schedule training through the Motorcycle Safety Program. If you choose the Motorcycle Safety Program, at the end of the training, a skills evaluation is administered by a certified Rider Coach. If you pass the skills evaluation, you are not required to go to a Driver's License Center to take the skills test; the licensing examination is waived.
                             
NOTE: Only certain Driver License Centers offer Motorcycle Skills Testing on a motorcycle with more than two wheels. Please be sure to review the list of Motorcycle Skills Testing locations for motorcycles with more than two wheels before scheduling your appointment to ensure the location offers testing on this type of vehicle.

To access the list of Driver License Centers which offer Motorcycle Skills Testing on a motorcycle with more than two wheels, click Driver License Centers and follow the instructions below.​

  • Under Step 1: Choose “Yes” under Option C for “Search the entire state?”
  • Under Step 2: Select “3-Wheeled Motorcycle Skills Test”
  • Under Step 3: Click on “Search”