How To Get an Idaho Motorcycle License

To legally operate a motorcycle in Idaho, you’ll need to add a motorcycle endorsement to your existing driver’s license. Here’s how!
Written by Liz Jenson
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
To operate a motorcycle in
Idaho
, you must have a motorcycle learner’s permit or a motorcycle endorsement on your
driver’s license
.
If you’re over 15 and have a Class A, B, C, or D driver’s license, you may be eligible to obtain a motorcycle instruction permit and/or a motorcycle endorsement on your license. If you’re thrilled by the idea of hitting the open road with the wind at your back, you may be wondering: how do I get my hands on a motorcycle endorsement?
In this article, we’ll discuss your options for obtaining a motorcycle endorsement in Idaho.
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Do you need a license to operate a motorcycle in Idaho?

Yes, you will need to get a motorcycle endorsement on your Idaho driver’s license if you want to legally operate any type of motorcycle within the state.
If you’re just visiting Idaho and have a motorcycle license from your home state, don’t worry! Out-of-state motorcycle licenses and endorsements are still valid in Idaho, so you won’t need to jump through any extra hoops in order to bring your bike with you.
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Adding a motorcycle endorsement to your Idaho driver’s license

If you live in Idaho, though, you’ll need to put in some work in order to get your Idaho motorcycle endorsement. First, you’ll need a Class A, B, C, or D driver’s license.
After you’ve gotten your driver’s license, there are two different ways that the motorcycle licensing process might work.

If you’re 15 through 21 years old

Before you can get your motorcycle endorsement, you’ll have to get a motorcycle permit
When you visit the DMV to obtain your permit, you’ll need to bring proof of:
You can check your Idaho DMV website for a full list of acceptable documents for each of these categories.
You’ll also have to pay the required fees, including a $5 fee for the knowledge exam and a $15 fee for the permit itself.
Once you have this permit, you’ll be able to start practicing your motorcycle operation skills. However, just like a regular learner’s permit, the motorcycle learner’s permit has some restrictions. You can’t operate your motorcycle:
  • At night or in low-light conditions
  • On freeways
  • While transporting passengers
After obtaining a permit, drivers hoping to obtain a motorcycle endorsement before reaching the age of 21 are required to enroll in an Idaho Skills Training Advantage for Riders (STAR) motorcycle education program. Upon completion of this program, you’ll receive a motorcycle safety course completion certificate, which you must present at the DMV in order to get your motorcycle endorsement.
Other things you’ll need to bring to the DMV when obtaining your motorcycle endorsement include:
  • Proof of legal presence in the U.S.
  • Proof of Idaho residency, date of birth, and identity
  • Proof of your Social Security Number
  • Proof of motorcycle insurance
  • Payment for the $15 endorsement fee

If you’re 21 or older

The process for obtaining a motorcycle endorsement for drivers over 21 is almost exactly the same as the process for 15- to 21-year-old drivers. The main difference is that drivers over 21 years of age are not required to participate in the STAR motorcycle education program. However, passing this program will waive your motorcycle skills test, so many drivers choose to take this class anyway.
When you visit the DMV to obtain your motorcycle endorsement, you can present either a motorcycle safety course completion certificate OR written proof of passing the DMV road exam. If you choose to take the DMV road test instead, you’ll need to pay a $25 testing fee on top of the $15 endorsement fee.
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Does Idaho offer motorcycle-only licenses?

Unfortunately, no, you can’t get a motorcycle-only license in Idaho.
While some states will allow you to get a motorcycle license independently of obtaining a regular driver’s license, Idaho only offers motorcycle licensing as an endorsement for your preexisting Class A, B, C, or D state driver’s license.

Saving on Idaho car insurance

The state of Idaho requires
motorcycle insurance
but, luckily, this type of policy is typically
cheaper than car insurance
.
Still, most motorcycle owners are car owners, too. This means paying significantly higher premiums for your insurance policy— that is unless you use
Jerry
.
Our car insurance broker app is designed to help you find the best rates available on the coverage you need quickly and easily. Simply download the app and take 45 seconds to answer some questions about your insurance needs. Then, Jerry will perform a comprehensive cross-analysis of over 55 providers to find the best match for you.
Did we mention that the average Jerry user saves over $800 per year with their new policy?
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twice now, and their service is phenomenal. In 7 minutes, I changed to a Progressive plan that was the best deal for me. Everyone I’ve talked to at the company has been wonderful, too!” —Reese M. 
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
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FAQs

You must be at least 15 years old in order to get a motorcycle endorsement. If you want to avoid taking the STAR motorcycle safety program, you must be at least 21.
No. Idaho only offers motorcycle endorsements as add-on licensing, so you must have a Class A, B, C, or D driver’s license before you can obtain a motorcycle endorsement.
Yes. Motorcycle insurance is legally required in the state of Idaho, so you must obtain insurance before you can hit the road.
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