North Carolina Motorcycle Licensing
Motorcycle License Endorsements, Training & Insurance
The content below is for informational purposes only and was last updated as of March 2026. For the most up-to-date information, please consult the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) or the NCDMV’s Motorcyclists’ Handbook.
Operating a Motorcycle in North Carolina
To legally operate a motorcycle, you must have one of the following:
- Full provisional license with a motorcycle learner’s permit.
- Regular driver’s license with a motorcycle learner’s permit.
- Full provisional license with a motorcycle endorsement.
- Regular driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement.
Additional requirements include:
- Registering your motorcycle with the state (via NCDMV).
- Insuring your motorcycle in compliance with North Carolina’s requirements.
Getting a North Carolina Motorcycle License Endorsement
In addition to fulfilling any driver’s license prerequisites, requirements to obtain a motorcycle endorsement in North Carolina include:
Eligibility
- You must hold a full-provisional, regular, or commercial driver license issued by NCDMV.
- You must pass both a motorcycle knowledge test and then an off-street motorcycle skills test.
Endorsement Application
- Motorcycle skills tests are by appointment only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, weather permitting.
- The skills test must be performed at select NCDMV office locations.
Fees
NCDMV issues regular, commercial and provisional licenses and permits, each of which can carry various endorsements and/or restrictions. The type of fee associated with each application depends on the type of motor vehicle being operated.
Below please find relevant motorcycle fees:
- Motorcycle learner permit: $25.50
- Motorcycle endorsement: $3.05 per year
Fees can be paid through a number of common payment methods.
Motorcycle Education & Training in North Carolina
Safety training courses are not required for adult riders in North Carolina. However, since motorcycles represent about 2% of all registered vehicles in the state but make up about 10% of all fatalities, completion of a safety training course is an effective way to reduce the chances of being involved in a motorcycle accident.
BikeSafe North Carolina provides free Rider Skills Days, which include skill assessment, classroom-based information, and on-road training. Riders can also take a course with the North Carolina Motorcycle Safety Education Program (NC MSEP). Prices for the NC MSEP course range from about $135 to $250.
The Motorcyclists’ Handbook should also be reviewed, which covers important topics such as gear, controls, risk management, and safety practices.
North Carolina Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
- Just like car drivers, motorcyclists must have insurance coverage that meets state minimum requirements before operating the vehicle on public roads.
- North Carolina requires drivers to maintain continuous liability insurance with minimum limits of $50,000 for bodily injury (for one person), and $50,000 for property damage.
Next Steps
If you’re a new rider or new to North Carolina, you now know how to get started with obtaining your motorcycle license and securing the required insurance. Click here to get a quote in minutes or call 833-70-RIDER for a quote.
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 NC DOI requires motorcyclists to have current coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements on all registered vehicles. Before riding in North Carolina, 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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