Kentucky Motorcycle Licensing
Motorcycle License, Permits, Training & Insurance
The content below is for informational purposes only and was last updated in October 2025. For the most up-to-date information, please consult the Kentucky Department of Vehicle Services.
Operating a Motorcycle in Kentucky
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is responsible for issuing motorcycle permits, licenses, and endorsements. To legally ride a motorcycle in Kentucky, you must:
- Meet the state’s minimum age requirement
- Obtain a motorcycle instruction permit or license/endorsement
- Register your motorcycle
- Maintain state-required insurance
Kentucky classifies motorcycles and motor-driven cycles under one endorsement or license type (often called a “motorcycle endorsement” or Class M).
All riders — including those with a regular driver’s license — must get the proper motorcycle credential before riding on public roads.
Kentucky Motorcycle Permit & License Requirements
Over Age 18:
- In addition to passing the motorcycle skills and knowledge exams, individuals 18 years or older must hold a valid motor vehicle operator’s license, instructional permit, or pass the operator knowledge test.
- You may qualify for a waiver of both the written test and skills test if you complete an approved motorcycle safety education course.
- You are not required to hold a motorcycle instruction permit for 30 days if you get the waiver.
Under Age 18:
- Any person 16 years or older with a valid intermediate motor vehicle license may apply for a motorcycle license.
- A parent or legal guardian must sign the license application and accept responsibility, even if they have already signed for a moped or automobile license.
- Applicants must present their current driver’s license as proof of identity.
- Completing an approved motorcycle safety education course allows the rider to receive a waiver card for both the written and skills tests.
- With a waiver card, applicants are not required to hold a motorcycle permit for 30 days and may obtain a motorcycle license immediately.
- While holding an intermediate operator license, riders may not operate a vehicle or motorcycle between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., unless the driver demonstrates a good cause for driving, such as for emergencies, school, or work-related purposes.
Kentucky Instruction Permits & Testing
Kentucky offers two main paths to motorcycle credentialing: direct testing via the Kentucky State Police (KSP) or completing a safety education course (waiver option).
Option 1: KSP Testing Path
- Obtain a motorcycle instruction permit
- Schedule and take your written knowledge test with KSP.
- Pay required fees.
- Permit holding period
- Under 21: must hold permit 180 days before taking the skills test.
- Age 21+: permit must be held 30 days before taking the skills test.
- Take the skills (road) test with KSP
- After the mandatory waiting period, schedule and pass the skills test.
- After the mandatory waiting period, schedule and pass the skills test.
Option 2: Rider Education Course Waiver Path
- Kentucky currently recognizes the Basic Rider Course (BRC) and other approved courses for waiver of written and skills testing.
- After completing the course, bring your course completion certificate (waiver card) to a KYTC licensing branch to get your endorsement—no permit waiting period required.
- Waiver cards are valid for one (1) year.
Motorcycle Education & Training in Kentucky
- Kentucky’s RideSmartKY / Motorcycle Safety Education program offers training courses statewide.
- Course types include the BRC, BRC2, MSF Advanced Rider Course (ARC), Total Control Advanced Rider Clinic (TCARC), and 3-Wheel BRC (3WBRC).
- Some courses allow use of the rider’s own motorcycle under certain restrictions, if the motorcycle is properly registered and insured.
Helmet & Protective Gear Laws
- Instruction permit holders must wear a helmet and eye protection while riding.
- Riders and passengers under age 21 or those with an endorsement for less than one (1) year must wear a helmet.
- Eye protection is required for all riders at all times.
Kentucky Motorcycle Registration & Insurance
- Motorcycles must be registered with KYTC or a local clerk office and the rider must carry liability insurance meeting Kentucky’s minimum requirements.
- Proof of insurance is required when obtaining or renewing registration.
Next Steps
You now have a clear path to obtaining a motorcycle endorsement or license in Kentucky. If you’re a new rider or new to the state, make sure you complete the required course (if applicable), get your endorsement, and verify that your motorcycle is insured before riding. Click here to get a quote.
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Disclaimer: This article has been provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute as legal advice. This article is based on the most reliable information available on the date of publication. Motorcycle laws are subject to change. For legal guidance and to ensure you have the most up-to-date information, please consult qualified legal counsel or your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
The KY KYTC requires motorcyclists to have current coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements on all registered vehicles. Before riding in Kentucky, make sure your coverage meets the state’s requirements.
To make sure you have the right coverage at the right price, come see what Rider can do for you.
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