Obtaining a Motorcycle License
Class M Designation
Any Virginia driver authorized to operate a motorcycle must have an "M" listed under "Class" on the front of their driver's license.
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Drivers with licenses that display both an "M" designation AND a "6" listed under "Restriction" are authorized to operate a motorcycle ONLY, as indicated on the back of their license. If the license has an "M" designation and no "6" listed under "Restriction", then the driver is authorized to operate both a standard motor vehicle AND a motorcycle.
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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 designation to your license that will allow you to operate a motorcycle.
If you are 19 or older, you must do the following to add the Class M designation to your current license:
- Pass the required vision screening
- Pass the motorcycle knowledge exam
- Hold a motorcycle learner's permit for 30 days
- Pass the motorcycle road skills test
If you completed the Virginia Rider Training Program before July 1, 2007, the requirement to hold a learner's permit for 30 days prior to getting your license will be waived and you will not be required to take the motorcycle road skills test. You will be able to operate a motorcycle once you have passed the motorcycle knowledge exam and taken the vision test. Certificates issued before July 1, 2007, are valid for a period of two years from the date of completion. Make sure to bring the certificate of completion with you when you apply for your motorcycle license.
If you completed the Virginia Rider Training Program after July 1, 2007, you will be exempted from taking both the motorcycle knowledge exam and the road skills test, and you will be allowed to operate a motorcycle for 30 days after completing the course. However, in order to remain eligible to operate a motorcycle, you must apply within the 30 day period to add the Class M designation to your license. Certificates issued after July 1, 2007, are valid for a period of one year from the date of completion. Make sure to bring the certificate of completion with you when you apply for your motorcycle license.
If you are under 19, you must do the following to add the Class M designation to your current driver's license:
- 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
If you provide DMV with a Virginia Rider Training Program certificate of completion issued before July 1, 2007, you are exempt from taking the motorcycle road skills test for a period of two years from the date of course completion. Completion certificates issued after July 1, 2007 exempt you from taking the motorcycle knowledge exam and road skills test for a period of one year from the date of course completion.
The motorcycle class costs $2.00 per year. It 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 designation also.
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Driver's License Restricted to Operation of a Motorcycle
You may obtain a driver's license that allows you to operate ONLY a motorcycle, as indicated by the "6" added to Restrictions on your license. This kind of license displays both a Class M and a "6" under Restriction. The back of the license indicates that your driving privilege is restricted to a motorcycle only.
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 $6.00 per year and is normally valid for 8 years. Remember that this type of driver's license allows you to operate only a motorcycle. If you decide later that you want a regular driver's license, you will have to pass only the driver road skills test. For more information, refer to Applying for a License.
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, including a a motorcycle-only license. This is a separate requirement from the Virginia Rider Training Program.
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Out-Of-State License Holders
If you hold a valid out-of-state driver's license and you 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 obtain the Class M 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 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 19, you will need to hold a motorcycle learner's permit for 9 months.
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Members of the Military
Along with their spouses and dependents, military personnel who are stationed outside of Virginia and who hold a valid Virginia driver's license may obtain a motorcycle classification after submitting documentation confirming:
- Completion of a military approved basic motorcycle rider training course and
- Assignment outside of Virginia
Upon approval, DMV will mail a new driver's license displaying the motorcycle classification to the applicant. Customers will be required to pay a $10 license replacement fee and the $2 yearly motorcycle classification fee for each year of validity remaining on their license.
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