There are different requirements for getting your regular driver's license than there are for getting your motorcycle license.

A motorcycle permit is not mandatory, only optional. A permit, which is valid for 60 days, will allow you to practice operating a motorcycle before applying for a motorcycle endorsement.

If you opt to apply for a motorcycle permit, you must visit any full-service DMV office with:

• Proof of owning a valid Connecticut driver's license.

• A notarized Certificate of Parental Consent, if under 18.

• A completed Non-Commercial Drivers License application.

• Payment to cover $40 testing fee for motorcycle vision and knowledge tests. To study for the 16-question knowledge test, be sure to study both the Connecticut Motorcycle Manual and the Connecticut Driver's Manual.

• Payment to cover $15 permit fee, only if you pass both exams. If you fail the knowledge test, you may take it again beginning the next business day, but you'll have to pay another $40 exam fee.

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.

NOTE: After obtaining your motorcycle permit, you must complete a mandatory, DMV-approved motorcycle safety course before applying for an endorsement. The DMV conveniently provides a list of approved of motorcycle safety training courses throughout the state.

Applying for a Motorcycle License

Applying With a Motorcycle Permit

Visit any full-service DMV office with:

• A valid Connecticut motorcycle permit.

• A valid Connecticut driver's license.

• Proof of completing a DMV-approved a motorcycle safety training course.

The DMV will then add an "M" endorsement to your driver's license at no extra cost.

NOTE: No driving test is required. The motorcycle safety training course handles the skills test.

Applying Without a Motorcycle Permit

• Proof of owning a valid Connecticut driver's license.

• A notarized Certificate of Parental Consent, if under 18.

• A completed Non-Commercial Drivers License application.

• Payment to cover $40 testing fee for motorcycle vision and knowledge tests. To study for the 16-question knowledge test, be sure to study both the Connecticut Motorcycle Manual and the Connecticut Driver's Manual.

• Payment to cover $15 permit fee, only if you pass both exams. If you fail the knowledge test, you may take it again beginning the next business day, but you'll have to pay another $40 exam fee.

After passing the exams, you must enroll in a DMV-approved motorcycle safety training course. After completing the course, visit a full-service DMV office to receive an "M" endorsement on your driver's license at no extra fee.

NOTE: No driving test is necessary. The motorcycle safety training course oversees the skills test.

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.

Renewals

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

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.

Your Opinion Matters To Us!