There are different requirements for getting your regular driver's license than there are for getting your motorcycle license. Here's what you need to know:

• You must be at least 16 years old and a Connecticut resident with a valid Connecticut non-commercial driver's license in order to qualify.

• You must obtain a motorcycle learner's permit before applying for a motorcycle license.

• You must pass both a vision exam and a written exam to obtain your learner's permit. Be sure to study the Connecticut Motorcycle Driver's Manual. You may also want to listen to the Sharing the Road with Motorcycles podcast.

• Before attempting to take the motorcycle learner's permit exam, an applicant should make sure they have the proper ID, a completed application―which may be requested online, the $40 testing fee, and the $15 permit fee (in cash or money order).

• Motorcycle written exams are given at any full-service Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles office. There are 16 questions; at least 12 must be answered correctly to pass.

• Pass both exams and you are granted a Connecticut motorcycle learner's permit. Fail the exam and you may take it again beginning the next business day, but you'll have to pay another $40 exam fee, as well as the $15 permit fee.

Top Motorcycle Learner's Permit

The motorcycle learner's permit is good for only 60 days and has the following restrictions:

• Valid only in Connecticut.

• Valid only during daylight.

• The motorcycle driver may not transport passengers.

• No driving on multiple-lane highways.

• Must wear vision protection.

• Must wear helmet/protective headgear.

A motorcycle learner's permit may be renewed one time for an additional 60 days. To do so, you must go to a Connecticut DMV office with your current permit, your driver's license, and a $15 fee, as well as proper ID.

Top Applying for a Motorcycle License

To obtain your motorcycle license, you must first apply to the DMV for a road test. Road tests are given by appointment only at certain DMV offices (all except Bridgeport, Danbury, New Britain, Old Saybrook and Waterbury). Appointments may be made in person or through the DMV telephone center.

The DMV will notify applicants of their road test appointment by U.S. Mail.

On the day of the road test, the applicant needs to show up at the designated Connecticut DMV office with the following:

• A valid Connecticut motorcycle learner's permit

• A valid Connecticut driver's license

• A properly registered and insured motorcycle

• Appointment confirmation letter

Applicants under the age of 18 will also need to present a signed parental consent form and a certificate of completion from a state-approved motorcycle safety program.

Pass the exam, turn in your current driver's license and permit, and receive a new driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement. Fail the exam and you have to wait two weeks before beginning the application and appointment procedure again.

Top Restrictions

Anyone under 18 issued a motorcycle license is not allowed to transport passengers for the first six months of driving. New motorcycle drivers 18 or over are not allowed to carry passengers for the first three months.

Top Motorcycle Safety School

The Connecticut Rider Education Program (CONREP) is run by the Connecticut Department of Transportation, not the DMV. CONREP offers three levels of course, for beginning, intermediate, and advanced drivers. Graduates of the basic and intermediate programs can receive waivers from the road test portion of the license exam. The courses follow national standards developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Top Renewals

The motorcycle endorsement and your regular driver's license are renewed together as part of your standard driver's license renewal procedure.

Top Replacements

Once you receive a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license, the two are considered one and the same. If your driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond recognition, you need to follow Connecticut's regular procedures for replacing a driver's license.

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