Motorcycle License in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's history serves as a poignant reminder of the freedom our country prides itself on. So, what better way to enjoy that freedom than on a motorcycle?

Keep reading for more information on how to get your PA motorcycle license.

New to Pennsylvania?

If you recently moved to Pennsylvania and already have an out-of-state motorcycle license/endorsement, you'll need to transfer it within 60 days of becoming a PA resident.

To transfer your motorcycle license*, visit any Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) driver licensing office and:

Surrender your out-of-state credentials.
Submit a completed Application for Pennsylvania Non-Commercial Driver's License by Out-of-State Non CDL Driver (From DL-180R).
- If you're under 18 years old, your parent, guardian, or spouse if they're at least 18 years old MUST sign this form in front of an examiner at the driver license center OR have it notarized.
Pass a vision screening.
Submit proof of your:
- Social Security number (SSN).
- Identity.
- Pennsylvania residency.
  - PennDOT provides a list of acceptable residency and identity documents.
Applicable PA motorcycle licensing fees.

*NOTE: You can only transfer your out-of-state motorcycle license/endorsement if it is currently valid OR expired for 6 months or fewer. If your credentials fall outside of these time limitations, you'll need to complete the entire application process outlined below.

How to Get a Pennsylvania Motorcycle License

To be eligible to receive a Pennsylvania Class M motorcycle license, you must:

Be at least 16 years old.
Earn a PA motorcycle permit.
Enroll in a Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) education course.
- Taking a PAMSP course isn't required IF you're at least 18 years old.
- Completing a PAMSP course will waive PennDOT's motorcycle road skills test requirement for any applicant.
Pass the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's motorcycle road exam.
- Waived if you've passed the education course mentioned above.

Once you've fulfilled the eligibility requirements above, you'll be on track to receiving your PA motorcycle license!

Motorcycle Permits in PA

The first step to getting your Pennsylvania motorcycle license is earning your motorcycle permit. You must be 16 years old to apply.

Visit your local PA Department of Transportation office that conducts motorcycle knowledge testing and:

Submit a completed Motorcycle Learner's Permit Application (Form DL-5).
- If you're younger than 18 years old, the signature of your parent, legal guardian, or your spouse (who is at least 18 years old) MUST be notarized.
Present proof of your:
- Identity AND PA residency.
  - PennDOT provides a list of acceptable residency and identity documents.
- SSN.
Take a vision screening.
Pass the written knowledge exam.
- You can prepare for the written test by studying PennDOT's motorcycle manual and taking an online practice test or two!
Pay the applicable motorcycle permit fees.

You'll then receive your PA motorcycle permit, which is valid for 1 year.

Permit Requirements & Restrictions

Before you get out on the road and ride, familiarize yourself with the requirements and restrictions that come with operating a motorcycle with a motorcycle permit.

If you're younger than 18 years old, you're required to:

Hold your motorcycle permit for at least 6 months.
Complete 65 hours of supervised riding practice.
Enroll in a Motorcycle Safety Program Basic Rider Course.
- Completing a motorcycle education class will count as 15 hours towards your required practice, AND will allow you to waive PennDOT's motorcycle road test.

As a PA motorcycle permit holder of any age, you're prohibited from riding:

Between sunset and sunrise.
Without a supervising adult who also holds a Class M, motorcycle license.
With passengers.

Get Your PA Motorcycle License

In order to get your PA motorcycle license, you'll need to be at least 16 years old and meet the eligibility requirements mentioned above.

Before applying for your motorcycle license, you'll need to have EITHER:

A certificate of Motorcycle Safety Program course completion.
OR
Written proof that you've passed the PA Department of Transportation's motorcycle road skills test.
- If you opt to take the road exam, you'll need to schedule a testing appointment at a PennDOT office offering motorcycle skills testing.

Take the above documents with you when go to your local PennDOT driver licensing office and present them along with the following:

If you're younger than 18 years old, a Parent or Guardian Certification (Form DL-180C), verifying you've completed the required 65 hours of supervised riding practice.
- The form MUST BE notarized if your parent, guardian, or spouse who is at least 18 years old and IS NOT accompanying you to your skills test.
Proof of your:
- Identity AND Pennsylvania residency.
  - PennDOT provides a list of acceptable residency and identity documents.
- SSN.
Your PA motorcycle permit.

PAMSP Motorcycle Education Course

Although enrolling in motorcycle education is only required if you're younger than 18 years old, taking a Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) course will make getting your PA motorcycle license a lot easier.

Not only does completing a PAMSP course allow you to waive the PennDOT's road skills test, more importantly, it teaches you valuable skills like:

Making smooth turns and stops.
Wearing the most protective gear.
Choosing the safest route for riding.
Sharing the road with other drivers.

If you'd like to learn more about motorcycle education in Pennsylvania or are interested in enrolling in a course, you can:

Call the PA Motorcycle Safety Program at (800) 845-9533.
Visit the PAMSP's website.

Motorcycle License Fees in PA

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

Transfer out-of-state motorcycle credentials to:
- PA Class M license valid for 2 years: $45.50.
- Pennsylvania Class M license valid for 4 years: $63.50.
Motorcycle permit with a motorcycle license* valid for:
- 4 years: $63.50.
- 2 years (for applicants at least 65 years old): $57.50.
*NOTE: This fee encompasses the cost of both your permit AND license and is charged only when you apply for your permit.

Forms

DL-5: Motorcycle Learners Permit Application; Application for a PA motorcycle learner's permit.

DL-180C: Parent or Guardian Certification Form; Form used to verify a minor in your care has completed the required number of hours of driving practice while holding a Pennsylvania learner's permit.

DL-180R: Application for a Pennsylvania Non Commercial Drivers License By Out of State Non CDL Driver Form Online; Complete this form to apply for a Pennsylvania non-commercial driver's license if you currently hold an out-of-state CDL.