Massachusetts

Massachusetts Motorcycle Licensing

Motorcycle License, Training & Insurance

The content below is for informational purposes only and was last updated as of April 2026. For the most up-to-date information, please consult the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and the Motorcycle Manual.   

What Is a Motorcycle & What Do You Need to Ride One?

In Massachusetts, a motorcycle is defined as a motor vehicle that has a seat or saddle for the rider’s use and is designed to travel with no more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground. Examples of vehicles that don’t fall under the definition of “motorcycle” include: 

  • 4-person capacity tractor or a motor vehicle designed for carrying golf clubs; 
  • Industrial 3-wheel truck; and 
  • Motorized bicycle.  

A Class M motorcycle driver’s license is required to legally operate a motorcycle in Massachusetts.  

Getting a Massachusetts Motorcycle Permit

If you want to obtain your Class M motorcycle license, you’ll first need to get your learner’s permit before you can apply.   In order to get a learner’s permit, you must: 

  • Submit an online application;  
  • Be at least 16 years old;  
  • Be a Massachusetts resident;  
  • Not have a driver’s license or permit in any other state;
  • Be clear of any outstanding obligations to the state;
  • Satisfy the minimum Class M driver’s license medical standards; and
  • Make an appointment to visit a Service Center to provide any required documentation. 
  • Pass the learner’s permit exam after your application and documents have been processed and verified.  

If you’re under 18 years old, your parent, legal guardian, the Department of Children and Families, or your boarding school headmaster must provide written consent.  

Getting a Class M License

Once you have obtained your learner’s permit, you can apply for a class M license at any full-service RMV branch.   When applying for a Class M license, in addition to having a learner’s permit, you must:  
  • Be at least 16½ years old; and 
  • Not have had a driver’s license or the right to operate revoked in the past.  

If you’re between the ages of 16½ and 18 years old, you will be issued a Junior Operator’s License (JOL). Individuals who hold a JOL are subject to the following additional requirements: 

  • Must possess a learner’s permit for at least six (6) months prior to taking the road test;  
  • Maintain a clean driving record for at least six (6) consecutive months prior to taking the road test; 
  • If you’re under 18 years old, no operating a motorcycle between 12:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.; 
  • Successfully complete a driver’s education course; and 
  • Successfully complete the Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP) basic rider course. 

Motorcycle Education & Training in Massachusetts

The MREP is a program sponsored by the RMV so that riders across the state can have access to education and training that reduces the number of motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities. There are currently 13 MREP-approved motorcycle training schools at 23 locations throughout the state, and nine (9) motorcycle training curriculums.   Of the various training curriculums provided, the below MREP courses can be taken to waive the motorcycle road test: 

  • Basic Rider Course; 
  • Basic Rider Course 2; and 
  • Basic Rider Course 3 Wheel.  

In order to successfully graduate from the MREP program, riders must attend all classroom and on-cycle sessions, and pass the multiple-choice and skills exams.

Massachusetts Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

Massachusetts law requires motorcyclists to carry minimum liability insurance coverage that meets the state’s financial responsibility requirements, as follows: 
  • Bodily Injury to Others: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident.  
  • Bodily Injury Caused by Uninsured Auto: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident. 
  • Damage to Someone Else’s Property: $30,000 per accident.  

Please consult the Division of Insurance for more information about Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. 

Next Steps

By now, you should have a solid understanding of how to obtain a Massachusetts motorcycle license — from license requirements to rider education 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 Massachusetts DOI requires motorcyclists to have current coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements on all registered vehicles. Before riding in Massachusetts, 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.

Get a Quote

Want to find out more about motorcycle coverage requirements in other states?

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA DC WV WI WY