Motorcycle License in Kentucky

Do you dream about the exhilarating freedom of riding a motorcycle down Kentucky's bluegrass-lined roads? You can make that dream a reality by applying for a Kentucky motorcycle license. Keep reading to find out how.

New to Kentucky

If you just moved to Kentucky and already have an out-of-state motorcycle license/endorsement, you have 30 days to get your KY motorcycle credentials. In order to do this, you need to be at least 16 years old and take the following actions at your local Circuit Court Clerks' office:

  • Present a School Compliance Verification Form signed by your out-of-state school if you're younger than 18 years old.
    • You can request this form from your residential Kentucky school district.
  • Surrender your out-of-state license.
  • Prove your:
  • Submit a current driving record IF your out-of-state license has been expired 1 year or longer.
    • You'll also have to pass the written knowledge exam and submit to a vision test.
  • Pay the $48 motorcycle licensing fee.

How to Get a Kentucky Motorcycle License

To apply for a new Kentucky motorcycle license, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Be EITHER:
    • At least 18 years old.
      OR
    • Under 18 years old AND already hold a valid KY driver's license.
      • You will need your parent or guardian's consent.
  • Earn a motorcycle instruction permit.
  • EITHER:
    • Complete a Kentucky Motorcycle Safety Education (MSE) rider safety course (see below).
      OR
    • Pass the motorcycle road skills exam.
  • Pay the $48 motorcycle licensing fee.

Details are listed out below... so keep reading!

Kentucky Motorcycle Permits

The first step to getting your KY motorcycle license is earning your motorcycle instruction permit. In order to do this, you will need to go to your local Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks' office and:

  • Pass the motorcycle written knowledge exam.
    • Everything you need to study can be found in the Kentucky Motorcycle Manual—and you can also take a few online practice tests to be ultimately prepared.
  • Complete a vision screening.
  • Provide proof of your:
  • Pay the $18 motorcycle permit fee.

After you've done the above, you'll receive your KY motorcycle permit!

Your permit will be valid for 1 year and can be renewed once. You must hold your motorcycle permit for at least 30 days before applying for your motorcycle license.

Having a Kentucky motorcycle instruction permit allows you to enroll in motorcycle education courses and practice riding under certain restrictions.

Instruction Permit Restrictions

Though you're probably anxious to get out on the road, you are prohibited from riding:

  • Between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m., unless it's an emergency or a school/work-related activity.
    AND
  • With passengers.

Getting Your KY Motorcycle License

When you're ready to apply for your Kentucky motorcycle license, visit your local Circuit Court Clerks' office and present the following:

  • EITHER:
    • A certificate of completion from a Kentucky motorcycle rider education course (see below).
      OR
    • Written proof that you've passed the motorcycle road skills test, administered by the KY State Police (KSP).
    • Contact your local KSP driver testing branch to make a motorcycle road test appointment.
  • Proof of your:
  • Payment for the $48 motorcycle licensing fee.

You will then be issued an official Kentucky motorcycle license! Congratulations!

Your motorcycle license will expire in 4 years, so enjoy the ride.

Motorcycle Education in Kentucky

Enrolling in a Kentucky motorcycle rider education course can be extremely beneficial (and sometimes mandatory) when applying for your KY motorcycle license.

As you've read, completing a Motorcycle Safety Education course allows you to waive the on-road motorcycle skills test.

Kentucky MSE courses are accredited by the nationally-recognized Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), and suit all levels of experience.

The beginner's course will teach you skills like:

  • Making smooth turns and stops.
  • Maneuvering and communicating with other drivers.
  • Dealing with emergency situations.
  • Scoping out the safest path for riding.

If you're interested in learning more about Kentucky motorcycle education courses, visit the state's guide to the Kentucky Motorcycle Program.

If you'd like to enroll in a course, call (502) 564-1568 for registration information.

KY Motorcycle License Fees

The fees associated with getting your Kentucky motorcycle license are as follows:

  • Motorcycle instruction permit: $18.
  • Motorcycle license: $48

Forms

School Compliance Verification Form
School Compliance Verification
Teen drivers must provide this form to prove their enrollment in school as part of applying for a Kentucky learner's permit or driver's license. Must be obtained from the school. Not available online.
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