Virginia Motorcycle Driver’s License

Are you planning to ride a motorcycle along Virginia’s Scenic highways? You will always feel a new kind of freedom riding a motorcycle. But before you hop into that motorcycle, be sure to take the appropriate safety precautions and to have a valid motorcycle driver’s license that legally allows you to drive any motor driven vehicle.

Motorcycle Licenses in Virginia

In order to drive a motorcycle in Virginia, you have two options for licensing; adding a motorcycle designation to your existing driver’s license or to get a motorcycle-only license. Drivers with licenses that display both an “M” designation and a “6” listed under “Restriction” are allowed to operate motorcycle ONLY while licenses that have an “M” designation and no “6” listed under “Restriction” are allowed to operate both a standard motor vehicle and a motorcycle.

Class M License

Any drivers in Virginia who already have a valid driver’s license but without a motorcycle designation may add a Class M designation to their license that will allow them to drive a motorcycle. IF you are 19 years old and above, you must do the following things to get a Class M designation to your existing license:

• Pass the vision screening.
• Pass the motorcycle knowledge exam
• Have held a motorcycle learner’s permit for 30 days.
• Pass the motorcycle road skills test.

Note: If you were able to complete the motorcycle learner’s permit before July 1, 2007 the requirement to hold a learner’s permit for 30 days prior to getting your license will be waived. You are then not required to take the motorcycle road skills test. Once you passed the motorcycle knowledge test and taken the vision test you will be able to operate a motorcycle.

Applicants under the age of 19 must do the following to add the Class M designation to your current driver’s license:

• Pass the vision test.
• Pass the motorcycle knowledge test.
• Have held a motorcycle learner’s permit for 9 months.
• Pass the motorcycle road test.

Note: If you have a certificate of completion from Virginia Rider Training Program issued before July 1, 2007, you are exempted from taking the motorcycle road skills test for a period of two years.

Motorcycle ONLY License

Aside from a motorcycle endorsement or Class M license, you can also get a driver’s license that will allow you to operate a motorcycle only. This is indicated by a “6” added to Restriction of your license. This kind of license will indicate that your driving privilege is restricted to a motorcycle only. To obtain a motorcycle only license, you must complete the requirements given above and pass the two-part driver’s license knowledge exam. However, if you decide later on that you want to have a regular driver’s license, you will only have to pass the driver road skills test.

Out-Of-State License

If you have a valid out-of-state driver’s license and have completed the Virginia Rider Training Program, you are not eligible for a Virginia motorcycle license. Since the State of Virginia does not allow anyone to have both out-of-state license and any type of Virginia license, you may exchange your out of-state driver’s license for a Virginia license and then get the Class M designation.

However, if you have a valid out of-state driver’s license and posses an out of state motorcycle safety course certificate but do not have a motorcycle Class M designation on your license, you are not eligible for a Virginia Class M designation. Also, the state does not accept any out of state motorcycle safety course certificates. If you want to get a Class M designation in Virginia, you have to pass the motorcycle knowledge and road skills tests and hold a motorcycle learner’s permit for 30 days.

West Virginia Motorcycle Driver’s License

Are you itching to hop on a motorcycle and take a ride down West Virginias’ public roads and highways? If yes, make sure first that you have your motorcycle driver’s license or endorsement. You can apply for a motorcycle driver’s license and permit at any DMV office near you.

Basic Requirements for the License

The state of West Virginia wants every motorcyclist who wants to operate on the public roads to have obtained either a motorcycle endorsement (F) on their driver’s license or a Class F motorcycle-only driver’s license. In order to be eligible for a motorcycle endorsement (F) on your existing driver’s license you must:

• Be at least 16 years of age.
• Already have a Class E driver’s license.
• Pass a knowledge and on-cycle skills test. Study the Motorcycle Operator’s Manual (PDF).
• Complete Level II GDL before receiving a motorcycle instruction permit. This is a must to applicants younger than 18 years old.

If you are 18 years old and plans to get a motorcycle driver’s license you have to obtain a motorcycle permit also with the following requirements:

• Complete the application form and submit the form in person at any DMV office.
• Have your picture taken and give a thumb print.
• Pay the required fee. The endorsement fee cost $1 per year while the Class F license costs $3 to $5 depending on your age.
• Pass the signs and traffic and laws examination. You have three chances to pass the exam.
• Set up an appointment with your local DMV office to write your examination.

New applicants between 15 and 18 years old must complete the requirements given above and the following:

• Provide a parent or guardian signature on your form.
• Present proof that you have completed the driver’s education and training. You can present your West Virginia driver’s license. See Basic Rider Course Information.
• Provide proof of first-time applicant.
• Provide proper identification.
• Present your social security number.

The learner’s permit will allow you to practice driving a motorcycle in preparation for the road skills test. However the Division of Motor Vehicles has imposed restriction on the learner’s permit to assure the safe operation of motor vehicles. The Division of Motor Vehicles in West Virginia issue a restricted license with the restriction indicated on the driver’s license and violation of this restriction will be a serious offense and could result to suspension or revocation of your driving privilege.

Avoiding the Skills Test

One requirement to obtain a motorcycle driver’s license in West Virginia is to get a Motorcycle Safety program offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The courses are taught by MSF-certified instructors and are approved by the state. You can either take a Basic Rider Course which is a 15-hour course or you can take the Experienced Rider Course which is a one-day course but only for those riders who are more experienced. Graduates of the program are exempted from taking the state riding skills test.

Once you completed all the licensing requirements and passed the entire test, you are now eligible motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle driver’s license.