Georgia Motorcycle Licensing
Motorcycle License, Permits, Training & Insurance
The content below is for informational purposes only and was last updated in March 2026. For the most current and complete information, please consult the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and the Motorcycle Operators Manual.
Operating a Motorcycle in Georgia
To operate a motorcycle in Georgia, you need a Class M license or a Class M Instructional Permit (MP).
Definition of a Motorcycle
Under Georgia law, a motorcycle includes any vehicle with:
- Saddle for the rider
- Handlebar controls
- Up to three (3) wheels in contact with the ground
Tractors and mopeds are excluded from the definition of motorcycle.
How to Get a Georgia Motorcycle Permit (Class MP)
Steps to Obtain a Class MP Permit Include:
- Visit a DDS Customer Service Center.
- Submit a permit form (signed by parent or guardian if under age 18).
- Provide documentation showing your identity, residential address, and United States citizenship or proof of lawful status in the United States.
- Complete Joshua’s Law Requirements (under age 18 only)
- Provide Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP/eADAP) completion certificate (under age 18 only).
- Provide proof of school enrollment (under age 18 only).
- Surrender any out-of-state driver’s license, permit, or ID card.
- Satisfy testing requirements (vision and knowledge).
- Pay the permit fee.
Permit Restrictions:
With a Class MP permit, you cannot:
- Ride at night
- Carry passengers
- Ride on limited-access highways or interstates
- Ride without a helmet approved by the Department of Transportation
Class M License Requirements
To obtain a Class M license, you must:
- Be at least 17 years old
- Submit a license form.
- Provide documentation showing your identity, residential address, and United States citizenship or proof of lawful status in the United States.
- Complete Joshua’s Law Requirements (under age 18 only)
- Provide Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP/eADAP) completion certificate (under age 18 only).
- Provide proof of school enrollment (under age 18 only).
- Surrender any out-of-state driver’s license, permit, or ID card.
- Satisfy testing requirements (vision, knowledge and skills).
- Pay the license fee.
You can pass the skills test in one of the following ways:
- Take the test at a DDS Customer Service Center; or
- Complete a Motorcycle Safety Program Course – bypasses the knowledge and skills test requirement.
Insurance Requirements
Georgia requires motorcyclists to carry minimum liability insurance, as follows:
- Bodily Injury Liability — $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident
- Property Damage Liability — $25,000 per incident
Motorcycle Education & Safety
Georgia offers training classes through the Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP). The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is designed for new riders and includes a 5-hour eCourse and 10 hours of riding instruction. The BRC course instructs riders on how to create their own strategies for riding in traffic and how to deal with critical situations on the road.
The cost of a BRC course at a GMSP training site is $250 for in-state residents and $300 for out-of-state residents. The training fee varies at GMSP-approved private vendors.
Next Steps
By now, you should have a solid understanding of how to obtain a Georgia motorcycle endorsement — from testing requirements to licensing and insurance rules.
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 GA DDS requires motorcyclists to have current coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements on all registered vehicles. Before riding in Georgia, 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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