How To Get an Illinois Motorcycle License

You’ll need to pass a motorcycle safety course, driving and written tests, or both to get a motorcycle classification added to your Illinois license.
Written by Pat Roache
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
To legally operate a motorcycle in
Illinois
, drivers must add an “M” motorcycle classification to their license. Depending on your age, you’ll need to either pass a Motorcycle Safety Course, take motorcycle driving and written tests, or both to get an M classification added to your Illinois License.
Believe it or not, about 20% of motorcyclists in Illinois operate their motorcycles without the proper licensing. Before you zip through the great plains of the Lincoln State on your two-wheeler, you need to make sure your license has an M classification on it—but what exactly are the steps to do that?
Luckily for you,
Jerry
the super app is taking a break from
car insurance
to explain how to get an Illinois motorcycle classification on your license.
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Do you need a license to operate a motorcycle in Illinois?

Yes—you need a valid Illinois Class M driver’s license to legally operate a motorcycle in Illinois. 
Most Illinois drivers have a Class D driver’s license, which permits them to drive a standard four-wheel car. The classification refers to the types of vehicles your license permits you to drive and Class D does not include motorcycles. Instead, you need an M classification on your license to operate a motorcycle.
Drivers ages 16 and older can apply for an M classification on their Illinois license, but the requirements soften for drivers ages 18 and older. The same applies to a Class L license which is limited to the operation of a motor-driven cycle. Here’s the main distinction between the two:
  • Motor-driven cycle (Class L and M): A motorized bike with an engine displacement of less than 150 cubic centimeters
  • Motorcycle (only Class M): A motorized bike with an engine displacement of 150 cubic centimeters or greater

How to get a motorcycle classification on your Illinois driver’s license

You’ll need to head to your local Secretary of State (SOS) office to get an M classification added to your Illinois
driver’s license
, but there are a few things to determine first. Depending on your age, you’ll need to either complete a motorcycle safety course, pass written and driving motorcycle examinations, or both.  
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)-approved motorcycle safety courses are offered for free to all Illinois drivers age 16 or older, courtesy of the Illinois Cycle Rider Safety Training Program (CRSTP). You can complete a Basic Rider Course of your choosing at one of the
approved regional centers
to get one step closer to your M Class license.
While the requirements to get an Illinois Class M license or instructional permit vary by age, every driver is subject to the following license fees:
  • Instruction permit: $20
  • First-time Class M or L license:$10 (may not be required if you receive your license before your instructional permit has expired)
  • Class M or L license renewal: $5
Keep in mind: You will also need to purchase
motorcycle insurance
to legally operate a motor cycle in Illinois.

How to get an Illinois motorcycle classification if you are 18 or older 

Drivers aged 18 years or older can either complete a motorcycle safety course or take written and driving exams to apply for an M classification on their license.
If an eligible driver chooses the coursework route, they will receive a license waiver upon successfully completing either Basic Rider Course or Basic Rider Course 2. You can take your license waiver to the secretary of state to skip the written and driving exams and get your Class M driver’s license.
Illinois drivers aged 18 years or older can also apply for a 12-month instructional permit that allows them to drive a motorcycle in daylight hours with a licensed motorcyclist (age 21 or older) with one year of experience. To get a Class M license, they can opt to skip the motorcycle rider safety course and pass written and driving exams at the SOS office instead.

Apply to get an Illinois motorcycle classification if you are 16 or 17

Drivers ages 16 or 17 years old will need to complete a Basic Rider Course and written and driving motorcycle examination in addition to their basic driver education requirements to qualify for a Class M driver’s license.
This age group can also apply for 24-month instructional permits for either Class L or Class M driving during daytime hours with a licensed motorcyclist (age 21 or older) with one year of experience. There are different requirements for each Class permit:
  • Class L instructional permit: completion of basic driver education requirements and the written motorcycle test
  • Class M instructional permit: completion of basic driver education requirements and an IDOT-approved motorcycle rider safety course
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How to save on car and motorcycle insurance in Illinois

Don’t forget to set up your motorcycle insurance before you hop on your bike—it’s required by Illinois law. You’ll likely find that
motorcycle insurance is cheaper than car insurance
, but the costs can add up quickly if you’re also insuring a standard four-wheel car.
You may be able to get a discount by bundling your motorcycle and car insurance from the same provider. You can also use
Jerry
the
licensed insurance broker app
to reduce your car insurance costs significantly—and consequently allocate all those savings to motorcycle expenses!
You just need to answer a few simple questions and Jerry will instantly generate competitive quotes from a pool of over 55 top providers. Compare your best offers and get switched over to your new policy all within the app—no long forms or phone calls necessary! The average user saves over $800 a year in a matter of minutes.
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FAQs

Yes. To get a Class M driver’s license, written and driving motorcycle exams are required for 16 and 17 year olds and optional for drivers 18 years and older. Drivers 18 or older must complete an IDOT-approved motorcycle rider safety course to waive the written and driving exams.
Driving a motorcycle without a Class M license is a misdemeanor punishable by $100 to $1000 in fines.
No—motorcycle insurance is required in Illinois.
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