Motorcycle License in West Virginia

The country roads of West Virginia are enchanting enough to have their own song—what better way to explore them than on a motorcycle?

To do so, you'll have to earn your motorcycle license, through the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

New to West Virginia

Welcome to the Mountain State! Once you settle in, you have 30 days to transfer your out-of-state license.

The process for switching your out-of-state motorcycle license over to West Virginia is the same as transferring a regular driver's license. Check out all the details on our guide to WV driver's licenses.

WV Motorcycle License Eligibility

To earn a motorcycle license or endorsement on your current driver's license in West Virginia, you must:

Read below to find out more about completing these steps.

Motorcycle Permits in West Virginia

First thing's first: before riding off into the sunset, you'll have to learn how to ride. That's where your motorcycle permit comes in.

To earn one in West Virginia, visit a DMV office, and:

  • Bring proof of your:
  • Pass a motorcycle knowledge test.
  • Pay the $5 permit fee.

After completing all of the above, the Division of Motor Vehicles should issue your motorcycle permit. Time to start practicing!

Permit Limitations

Earning your permit is a great accomplishment, but there are specific rules that come along with this phase.

While practicing with your West Virginia motorcycle permit, you are NOT allowed to:

  • Ride on public roads after daylight hours.
  • Have any passengers on your bike.

Your permit will be valid for 90 days, but you'll need to have held it for at least 7 days before you can test for your license.

Getting Your WV Motorcycle License

After you've finished all of the exams, you can turn that knowledge and experience into a license!

Before you apply for your motorcycle license, you'll need to pass an on-road skills exam, either through the DMV or through a third-party education course. Contact your local DMV for information on scheduling your skills test.

Then, visit a DMV office near you and bring:

West Virginia offers different documents that will allow you to drive a motorcycle:

  • Motorcycle endorsements.
  • Motorcycle-only licenses.

A motorcycle endorsement will be added to your current WV driver's license, allowing you to ride your bike in addition to driving other vehicles. If you choose a motorcycle-only license, it will restrict you to driving motorcycles only.

After deciding which document you'd like, the WV Division of Motor Vehicles will issue it for you. Congratulations!

Motorcycle Education Courses in WV

Education courses offer another way for West Virginians to earn their motorcycle license.

While anyone can enroll in the course, motorcycle license applicants can waive the DMV skills test if they:

To be eligible for a basic rider course through the Motorcycle Safety Awareness Program, you must:

  • Have a valid WV driver's license.
  • Have a motorcycle license or permit.
  • Be at least 16 years old.
  • Bring your own eye protection and helmet.
  • Pay the $100 course fee.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation will help you find available courses, or you can contact a local West Virginia official for more information.

If you pass the class, you'll be able to waive your DMV motorcycle road test! Ask your instructor for more information on the waiver.

Motorcycle License Fees in WV

The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles charges the following fees for motorcycle licenses and related services:

  • Motorcycle instruction permit: $5.
  • Motorcycle endorsement (added to your driver's license):
    • $7.50 endorsement fee
      PLUS
    • $1 fee for every remaining 1 year your driver's license is valid.
  • Motorcycle license (allows you to drive motorcycles only): $2.50 for each 1 year the license is valid.
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