Arizona Motorcycle Licensing
Motorcycle License Endorsements, Training & Insurance
The content below is for informational purposes only and was last updated in July 2026. For the most up-to-date information, please consult the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and the Motorcycle Operator Manual.
Operating a Motorcycle in Arizona
To legally operate a motorcycle in Arizona, you must have a Class M motorcycle license or endorsement. In order to apply for a Class M license or endorsement, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old;
- Possess a valid permit at the time of application, and if you’re between the ages of 16-18, you must have possessed the permit for at least six (6) months when you apply; and
- Either complete a motorcycle driver education program approved by the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), or your parent/guardian must certify in writing that you completed at least thirty hours of motorcycle driving practice.
If you already have an out-of-state motorcycle license and its before or within a year of expiration, you will be exempt from the education and permit requirements.
Motorcycle Endorsement vs. License
You can legally operate a motorcycle in Arizona with either a Class M endorsement or license. If you already have a driver’s license in Classes D, G, or CDL, your motorcycle endorsement will be added to the back of your current license. However, if you don’t have a driver’s license, you can get a standalone Class M motorcycle license.
Permit Requirements
The minimum age to apply for a motorcycle permit in Arizona is 15 years and six (6) months. If you have never had a permit or driver’s license, you must take the motorcycle and vehicle knowledge tests.
Restrictions:
- No passengers permitted
- No riding on the freeway or interstate
- No riding between sunset and sunrise
- No riding when visibility is less than 500 feet.
Testing Requirements
In order to obtain your motorcycle license, you must pass the written and skills tests. However, you can waive those requirements if you complete training at an approved motorcycle school and earn your Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) card.
Written Test:
- Pay application fee once and you can make unlimited attempts to pass within 12 months.
- There is no required waiting period between failed attempts. If you do not pass, you can retry the next day.
- Offered in 11 languages (English, Arabic, French, German, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese), and is offered in automated, printed and audio formats.
Skills Test:
- You must demonstrate your riding ability on a closed, off-street track, through the performance of specific maneuvers.
- 10-15 minute duration.
- Offered in English only.
Arizona Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
All motorcycles operated on roadways in Arizona must carry minimum liability insurance coverage through a company that is authorized to do business in Arizona.
Arizona’s required minimum coverage is:
- $25,000 for one person sustaining bodily injury or death in an accident
- $50,000 for two or more persons sustaining bodily injury or death in an accident
- $15,000 for damage to others’ property
If you purchase Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage, your policy must provide at least:
- $25,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person in a single accident
- $50,000 for bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in a single accident
Next Steps
By now, you should have a solid understanding of how to obtain an Arizona motorcycle endorsement — from permit, license and endorsement requirements to testing details and insurance information.
If you’re a new rider or a new resident shopping for motorcycle insurance, click here or call 833-70-RIDER to get a quote in minutes, and make sure you have the right coverage before hitting the road.
Disclaimer: This article has been provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is based on the most reliable information available as of 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 Arizona DOT requires motorcyclists to have current coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements on all registered vehicles. Before riding in Arizona, 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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