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I am using this sticky to list the requirements each state has to obtain a motorcycle learners permit, motorcycle license, or motorcycle endorsement for a driver's license, the first step in learning to ride legally.

Each post has a selection from that state's operator's manual or website, whichever the state offered, detailing the necessary requirements to obtaining the privliage of riding a motorcycle. Most states have other laws associated with riding (such as helmet/goggle laws) and links to the cited page or a website with more information are provided at the end of each post.

If you want to search these websites yourself visit:

www.onlinedmv.com

Which lists the DMV websites from all 50 states. If you can't find what you're looking for from the front page, all the sites have a search bar. Type "driver services" into that bar and you should be able to find a page that has all the licensing information for the vairous motor vehicles.

The information is listed in alphabetical order by state.

Disclaimer: All information contained in this thread is selectively reprinted directly from either the motorcycle operator's manual or driver services website or both for each state in the United States. I do not represent any of these state governments. This thread is not intended to provide all information necessary to obtaining, renewing, and keeping a motorcycle instruction permit, license, or endorsement in any state. Merely, this thread is designed to provide general information regarding requirements for licensing and links to websites where one can obtain more information. If there are any questions please direct them at the appropriate state's website. DO NOT pm me looking for specific licensing information, I do not have it.

Alaska

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Motorcycle: A vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than 3 wheels in contact with the ground; the term does not include a tractor nor does it include 3-wheel all-terrain vehicles.

Motor-driven cycle: A motor cycle, motor scooter, motorized bicycle or similar conveyance with less than 50 cc of displacement.

Helmet Requirements:

1) Any operator under 18
2) Any passenger on a motorcycle, regardless of age
3) Anyone with an instruction permit, regardless of age
4) Anyone taking a road test for their motorcycle license, regardless of age

MOTORCYCLE (M1) LICENSE:

An applicant for an original motorcycle license (see below for motor-driven cycle) must be at least 16 years of age and must have held an instruction permit for a minimum of 6 months, if under the age of 18. If an applicant is under 18 years of age, they must have parental consent to obtain the license.

An applicant will be required to pass the following tests prior to being issued a motorcycle license. The license fee is valid for approximately five years. The license expires on your date of birth.

Written knowledge test (or present a valid Alaska learner's permit or driver license)
Written motorcycle knowledge test* (or present a valid motorcycle instruction permit)
Vision test
Fees
Motorcycle road test*

*In lieu of the written motorcycle test and the motorcycle road test, an applicant may present a card issued from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation showing they have passed one of the Motorcycle Rider Courses listed below. The course must have been successfully completed within the current or previous calendar year. Courses completed in other states will be accepted as well as those in Alaska; however, you must go to a DMV in person in order to obtain the motorcycle permit.

Easy Rider Course
Experienced Rider Course
Basic Rider Course
Beginning Rider Course
Motorcycle Rider Course

MOTOR-DRIVEN CYCLE (M2) PERMIT:

An applicant for an original motor-driven cycle permit must be at least 14 years of age and must have parental consent to obtain the permit.

An applicant will be required to pass the following tests prior to being issued a motor-driven cycle permit.

Written knowledge test (or present a valid Alaska learner's permit)
Written motorcycle knowledge test (or present a valid motorcycle instruction permit)
Vision test
Fees
Motorcycle road test

INSTRUCTION PERMIT:

An applicant for an original motorcycle instruction permit must be at least 14 years of age. If an applicant is under 18 years of age, they must have parental consent to obtain the permit. An applicant is required to provide several items if they have not obtained an Alaska State Identification card or an instruction permit or driver license for a vehicle. Please see the following for a list of acceptable items.

An applicant will be required to pass the following tests prior to being issued a motorcycle instruction permit. The permit is valid for two years from the date of issue. Effective July 1, 2007, a permit can be renewed ONE TIME, ONLY.

Written knowledge test (or present a valid Alaska learner's permit or driver license)
Written motorcycle knowledge test
Fees
Vision test
Special Restrictions: The instruction permit is valid only under the following conditions:

The applicant is eligible for a regular motorcycle or motor-driven cycle permit in every way except for age and/or driving ability.
The applicant must be under the direct supervision of a person who:

a. is at least 21 years of age
b. has been licensed for that class of motorcycle for at least 1 year.

A motorcycle helmet that meets or exceeds established standards must be worn at all times the applicant, regardless of age, is on the motorcycle or motor-driven cycle.

Rev. 06/28/2007

More Information and Links

Arkansas

Arkansas law states that all persons must obey the following regulations while operating a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle.
All operators and passengers must wear eye protection in the form of protective glasses, goggles, or transparent face shield. Protective headgear must also be worn by persons under twenty-one years of age.
The headlight and taillight must be on at all times, day or night, when the motorcycle is in operation.
The operator will not carry a passenger unless there are footrests and handholds for the passenger. There can be only one passenger. No driver under the age of sixteen years is allowed to carry a passenger.
Operators must obey all traffic laws at all times.

Pretest Conditions

Before any part of the operator test will be given, the following conditions must be met:
There must be a plate or factory-installed decal showing the engine displacement in cubic centimeters. If one is not on the motorcycle, then other proof must be furnished.
The motorcycle must be brought to the testing station, either by a licensed operator or hauled in another vehicle. The person seeking the license cannot ride it to the testing site unless the applicant possesses a valid instruction permit for a motorcycle.
If the person seeking the license is under 18 years old, the applicant must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to sign the application.

Pretest Inspection

Before the road test, the motorcycle will be inspected to see that it is equipped in the following manner
Registration certificate and license plate mounted on the rear chassis properly
Proof of Insurance
At least one, no more than 2, headlights which emit a white light to the front of the motorcycle at least 500 feet in darkness
A red reflector on the rear that can be seen from at least 100 feet
A red tail light on the rear in addition to the red reflector that can be seen from at least 500 feet
A horn that works. No bell, siren, or whistle is allowed
A standard muffler

SKILLS TEST GUIDELINES

The final stage of obtaining a driver license in Arkansas is to successfully complete a skills test. This will be accomplished by the applicant driving the individuals vehicle accompanied by an Arkansas State Police Driver Examiner, or, in the case of a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, while being observed operating the class cycle for which the person is trying to obtain a license.

Following are guidelines for the skills test:
The driver examiner will check the vehicle registration and insurance papers to be certain the documents are current and proper.
The driver examiner will check the vehicle to be sure it is in safe, legal mechanical condition.

A skills test will not be given if:
The vehicle interior is excessively dirty.
All lights do not work.
The windshield is cracked so badly that the view is obstructed.
The muffler and exhaust system are not operating properly.
The horn does not work.
The speedometer does not work.
The tires are worn so badly as to be unsafe.
The windows are excessively tinted.
The examiner recognizes serious mechanical defects, such as defective brakes.
The vehicle is not properly licensed, and the license must be properly displayed.
The applicant is unfamiliar with the vehicle systems and control mechanisms.

The skills test will measure an applicant’s ability to properly and legally operate the vehicle.
The driver examiner will observe the applicant to determine if the applicant:
Is familiar with all controls
Maintains proper control of the vehicle
Obeys all traffic laws, such as speed limits, stop signs and signals, the seat belt law, use of headlights and windshield wipers, proper lane use, and others
Keeps a proper lookout for other vehicles and pedestrians
Properly adjusts to special driver situations, such as construction zones and school zones

A violation of any law may result in a failing grade on the skills test.
An applicant may be given a failing grade if the examiner observes driving practices which create a hazard to the applicant or other users of the streets or highways.

More Information and Links

Colorado

MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR LICENSING

It is illegal for you to operate a motorcycle, motorscooter, or any other motor-driven cycle on a public street or highway in Colorado unless you have a valid license that specifically authorizes the operation of such vehicles. Motorized bicycles (mopeds) do not qualify as motorcycles but Colorado law requires that you have at least a regular driver’s license to operate a moped on public streets.

Effective July 1, 2000, the State of Colorado will no longer issue new “Motorcycle Only” licenses. The motorcycle endorsement will be part of a regular or CDL license, only. The “M” will no longer be issued as a separate class of license.

To obtain a motorcycle endorsement to your existing Colorado driver license you must be at least 16 years of age and pass all required examinations:
Driving record review.
Physical aptitude review.
Vision test.
Pass a motorcycle written test (pass the basic written test requirements if you do not have a valid driver’s license).
Pass the motorcycle operator’s driving skill test at a State Driver License Office or with a certified thirdparty tester. Only State Driver License Offices
equipped to test motorcycles can test three-wheel motorcycles.
Pay the required fees.
If you are under 18 years of age, you must hold a motorcycle instruction permit for 12 months and be 16 years of age before you can add the endorsement to your driver license. If you are between 15 and 16 years
of age, you must be enrolled or have completed a Motorcycle Operator Skills Training (MOST) program, and show proof of either enrollment or completion, prior to receiving your instruction permit. An Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship, DR 2460, is also required for anyone under 18 years of age.
An instruction permit allows you to operate a motorcycle under the immediate supervision of a licensed motorcycle operator who is at least 21 years of age unless you are under the age of 16. If you are under the
age of 16, you must be under the direct supervision of either your MOST instructor or the parent or guardian who signed the DR 2460, provided the parent guardian has a motorcycle endorsement.
The driving test is the most important part of the examination because it provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to drive safely.
You must provide a properly registered and insured motorcycle to be used in the test. Make certain you are familiar with it and all the controls.
For drivers under 18 years of age, the DR 2324, Drive Time Log Sheet, required for a regular license, is not necessary for the addition of the M endorsement.

More Information and Links

Delaware

HOW TO OBTAIN A MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT ON A DELAWARE DRIVER’S LICENSE

You must be a Delaware licensed driver before applying for this endorsement.

You can apply at one of the following Motor Vehicle Facilities:
Wilmington at 8th & Bancroft Parkway
Dover at Rt. 113 - Bay Road
Georgetown at S. Bedford St. Ext.

If you are under 18 years of age you must complete the state approved Motorcycle Rider Education Course. Upon successful completion of the course, which includes a knowledge and skill test, you receive a Student Completion Card.
Present this card at the Division of Motor Vehicles, pay a fee of $8.00, pass an eye test and a motorcycle endorsement will be issued indicating your eligibility to operate a motorcycle. Student Completion Cards are valid for a period of six (6) months from the date of issue. Parents signature is required for M endorsement.

If you are over 18 years of age:
You must pass a written test and an eye and road sign test.
You will be issued a 60 day temporary motorcycle learner’s permit after passing the preliminary tests and paying a fee of $8.00. A 60 day extension is available for $2.00.
You can take a state approved Motorcycle Rider Education course and be waived the knowledge and skill test and the 60 day learner’s permit upon successful completion of the course.

With a temporary motorcycle learners permit the law states:
No passengers allowed on a motorcycle.
Operating a motorcycle between sunset and sunrise is prohibited.
A safety helmet and eye protection as approved by the Division must be worn when operating a motorcycle.
Operation of a motorcycle is not permitted on an Interstate Highway.
You may take the motorcycle road test anytime after 10 days but within the 60 days at the Lane where the permit was issued.

Upon satisfactorily completing all of the above requirements, a new photo driver’s license will be issued indicating your eligibility to operate a motorcycle.

RENEWAL
Renewal of a Driver’s License with Motorcycle Endorsement is $5.00 in addition to your regular license fee.

INSURANCE
Liability Insurance coverage is compulsory for you, your passengers, and your cycle because of possible damage you might cause to other motorcyclists, their cycles, other vehicles, or property. Minimum coverage in Delaware is $15,000, $30,000 and $10,000. Make sure that you are covered adequately both in terms of state law and in terms of the kind of riding you plan to undertake. Failure to have your motorcycle properly insured can lead to a fine and a suspension of your driver’s license.
Students successfully completing the approved Motorcycle Rider Education Course are eligible for a 10% insurance liability premium reduction by presenting their Student Completion Course Card to their insurance company.
Students successfully completing the Experienced Rider Course within 2 yrs., 6 mo. and 3 yrs. of the approved Motorcycle Rider Course are eligible for a 15% liability insurance premium reduction by presenting their Student Completion Card to their insurance company.

MOTORCYCLE REGISTRATION FEE
The annual fee for a motorcycle registration (license plate) is $10.00.

DELAWARE HELMET LAW
Every person operating or riding on a motorcycle shall have in his possession a safety helmet approved by the Secretary of Public Safety and shall wear eye protection approved by said Secretary; provided, however, that every person operating or riding on a motorcycle up to 19 years of age shall wear a safety helmet and eye protection approved by the Secretary of Public Safety.

More Information and Links

Georgia

The Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program is sponsoring two types of rider education and training programs. To be eligible to enroll you must be at least seventeen (17) years of age.

The Basic Rider Course (BRC)

If you want to learn how to ride a motorcycle safely and responsibly, the BRC will provide the knowledge and training necessary. The 15 hour BRC, which consists of approximately 8 hours of classroom and 7 hours of on-cycle instruction, was developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and has been successfully used for over twenty years in school, community and military education programs throughout the United States and foreign countries. Students will be taught how to start, steer, shift and brake under normal conditions; how to maneuver in traffic and even how to control the motorcycle during emergency situations. This class is an excellent "refresher" for basic skills! MOTORCYCLES AND HELMETS are provided.

Enrollment fee, $250.00 (Out-of-state fee, $300.00)

Experienced Rider License Waiver Course (ERC)

If you do not have a motorcycle endorsement or have been riding on a motorcycle learner's permit, we now offer a 9 hour ERC License Waiver Course.

OR

If you are an experienced rider and would like to sharpen your skills and increase your knowledge about motorcycle safety and handling, this course is for you.

The ERC is approximately 9 hours with classroom sessions conducted on the range. This course was specifically developed for the experienced rider by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Students must furnish their own motorcycles and be in possession of a class MP or class M license.

Enrollment fee, $150.00 (Out-of-state fee, $200.00)

375-7-4-.16 Motorcycle and Motor-Driven Cycle Examination

Motorcycle license applicants that have successfully completed the Department of Driver Services sponsored beginner rider education and training course will only be required to pass the eye examination, if applicable, and submit the appropriate licensing fee in order to receive a motorcycle license.

In order to successfully complete the training course, students must attend all scheduled course sessions and make a passing score on both the written examination and the riding skills test. Students failing either examination will be required to retake the entire course in order to be eligible for their license.

Students successfully completing the prescribed Department of Driver Services course will have ninety days maximum, from date of course completion, to apply for their license.

More Information and Links

Idaho

Earning Your License

Safe riding requires a combination of knowledge and skill. Objectively
assessing your own riding skills and knowledge is difficult at best, and it’s even harder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your riding skills.
Taking a motorcycle knowledge test is the best way to determine if you have the minimum knowledge necessary to operate a motorcycle safely in traffic.
Knowledge test questions are based on information, practices, and concepts found in this manual. In order to pass the test, you must know and understand road rules and safe riding practices. On-cycle skills tests are conducted in a controlled, off-street area.
Any person who applies for a motorcycle endorsement after September 1, 1998, will be required to pass both a written knowledge test and motorcycle skills test*. Any person under 21 will be required to take a written knowledge test and successfully complete a motorcycle rider training course (see page 42 of this manual). It is a good idea to take this course even if you are over 21.
*Successful completion of an approved motorcycle rider training course may waive the requirement for the riding skills test, if completed within the year prior to adding the endorsement to your license.

A motorcycle instruction permit is available to anyone who holds a valid Idaho Class A, B, C, or D license. This permit is valid for 180 days and allows motorcycle operators to practice riding under the following restrictions.
Daylight riding only
No freeway riding
No passengers
You must pass the written motorcycle knowledge test before applying for an instruction permit. If you add the motorcycle endorsement to your Idaho driver’s license during the instruction permit period, the one-time motorcycle endorsement fee will be waived. Once the instruction permit has expired, you must pay the endorsement fee.

You will have to pay one or more of the following fees in addition to the cost of your regular license:
Motorcycle “M” Endorsement: $11.50 (one-time fee)
Motorcycle Instruction Permit: $11.50 (valid for 180 days)
Motorcycle Skills Test: $5.00 (paid to skills tester)
Motorcycle Written Test: $3.00 (paid to county)
If you fail a written and/or skills test, you must wait three days to retest and pay the fee again.

More Information and Links

Indiana

Getting a Motorcycle License or Endorsement

Since 1980, Indiana has required that motorcycle riders hold a valid motorcycle operator’s license or a motorcycle endorsement on their current operator license. Indiana residents who already have an operator license may add an endorsement to their operator license allowing them to operate motorcycles. Indiana residents who do not have a valid operator license may obtain a motorcycle license allowing them to operate motorcycles only.

To obtain a motorcycle license or endorsement, an applicant must either pass a motorcycle skill test or show proof of having passed an approved motorcycle safety course. A valid safety course completion card is valid for a waiver of the skills test for up to one year from the course completion date.

An applicant for a motorcycle endorsement must hold a motorcycle learner permit for 30 days before qualifying to obtain the endorsement. To obtain a motorcycle learner permit, an applicant must successfully pass a written exam based on the at any license branch.

A motorcycle learner permit is valid for one year and allows the holder to operate a motorcycle on public streets and highways. The holder of a motorcycle learner permit is not allowed to carry a passenger or ride during night hours, and he or she must wear an approved helmet with eye protection.

Any Indiana resident who is at least 15-years-old and does not currently hold a valid operator license is eligible for a temporary motorcycle learner permit. To obtain a temporary motorcycle learner permit, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

Present proof of enrollment from an ABATE-approved motorcycle safety course;
Present documents of identification proving his or her identity, residency status and Social Security number (For more information on these required documents, please view our list of identification requirements;
Pass a vision screening test);
If younger than 18-years-old, have an appropriate family member sign a form of financial liability.

The temporary motorcycle learner permit does not allow the holder to operate a motorcycle on a public street or highway until after he or she has successfully completed the ABATE-approved safety course. Once the safety course has been successfully completed the temporary motorcycle learner permit is considered validated and the holder may operate a motorcycle on public streets and highways.

The holder of a temporary motorcycle learner permit may not ride a motorcycle with other passengers or during nighttime hours. He or she must wear an approved helmet with eye protection and must ride under the supervision of a licensed motorcycle operator who is at least 18-years-old.

To obtain a motorcycle license, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

Be at least 16 years and 30 days old;
Hold the temporary motorcycle learner permit for at least 30 days;
Present documents of identification proving his or her identity, residency status and Social Security number (For more information on these required documents, please view our list of identification requirements);
Present a valid safety course completion card;
Pass a vision screening test;
If younger than 18-years-old, have an appropriate family member sign a form of financial liability.

The temporary motorcycle learner permit is only valid for a period of one year; therefore, a rider who acquires the permit when he or she is younger than 15 years and 30 days old may need to obtain another permit before applying for a motorcycle license.

Motorcycle training and testing

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles is currently working with ABATE of Indiana, Inc. (ABATE) to conduct motorcycle license examinations. In an effort to maximize efficiency and provide a high level of customer service, convenience and satisfaction ABATE will use their existing motorcycle rider education facilities in most locations for testing as well as training.

The schedule for motorcycle skill tests closely follows ABATE’s schedule for training: most weekends at numerous locations around the state. It is the goal of ABATE and their personnel to meet the needs and expectations of those persons seeking to complete their skill examination and gain their motorcycle endorsement. If the number of applicants present exceeds the number of tests that can reasonably be conducted, alternate arrangements may be made.

While tests will not be performed in hazardous weather, ABATE’s examiners have a great deal of experience conducting training in less than perfect weather. If an applicant has ridden to the testing site in the rain and will be forced to ride home in the rain, he or she will not be denied the opportunity to take the skills test as long as the environment is not deemed unsafe.

Detailed information with regard to the location of testing sites, testing schedules, clarifications between testing and training, policies and procedures for testing and contact information are available on ABATE’s Web site.

Important reminders about testing

Applicants must bring a valid Indiana driver license with a valid motorcycle learner permit that has been held for at least 30 days. The applicant must provide his or her own motorcycle. There is a $10 fee for the testing.


Information for new Indiana residents

Indiana has a process in place for recognizing approved safety courses completed in other states and all five branches of the military.

An out-of-state applicant for an Indiana motorcycle license or endorsement must have completed an approved safety course no more than one year prior to applying for the Indiana license or endorsement. If you passed a motorcycle safety course in another state, or through the military, please send a copy of your safety course completion card, along with your current mailing address and phone number, to the following address:

Motorcycle Safety Program,
Indiana Department of Education
151 West Ohio Street,
Indianapolis, IN 46204

You may also fax the information to (317) 233-0858.

If it is determined that the applicant’s safety course meets the same criteria as Indiana-approved courses, he or she will be issued Indiana course completion cards dated to the day when the original safety course was completed. This card will allow the holder to waive the required Indiana roadway skills test.

If an applicant’s safety course completion card expires while he or she is holding the Indiana motorcycle learner permit, the applicant must complete another safety course.

New Indiana residents who held a valid motorcycle endorsement from another state may transfer that endorsement to their Indiana operator license after passing a written exam based on the Motorcycle Operator Manual.

More Information and Links