Pennsylvania Motorcycle Licensing
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Motorcycle License, Permits, Training & Insurance
The content below is for informational purposes only and was last updated in October 2025. For the most up-to-date information, please visit PENNDOT or Pennsylvania’s Motorcyclists page.
Operating a Motorcycle in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, you cannot operate a motorcycle with just a regular automobile license. To ride legally, you must have a Class M Learner’s Permit or a Class M License.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) manages the motorcycle permit and licensing process. Every PA resident who operates a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle must hold a valid Class M license.
To legally ride in Pennsylvania, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Obtain a Class M learner’s permit or Class M license
- Register your motorcycle
- Carry Pennsylvania’s minimum required insurance coverage.
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Permit Process
All riders must first obtain a Class M learner’s permit. This is the first step toward earning a full Class M motorcycle license.
To obtain a permit, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old and a resident of Pennsylvania
- Complete a Motorcycle Learner’s Permit Application (DL-5)
- Pass a vision screening
- Pass the motorcycle knowledge test
- Pay the $12 permit fee
Visit PENNDOT’s Learners Permit page for more information.
Permit Restrictions
While holding a Class M learner’s permit, riders are restricted from:
- Riding between sunset and sunrise (daylight only).
- Carrying passengers (except a properly licensed instructor).
- Riding without supervision if you do not already hold another class of license.
Permit Validity & Limits:
- A motorcycle learner’s permit is valid for 12 months.
- Riders may reapply up to three times within five years (a total of four permits maximum). Each time, you must retake and pass the knowledge test.
Additional Requirements for Riders Under 18
If you are under 18, you must:
- Hold your Class M permit for at least 6 months.
- Complete 65 hours of supervised riding, of which 15 hours may come from an approved course.
- Enroll in and complete the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) Beginner Riding Clinic.
- Obtain parental or guardian consent for permit and course enrollment.
Getting a Pennsylvania Motorcycle License
Pennsylvania is a motorcycle-only license state — meaning you must obtain a Class M license, not just an endorsement.
To earn your license, you must:
- Possess a valid Class M learner’s permit
- Provide proof of identity and residency
- Be at least 16 years old
- Complete one of the following paths:
- Take the on-cycle skills test at a PennDOT Driver License Center
- Complete a PAMSP course (such as the Beginner Riding Clinic) and pass the course-ending skills evaluation. This option waives the separate skills test at PennDOT.
- Pay the required license fees
Motorcycle Education in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) provides rider training at no cost to Pennsylvania residents.
- Courses are available for beginners, intermediate riders, and three-wheel motorcycle riders.
- Completing a PAMSP course satisfies the testing requirement for a motorcycle license.
- Riders who test on a three-wheel motorcycle will be restricted to operating three-wheel vehicles only.
PENNSYLANIA MOTORCYCLE REGISTRATION & INSURANCE
To register your motorcycle, you must provide proof of ownership (title) and valid insurance.
- Motorcycle registration is managed through PennDOT.
- Pennsylvania law requires all motorcycle owners to maintain liability insurance on any registered motorcycle.
- Insurance must meet the state’s minimum coverage requirements.
For more on motorcycle insurance in Pennsylvania, visit the PA Insurance Department.
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Permit, License and Fees
PennDOT regulates the fees for motorcycle permits and licenses.
- Motorcycle learner’s permit: $12.
- Initial Class M license package (includes permit + 4-year license): $57.50 (reduced for riders age 65+).
- Additional permit reapplications: fees apply; see PennDOT’s Payments & Fees Schedule.
Next Step: You now have a clear understanding of how to obtain a motorcycle license in Pennsylvania. If you’re a new rider or a new resident, don’t forget to protect your ride. Click here to get a quote in minutes.
Disclaimer: The materials available at this web site are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should review the links within this article, or contact the relevant state agency, for complete and current information.
The PA DMV requires motorcyclists to have current coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements on all registered vehicles. Before riding in Pennsylvania, 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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