To get an Iowa Motorcycle License, you need to start by getting an instruction permit before choosing whether to get an endorsement or a motorcycle-only license. You must complete coursework and several skill and knowledge tests. You can also transfer an out-of-state license if you have one already.
If you’re a motorcyclist (or want to become one), Iowa is a great state to ride in. It has ranked third out of 50 states for motorcycle ownership with 18 people per motorcycle, only behind New Hampshire
and South Dakota
. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) has specific requirements if you want to get a license to become a motorcycle rider. It involves completing an application, passing a vision exam, paying the required fees, and completing a course and knowledge test.
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Start earning nowDo you need a license to operate a motorcycle in Iowa?
The short answer is yes. The good news is that you can start fairly early. Iowa has one of the lowest minimum age requirements to operate a motorcycle: you only need to be 14 years old to get a motorcycle instruction permit.
There are two ways you can operate a motorcycle in Iowa:
If you have a driver’s license, you can add a motorcycle endorsement to it
You can get a motorcycle-only (or “Class M”) license
If you’re from a different state and already possess an out-of-state motorcycle license, you can typically transfer it over by visiting the Iowa DOT. You need to surrender your out-of-state license, complete the application, pay the required fees, and pass a vision test and a written exam. You usually will not need to pass a safety course or road test.
How to add a motorcycle endorsement to your Iowa driver’s license
Generally, you need to start by getting a motorcycle instruction permit (especially if you’re only 14 years old). To get a Class M license or motorcycle endorsement, you need to be at least 16.
To get an instructor’s permit, you need to visit the DOT and:
Complete an application. Provide proof of identification, residency, and legal presence
Pay the required application and test fees
Pass a written motorcycle knowledge exam
After you complete the above steps, you will be issued a motorcycle instruction permit for one four-year term. This permit cannot be renewed.
With an instruction permit, you can operate a motorcycle while accompanied by another person with a valid motorcycle license or endorsement.
If you’re under 18, the accompanying individual must be a parent/guardian or immediate family member that is at least 21. To get around this, you need written permission from your parent/guardian to ride a motorcycle with another licensed adult who must be at least 25.
After getting your instruction permit, you can practice riding and enroll in a motorcycle safety course. If you’re under 18, you are required to finish a course. To get your endorsement, you need to:
Pass a motorcycle knowledge test and a skills (driving) test
Complete a vision screening
If you have completed an Iowa-approved course
in motorcycle education, the DOT may waive your skills test. You must be over 18 to exercise this option. Since you have an existing driver’s license, your motorcycle license will be added as an endorsement. Regarding fees, you will need to pay $2 a year (for up to 4 years) when working toward an endorsement for the instruction permit. Your final endorsement will also cost $2 per year.
How to get a motorcycle-only license in Iowa
What if you don’t have an existing driver’s license in Iowa? That’s where Class M comes in. The Class M license, or the motorcycle-only license, is valid only for riding motorcycles.
The process is largely similar to obtaining an endorsement as outlined above, with an extra requirement
for passing an operator knowledge test. You need to get the same instructor’s permit by completing an application, passing a vision test, paying the required fees, and passing a written knowledge exam. When you’re ready to obtain your class M license, you need to:
Pass a motorcycle knowledge test
Pass an operator knowledge test (this is NOT required for endorsements)
Once again, if you have completed an Iowa-approved course
in motorcycle education, the DOT can waive your skills test requirement. Since you don’t have an existing driver’s license, the fee structure is a little different as well. It will cost you $14 if you’re obtaining a motorcycle instruction permit if you’re not a current license holder. You’ll then have to pay $6 a year for up to 8 years for a Class M license.
MORE: Iowa road conditions
How to save on car and motorcycle insurance in Iowa
Iowa law requires minimum liability coverage in the event of an accident. The average cost of basic liability insurance in Iowa is $2,517 per year—well above the national average.
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