Vermont Motorcycle Licensing
Motorcycle License Endorsements, Permits, 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 Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles and the Vermont Motorcycle Manual.
What is a Motorcycle?
Vermont defines a motorcycle as any vehicle that:
- Has a seat or saddle for the rider’s use; and
- Travels on no more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground.
Vermont includes autocycles in the definition of motorcycle. However, Vermont does not consider motor-driven cycles, golf carts, track driven vehicles, tractors, and electric personal assistive mobility devices to qualify as motorcycles.
What’s Required to Ride in Vermont?
Vermont residents must possess a valid Vermont driver’s license or junior driver’s license with the proper motorcycle endorsement before operating a motorcycle on the roadway in Vermont.
Getting a Vermont Motorcycle Learner’s Permit or License Endorsement
Learner’s Permit:
A person who doesn’t have a motorcycle endorsement can obtain a permit to learn how to operate a motorcycle. The requirements for obtaining a permit include:
- Completion of an approved training course or the motorcycle learner permit test.
- Permission from a parent or guardian, and a valid junior driver’s license (ages 16-17 only).
- Signed Foreign Exchange Parental Authorization form (foreign exchange students only).
One a permit is issued, it is valid for 120 days. The permit may be renewed twice only.
Motorcycle License Endorsement (“M”):
Once a permit is issued, you must pass the skills test to obtain the motorcycle endorsement. However, the knowledge and skills test requirements are waived for anyone who completes the Vermont Rider Education Program (VREP) Basic Motorcycle Course or Experienced Rider License Waiver Course.
Relevant costs include:
- Knowledge test fee: $11
- Skills test fee: $23
- Annual endorsement fee: $4
Motorcycle Education & Safety Training
The VREP program was created in 1990 to provide the training necessary to promote operator safety and reduce motorcycle-related injuries. The VREP program is consistent with nationally recognized safety and training standards and utilizes both classroom and on-cycle training.
The types of courses offered through VREP include:
- Basic Rider Course (BRC) – for novice riders and those with limited riding experience.
- Scooter Basic RiderCourse (SBRC) – for scooter riders.
- Experienced Rider License Waiver Course (ERC-License Waiver) – for riders who don’t possess a driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement.
- Experienced Rider Skills Plus Course (ERC-Plus) – for experienced riders who are already licensed and frequently ride.
Registration & Insurance
When you operate a motorcycle in Vermont, you must carry your registration and proof of insurance with you.
The minimum insurance coverage individuals who operate motorcycles in Vermont must have is:
- $25,000 for death or injury to one person
- $50,000 for death or injury of two or more persons
- $10,000 for property damage
Next Steps
By now, you should have a solid understanding of how to obtain a Vermont motorcycle endorsement — from testing requirements to insurance and registration 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 VT DMV requires motorcyclists to have current coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements on all registered vehicles. Before riding in Vermont, 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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