Motorcycle License in North Dakota

North Dakota's abundance of untouched natural beauty has become a rare treasure in today's world. If you live in the Peace Garden State, maybe you've thought about what it'd be like to take the scenic routes atop a motorcycle.

With a North Dakota motorcycle license, you can experience the freedom and fresh air that come with exploring the state by motorcycle. Keep reading for more information.

New to North Dakota?

If you just moved to North Dakota and already have a motorcycle license from another state, you may be able to transfer your credentials.

You'll have 60 days to transfer your out-of-state license to a North Dakota motorcycle license, which you can accomplish by doing the following at your local ND Department of Transportation (NDDOT) driver licensing office:

  • Provide proof of:
  • Take the required written and/or road tests, if required*.
  • Pay the $15 licensing fee (plus exam fees, if applicable).

*NOTE: Depending on the validity of your out-of-state motorcycle credentials, you may or may not have to pass the written and road exams. Please call your local NDDOT driver license office for more information.

ND Motorcycle License Eligibility

In North Dakota, you need to be at least 14 years old to apply for a motorcycle license.

The process for earning your ND motorcycle credentials is as follows:

  • Earn your motorcycle permit by passing the required written knowledge tests for a:
    • Standard, Class D license.
      • This is if you DON'T already have a Class D permit or license.
    • Motorcycle license.
  • Practice riding with your permit.
  • Complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) motorcycle education course.
    • This is optional if you're over 15 years old, but it will waive your DOT road skills exam.
    • Riders between 14 and 15 years old MUSTcomplete a course.
  • Pass the on-cycle skills exam (if you did NOT complete a safety course).
  • Earn your North Dakota motorcycle license.

For full details on each of these steps, keep reading!

Motorcycle Permits in ND

The first step to getting your motorcycle license in North Dakota is earning your motorcycle permit. Visit your local Department of Transportation driver license office and do the following:

  • Present proof of your:
  • If you're between 14 and 15 years old, provide a certificate of enrollment in or completion of a Motorcycle Safety Foundation education course.
  • Pass the following tests:
    • Vision screening.
    • Written knowledge exams for a:
      • Standard, Class D license IF you don't already have a Class D permit or license.
      • Class M motorcycle license.
  • Pay the applicable motorcycle permit and exam fees (see below).

You will then receive your North Dakota motorcycle permit!

Permit Restrictions

Now that you have your ND motorcycle permit, you're probably excited to get out on the roads and ride! However, you should keep the following restrictions in mind while riding with your motorcycle permit:

  • ALL motorcycle permit holders:
    • Must wear a helmet.
    • Are prohibited from transporting passengers.
    • May only practice while it's light outside.
  • Permit holders between 14 and 15 years old:
    • May ONLY ride motorcycles equipped with 510 cc or lower.
    • Must hold a permit for at least 2 months before applying for a motorcycle license.

Getting Your ND Motorcycle License

Before applying for your North Dakota motorcycle license, you must first have EITHER:

  • Passed a behind-the-wheel road skills exam.
    OR
  • Completed a motorcycle safety course*, thus waiving the road exam taken through the DOT.

You can schedule a motorcycle road test online with the DOT or by calling (855) 633-6835.

When you're ready to apply, visit your local driver license site and provide the following:

  • EITHER your:
    • MSF course certificate of completion.*
      OR
    • Written proof that you passed the NDDOT's motorcycle road test.
  • Proof of your:
    • Identity.
    • ND residency.
    • SSN.
  • Your $15 motorcycle licensing fee.

*NOTE: Remember, this is the ONLY option for applicants who are 14 and 15 years old

ND Motorcycle Education

Motorcycle license applicants between 14 and 15 years old are required to take a North Dakota Motorcycle Safety Foundation course.

Regardless of age, once you complete a MSF course, you'll be able to waive the ND Department of Transportation's motorcycle road skills test.

In association with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the North Dakota Motorcycle Safety Program offers rider courses for all skill levels. New riders enrolling in the Basic RiderCourse will learn valuable skills like:

  • Stopping and turning smoothly.
  • Dealing with emergencies.
  • Determining the safest route for riding.
  • Sharing the road and communicating with other drivers.

If you're interested in learning more about motorcycle education in North Dakota or would like to register for a course, check out the NDMSP website.

Fees for ND Motorcycle Licenses

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

  • Written knowledge test: $5 (per test).
  • Motorcycle permit:
    • With a Class D permit/license: $8.
    • Without a Class D permit/license: $15.
  • On-road exam: $5.
  • Motorcycle license: $15.
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