Motorcycle License

Although motorcycles and mopeds seem worlds apart from four-wheeled vehicles, obtaining your motorcycle or moped license or endorsement is similar to obtaining your license or endorsements for other vehicles in Kentucky.

All motorcycle and moped licenses and endorsements are issued at your Circuit Court Clerk's office.

Moped License

In order to obtain a moped license, you must be at least age 16 (if under age 18 you must have a parent or legal guardian sign for you). You also must already have a driver's permit.

If you don't already have a driver or motorcycle license, you'll have to complete the driver license application and take the general knowledge and vision exams; once you successfully complete those, you'll be issued a moped license. If you later obtain any other operator's license, you must turn in your moped license.

If you already have any other kind of operator license, you don't need to apply for a moped license.

It is unlawful to operate a moped on roads where the posted speed limit is over 30 mph.

Motorcycle License or Endorsement

In order to obtain a motorcycle license or permit, you must either be at least age 18 or have a valid driver license. If you're under the age of 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian sign for you.

The fee for a motorcycle license along with your regular driver license is $30. A motorcycle-only license is $24.

Motorcycle Training Courses

Riding a motorcycle offers a certain liberation―the open road, the wind in your hair, the envious expressions of minivan drivers you pass. Yes, they're all included in the freedom from the confines of doors, roofs, hoods, and even trunks.

But no matter how many times we hear, "Born to be Wild," none of us are as experienced as Peter Fonda in Easy Rider when we first hop on a motorcycle, and none of us need to try impersonating Evel Knievel the first day of riding, if ever.

However, riding can still be fun―and safe―thanks to training and safety courses.

Kentucky Motorcycle Program

The Kentucky Motorcycle Program (KMP) offers rider courses developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). These courses are taught by MSF-certified instructors and are approved by the state, and are free to those under the age of 18. Visit the MSF Web site for more information.

Motorcycle Safety Education Courses

The Kentucky Motorcycle Safety Education (MSE) course actually offers two different courses:

The Motorcycle Rider Course: Riding Street Skills: This is a 16 to 18 hour course that teaches basic skills. Half of the class consists of classroom instruction.

The Experienced Rider Course (ERC): This class is meant for more experienced riders, and takes place on the riding range.

Your skills test may be waived if you complete the MSE; however, all motorcyclists must keep their permit for one month before they can be issued a motorcycle license.

Additional Education

The Kentucky Division of Driver Licensing (DDL) doesn't offer a motorcycle handbook per se, but it does dedicate a significant portion of the Kentucky Drivers Manual to motorcycles, mopeds, trail bikes, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Luckily, you can download the pages covering those topics without having to download the entire manual.

In Section Four of the manual, you'll read about laws, education programs, vehicle requirements, protective clothing and gear, safety tips, and much more regarding motorcycles, mopeds, trail bikes, and ATVs.

Already licensed and ready to roll? Check out our section on motorcycle registration.

BE SURE TO VISIT THESE SITES

• The Motorcycle Safety Foundation
• The ATV Safety Institute
• Kentucky Motorcycle Rider Education Program
• Kentucky Headgear Requirements
• Motorcycle and ATV Safety