Motorcycle License

If you don't have any driver license, you can get a stand alone Class M motorcycle license. If you already have a driver license (Class D, G, or CDL), a motorcycle endorsement will be added to the back of your current license. Either option allows you to legally operate motorcycles and motor-driven cycles in Arizona.

What You Need to Know

Standard license holders: Your Arizona motorcycle license/endorsement doesn't expire until you turn 65, but you'll need to update your photo or eye test every 12 years. If you're 60 or older, you'll get a five-year license instead.

Travel ID/Driver License holders: Your motorcycle endorsement on a Travel ID follows the standard eight-year expiration cycle for Travel IDs.

Foreign nationals, military members, and other special circumstances: Your motorcycle endorsement expiration may vary based on your specific situation. Check your license expiration date for details. This applies to both standard and Travel ID licenses.

Getting Started

Getting started is simple: Complete your Driver License / Identification Card Application and choose the license or permit type that fits your needs.

Types of Motorcycle Licenses and Permits

Motorcycle Instruction Permit (Non-Travel)

Age requirement: 15 years and 6 months

If you've never held an Arizona permit or driver license, you need to take both the motorcycle and vehicle knowledge tests.

Important permit rules:

No passengers allowed
No freeway or interstate riding
No riding between sunset and sunrise
No riding when visibility is less than 500 feet

Need help studying? Check out the Motorcycle Operator Manual for everything you need to know.

Class M (Motorcycle License)

Age requirement: 16 years

This license lets you operate motorcycles and motor-driven cycles.

If you're under 18, you'll need to:

Hold an Arizona instruction permit for at least six months
Complete an MVD-approved motorcycle education program, OR
Have your parent or guardian certify you've completed 30 hours of riding practice

Already have an out-of-state motorcycle license? If it’s before or within a year of expiration, you're exempt from the education and permit requirements.

Class G (Graduated License with Motorcycle Endorsement)

Age requirement: 16-17 years

This license combines your regular driving privileges with motorcycle operation.

Requirements:

Hold both graduated and motorcycle instruction permits for six months. They must be in your immediate possession.
Complete approved education programs for both, OR
Have 30 hours of certified riding practice

Note: You can keep this license after 18 or upgrade to an operator license—your choice.

Class D (Operator License with Motorcycle Endorsement)

Age requirement: 18 years

This gives you full driving privileges for any non-commercial vehicle, including motorcycles.

Class A, B, or C CDL (Commercial Driver License with Motorcycle Endorsement)

Age requirement: 21 years (18 for Arizona-only CDL)

Perfect if you drive heavy vehicles for work and want to ride motorcycles too. See our Commercial Driver License Manual for details.

Testing Requirements

Getting your motorcycle license involves both written and skills testing.

Want to skip the written and road tests? Complete training at an approved motorcycle school and earn your Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) card.

Written Tests

If you're applying for your first Arizona license with motorcycle endorsement:

Take the motorcycle written test (based on the Motorcycle Operator Manual)
Take the driver license test (based on the Driver License Manual)

Note: One application fee gives you unlimited attempts to pass within 12 months. If you don't pass, you can retest the next day.

Language options: Tests are available in 11 languages; English, Arabic, French, German, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. We offer automated, printed, and audio tests.

Renewing your license? You might need to retake the written test. However, if you originally passed your written test through the Motor Vehicle Division, in most cases, those test results are valid for life and you won't need to retest.

Motorcycle Skills Test

This is a 10-15 minute demonstration of your riding ability on a closed, off-street track. You'll perform specific maneuvers as outlined in our instruction guides.

Note: The skills test is only offered in English.

Required protective gear for your skills test:

Eye protection (face shield, goggles, safety glasses, or protective windshield)
Sturdy footwear that doesn't interfere with controls
DOT-approved helmet if under 18

Also recommended:

Gloves for motorcycle operation
Long pants and long-sleeve shirt or jacket
DOT-approved helmet if over 18

License Restrictions Based on Test Vehicle:

Test with a motorcycle greater than 100cc/7HP for an unrestricted license
If you test with a moped or motorized cart, you'll get a "1" restriction on your license
If you test with a motorcycle that is 100cc/7HP or less, you'll get a "2" restriction on your license
If you test with a three-wheel motorcycle, you'll get a "3" restriction on your license

Have an out-of-state motorcycle license? If your state required a skills test similar to Arizona's, you usually won't need to test again. However, we may still require testing if your out-of-state license has been expired for more than 12 months.

Alert: Tests may be suspended due to safety conditions or extreme weather, including temperatures of 105 degrees or above. Motorcycle testing will not be conducted after 12 o'clock during June, July, and August.

Test Preparation Resources

Review these guides before your skills test:

Ready to schedule your test? Find motorcycle testing locations near you.

Mopeds

What is a Moped?

In Arizona, a moped is a bicycle with operable pedals and a combustion engine helper motor. The helper motor must be 50 cubic centimeters (cc) or less with a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour or less.

Note: A moped is not a Vespa-style scooter. If your vehicle doesn't have pedals or exceeds these specifications, it may be classified as a motor-driven cycle or motorcycle and will require a motorcycle endorsement.

License Requirements

You can operate a moped with any class of driver license in Arizona—you don't need a motorcycle endorsement. However, mopeds must be registered and insured.

Moped Registration Requirements:

You must register your moped with MVD
Registration fee: $5.00
You must carry liability insurance that meets Arizona's minimum requirements
Mopeds do not require a title

For moped registration, you'll need to provide proof of ownership and insurance at any MVD or Third Party office.

Next Steps

Study the Motorcycle Operator Manual and Driver License Manual
Complete your driver license application
Take your written tests: you may do so at any MVD or Third Party office
Practice your riding skills using our instruction guides
Take your skills test at any MVD office
Bring a motorcycle over 100cc/7HP for unrestricted license