Motorcycle License
Motorcycle License
Contents
Whether you're new to riding or already have experience, getting your motorcycle license in Arizona is straightforward. This page explains the different license types, testing requirements, permits, and training options to help you get on the road legally.
Quick Start
- Review the Motorcycle Operator Manual.
- Complete the Driver License/Identification Card Application.
- Take any required written tests at a motorcycle testing location.
- Practice riding using the testing guides.
- Schedule and complete your skills test at a motorcycle testing location.
- Bring a motorcycle over 100cc/7HP if you want an unrestricted license.
Do You Need a License or Endorsement?
If you don't have a driver license, you can apply for a Class M motorcycle license.
If you already have an Arizona driver license, you can add a motorcycle endorsement to your existing license. Motorcycle endorsements can be added to:
- Class D Operator Licenses
- Class G Graduated Licenses
- Class A, B, or C Commercial Driver Licenses (CDLs)
Either option allows you to legally operate motorcycles and motor-driven cycles in Arizona.
Motorcycle owner? Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, motorcycle owners renewing a motorcycle registration must have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver license. For information about registration requirements, renewal options, and how the endorsement requirement may affect you, visit the Motorcycle Registration page.
Before You Apply
Complete a Driver License/Identification Card Application and select the license or permit type that fits your situation.
Before applying, decide whether you need:
- A Motorcycle Instruction Permit
- A Class M Motorcycle License
- A Motorcycle Endorsement
- A Commercial Driver License (CDL) with Motorcycle Endorsement
Motorcycle Licenses and Permits
Minimum age: 15 years, 6 months
A motorcycle permit lets you practice riding before obtaining a motorcycle license.
If you've never held an Arizona permit or driver license, you'll need to take both the motorcycle knowledge test and driver license knowledge test.
Permit Restrictions
You may not:
- Carry passengers
- Ride on freeways or interstates
- Ride between sunset and sunrise
- Ride when visibility is less than 500 feet
To prepare for the test, review the Motorcycle Operator Manual.
Minimum age: 16
A Class M license allows you to operate motorcycles and motor-driven cycles.
If You're Under 18
You must:
- Hold an Arizona motorcycle instruction permit for at least six months, and
- Complete an MVD-approved motorcycle education program, or
- Have a parent or guardian certify 30 hours of riding practice
Already Have an Out-of-State Motorcycle License?
If your license is current or has been expired for less than one year, you are exempt from the permit and education requirements.
Minimum age: 16-17
A Class G license with a motorcycle endorsement combines your regular driving privileges and motorcycle riding privileges on a single license.
Requirements
You must:
- Hold both a graduated instruction permit and motorcycle instruction permit for at least six months (both must be in your immediate possession)
- Complete approved education programs, or
- Have 30 hours of certified riding practice
You may continue using this license after turning 18 or choose to upgrade to a Class D operator license.
Minimum age: 18
A Class D operator license with a motorcycle endorsement allows you full driving privileges for any non-commercial vehicles, including motorcycles.
Minimum age:
- 21 for interstate CDL privileges
- 18 for Arizona-only CDL privileges
A motorcycle endorsement may be added to a Commercial Driver License. For additional information, review the Commercial Driver License Manual.
Testing Requirements
Most applicants must complete written testing, a skills test, or both.
Want to Skip the Tests?
You may be able to skip the written and skills tests by completing training through an approved motorcycle school and earning a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) card. You may also qualify if you have a valid MSF card issued by another state. Once you have your card, visit an MVD office or Authorized Third Party (ATP) provider to add the endorsement to your license.
Written Tests
First Arizona Motorcycle License or Endorsement
You must take:
- A motorcycle knowledge test based on the Motorcycle Operator Manual
- A driver license knowledge test based on the Driver License Manual
One application fee allows unlimited testing attempts. If you do not pass, you may test again the following day.
Language Options
Tests are available in:
- English
- Arabic
- French
- German
- Italian
- Korean
- Mandarin
- Russian
- Spanish
- Tagalog
- Vietnamese
Automated, printed, and audio testing options are available.
Renewing Your License?
You may be required to retake the written test. In many cases, customers who previously passed their written test through MVD will not need to test again.
Motorcycle Skills Test
The motorcycle skills test is a 10-15 minute riding evaluation conducted on a closed course. You'll perform specific riding maneuvers outlined in MVD testing guides.
Note: The skills test is offered in English only.
What to Bring
Required:
- Eye protection
- Sturdy footwear
- DOT-approved helmet if under 18
Recommended:
- Gloves
- Long pants
- Long-sleeve shirt or jacket
- DOT-approved helmet
License Restrictions Based on Your Test Vehicle
You'll receive restrictions based on the vehicle you use during testing:
- Motorcycle greater than 100cc/7HP: unrestricted license
- Moped or motorized cart: restriction "1"
- Motorcycle 100cc/7HP or less: restriction "2"
- Three-wheel motorcycle: restriction "3"
Out-of-State Motorcycle Licenses
If your previous state required a skills test similar to Arizona's, you may not need to test again.
Testing may still be required if your motorcycle license has been expired for more than 12 months.
Weather and Safety Restrictions
Testing may be suspended due to unsafe conditions or extreme weather.
Motorcycle testing is not conducted after 12:00 pm during June, July, and August. Testing may also be suspended when temperatures reach 105°F or higher.
Prepare for Your Skills Test
Review these guides before testing:
Ready to test? Find a motorcycle testing location near you.
Mopeds
What Is a Moped?
In Arizona, a moped is a bicycle with operable pedals and a helper motor.
The motor must:
- Be 50cc or less
- Have a maximum speed of 25 mph or less
A Vespa-style scooter is not considered a moped. Vehicles that do not meet these requirements may be classified as motorcycles or motor-driven cycles and require a motorcycle endorsement.
Moped Registration Requirements
You can operate a moped with any class of Arizona driver license. A motorcycle endorsement is not required.
However, mopeds must be:
- Registered with MVD
- Covered by liability insurance that meets Arizona's minimum insurance requirements
To register a moped, you'll need:
- Proof of ownership
- Proof of insurance
- A $5.00 registration fee
Mopeds do not require a title.
You can register a moped at any MVD or Authorized Third Party office.