How to Get an Arizona Motorcycle License
You will need to pass a driver’s ed course and road test to get a motorcycle endorsement on your AZ driver’s license or get a motorcycle-only license.
Written by Jason Tushinski
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
In
Arizona
, you’ll need a motorcycle
endorsement on your driver’s license
to legally operate a motorcycle in the Grand Canyon State. If you don’t have a driver’s license, you can get a motorcycle-only license.If you already hold a standard Class D driver’s license in Arizona, the process of getting a motorcycle endorsement on it is pretty straightforward. For those holding a Class G graduated driver’s license or those seeking a Class M motorcycle-only license, the process is a bit more involved.
Do you need a license to operate a motorcycle in Arizona?
Yes—you’ll need an endorsement on your existing driver’s license to operate a motorcycle in Arizona. It comes with a $7 fee.
Or, if you don’t have a driver’s license but want to ride a motorcycle, you’ll need a motorcycle-only license.
With a valid Class D operator’s license, you’ll have to take a motorcycle training course, pass a motorcycle skills test, present a
valid ID
, and pay a licensing fee
, which varies depending on your age:- 16-39: $25
- 40-44: $20
- 45-49: $15
- 50+: $10
- Military and students: $10
While the
Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division
doesn’t offer motorcycle training courses, it does provide a list of reputable, DOT-approved schools
.The motorcycle skills test is a 10-15 minute exam on a closed, off-street course where you will demonstrate that you can ride a motorcycle safely and competently. To ensure you are prepared, the Motor Vehicle Division offers
skill test instructions
to ensure you pass on your first attempt.A driver with a valid out-of-state motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license is exempt from the driver’s education, practice, and instruction requirements.
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Adding a motorcycle endorsement to a Class G license
If you’re at least 16 years old but under 18, you can get a motorcycle endorsement added to your Class G (graduated) driver’s license.
The applicant must hold an Arizona graduated license instruction permit and an Arizona motorcycle instruction permit for at least 6 months, and both permits must be valid at the time of application for a motorcycle endorsement. To get an instruction permit, an applicant must be at least 15 years and 6 months old and pay a $7 fee.
You’ll have some restrictions with an instruction permit, including the following:
- No driving during the evening or at night if you cannot see more than 500 feet in front of you
- You cannot carry passengers
- You cannot drive on interstate highways and freeways
- You must ride under the visual supervision of a licensed driver until you get your motorcycle endorsement or license
The applicant will then have to pass a driver’s education program approved by the DOT’s Motor Vehicle Division. In place of taking a driver’s education course, the applicant can have a parent or guardian certify, in writing, that the applicant has completed at least 30 hours of motorcycle practice riding.
How to get a motorcycle-only license in Arizona
In Arizona, you can get a motorcycle-only license, or
Class M license
, so long as you are older than 16 years of age. You’ll need to pass both a written test and a motorcycle skills test.If you’re under 18 years of age, you’ll need to hold an Arizona instruction permit for at least 6 months and it must be valid when applying for a motorcycle-only license.
You’ll be required to complete a motorcycle driver’s education course approved by Arizona’s Motor Vehicle Division. Or in lieu of that, applicants can have a parent or guardian certify that they have completed at least 30 hours of practice riding.
MORE:
DUI laws in Arizona
How to save on car and motorcycle insurance in Arizona
You must carry liability insurance if you want to ride a motorcycle in Arizona. Thankfully,
motorcycle insurance is usually cheaper than car insurance
.That being said, most Arizona riders are also drivers, and if you drive a car in Arizona, you’ll need to carry
car insurance
, as well. With two types of insurance, you’ll want to save as much cash as you can. That’s where Jerry
comes in!Jerry is a trusted super app that can help you find the best deals on insurance quickly and easily. Sign-up takes just 45 seconds, and then Jerry gets to work comparing quotes from more than 50 top insurers. Once you pick your policy, Jerry signs you up and helps cancel your old insurance for you.
Best of all? The average Jerry user saves more than $800 per year on car insurance!
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”
Patricia W.
Reviewed on 5/28/2023
FAQs
Is there a motorcycle license test in Arizona?
Yes, all applicants who want a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license—or who are applying for a motorcycle-only license—will be required to take a motorcycle license test.
What happens if you drive a motorcycle without insurance in Arizona?
If you’re pulled over in Arizona and are found to be riding a motorcycle without insurance, you could face a fine between $100 and $1,000.
Can you drive a motorcycle without insurance in Arizona?
No—all motorcycle riders in Arizona are legally required to carry liability insurance.
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