Motorcycle License in Arizona

The Arizona Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that you have a Class M motorcycle license or endorsement to legally operate a motorcycle. The information you'll find on the rest of this page will tell you exactly what you need to do to get your Arizona Class M, and how to do it.

New to Arizona?

If you are an applicant from out of state and you have a valid motorcycle license or endorsement, you may simply trade in your out-of-state license for an Arizona one. You will not need to take the driver education/driving practice, and you will not be required to follow the instruction permit requirements.

If the state that issued your license has a similar skills test to that of Arizona, you may also be exempt from the skills test, though you should be prepared to take it anyway.

Getting Your Motorcycle Instruction Permit in AZ

If you are under age 18 years old, you are required to obtain an instruction permit before getting your Class M license. To apply:

  • You must be at least 15 years old and 6 months.
  • You will need to apply at your local Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office.
  • Pass a vision screening.
  • Pass a written test consisting of questions from the Motorcycle Operator Manual (99-0129).
  • If you do not have a current Class D driver's license or instruction permit, you will also need to take a written driver licensing exam.
  • Pay the $7 permit fee.

The motorcycle permit is valid for 7 months, and can be renewed 1 time within a period of 24 months. During this time, you will need to complete either an MVD-approved motorcycle training course, or at least 30 hours of riding practice in order to receive your full Class M motorcycle license.

Instruction Permit Restrictions

There are some important restrictions to a motorcycle permit:

  • You cannot carry passengers.
  • You cannot drive on freeways or interstate highways.
  • You cannot drive between sunset and sunrise, or at any time when there is not enough light to see other vehicles or persons from a distance of 500 ft.

Applying for a Motorcycle License

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a full Arizona motorcycle license. If you are under 18 years old, you will need to:

  • Hold a valid AZ motorcycle instruction permit for at least 6 months.
  • Complete any MVD-approved motorcycle driver education program, or have your parent/guardian certify in writing that you have completed at least 30 hours of practice driving on your motorcycle.

All applicants are required to:

  • Pass a knowledge test.
  • Pass an on-cycle skills test.
  • Pass a vision exam.
  • Pay your licensing fee (based on your age―see below).
  • After you have passed both exams, you will be issued your Class M license, which is valid until you turn 50 years old. You will need to retake your vision exam every 12 years.

Applying for an AZ Motorcycle Endorsement

If your class M license is combined with any other type of driver license in Arizona, it is considered an “endorsement" added to the back of your current driver's license.

Under Age 18

If you're younger than 18 years old, a first-time driver in the state of Arizona, and you would like to get a motorcycle endorsement added to another class of license, you will be required to meet the AZ GDL program requirements. You must also:

  • Be at least 16 years old.
  • Hold a valid Class G license or instruction permit, and an AZ motorcycle instruction permit for at least 6 months.
  • Complete any MVD-approved motorcycle driver education program, or have your parent/guardian certify in writing that you have completed at least 30 hours of practice driving on your motorcycle.
  • Pass a written knowledge exam.
  • Pass an on-cycle skills test.
  • Pass a vision exam.
  • Pay the $7 endorsement fee.
  • Pay the licensing fee (if you are earning a first-time Class G license).

Over Age 18

If you're 18 years old or older, you can apply for the regular Class D driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement. The Class D license with an endorsement allows you to drive any vehicle that does not require a commercial license.

You will need to:

  • Pass a knowledge test.
  • Pass an on-cycle skills test.
  • Pass a vision exam.
  • Pay the $7 endorsement fee.

Arizona CDL Endorsements

If you're at least 21 years old, you are eligible for a Class A, B, or C commercial driver license (CDL) with an M endorsement, but the CDL license requirements will still apply. Drivers who are at least 18 years old may apply for an intrastate commercial driver license, but please note that this license is only valid within the state of Arizona.

Class J Motorcycle License

If your motorcycle has less than 100 ccs, your license will be a restricted J license, and you will not be able to drive on interstate highways.

AZ Motorcycle License Fees

Licensing fees are based on your age and type:

  • 16 to 39 years old―$25
  • 40 to 44 years old―$20
  • 45 to 49 years old―$15
  • 50 years oldand over―$10
  • Motorcycle Endorsement―$7
  • Instruction Permit―$7

The AZ On-Cycle Skills Exam

To earn your license or endorsement, you will need to prove your riding skills on your motorcycle by taking a driving skills exam. Prepare by reading through the AZ Motorcycle Operator Manual (99-0129) and getting plenty of practice before taking the exam.

You'll need to demonstrate basic control skills, safety measures, and a thorough understanding of your vehicle's operating maneuvers. Make sure to also bring the following:

  • DOT-approved motorcycle helmet in good condition.
  • Gloves that permit freedom to operate controls.
  • Proper clothing, including long pants and protective jacket.
  • Protective footwear that cover your ankles.
  • Proper eye protection.
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