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?
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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.
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:
Your Social Security Number
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
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.
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
Still, most motorcycle owners are car owners, too. This means paying significantly higher premiums for your insurance policy— that is unless you use Jerry
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