, but that’s not why most folks drive a bike. Motorcycles provide an intoxicating sense of freedom on the road, but it’s a privilege that comes with a few growing pains.

In this article, we’ll show you how to get your Class M Full Driver’s License in Maryland. Read on to learn more.

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Do you need a license to operate a motorcycle in Maryland?

Yes. Motorcycle drivers must carry a Class M driver’s license (or a motorcycle endorsement on their existing

Maryland driver’s license

) under Maryland's Transportation Code. Class M licenses are distinct from

Class C licenses

, which apply to driving noncommercial passenger cars. Though you can eventually combine these licenses into one ID card, you must apply for and follow the requirements for each separately.

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) issues every license, permit, and endorsement in the state. As you follow the

Rookie Driver Graduated Licensing System

, you’ll hold three important documents:

A Learner’s Permit

A Provisional License

A Class M Full Maryland Driver’s License or motorcycle endorsement

If you're visiting, you can use your out-of-state license. But if you plan to stay, the MVA recommends you

exchange your out-of-state license for a Maryland one

within 60 days.

How to get a Class M Learner’s Permit in Maryland

With a

Learner's Permit

, you can get used to driving a motorcycle while learning the rules of the road. To get started, you’ll need to:

Be at least 15 years and nine months of age

Be a resident of Maryland

Hold no other driver’s license in any other state

Schedule an appointment at an

MVA branch location

Bring the required documents to your appointment, including proof of identity, proof of Social Security, and proof of address

Pass a

vision screening

Pass a

knowledge test

Pay a

$50 licensing fee

You have to answer 22 out of 25 questions correctly to pass the knowledge test. You’ll have 20 minutes. Tests typically take place electronically, but you can request an oral exam, an interpreter, alternate languages, or any other accommodations from the MVA Customer Service Center.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the next business day, if there is an open appointment. If you fail twice, you'll have to wait at least seven days for your next chance. Knowledge tests are free of charge. To maximize your chances of success, make sure you study the

Maryland Driver’s Manual

and the

Motorcycle Operator Manual

and take a practice test.

Did you pass? Hooray! You now have a Class M learner's permit.

You can drive a motorcycle under the supervision of a driver who's 21 or older and has held a motorcycle license for at least three years. However, passengers can't ride with you, and Bluetooth or hands-free devices aren't allowed. Your learner's permit expires in two years, so practice hard!

If you’re under 18

A parent or legal guardian must cosign your learner’s permit and provide proof of relationship or dependency. Minors under 16 who are applying for a learner's permit must also complete a form

verifying their identity and/or school attendance

Learning to drive on Maryland's roads can be dangerous for young drivers. There are guides, resources, apps, and videos on the

Rookie Driver Program page

to help you minimize the risks.

MORE:

Maryland Motorcycle Helmet Laws

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How to get a Class M Provisional License in Maryland

Provisional License

allows you to explore the road without supervision while maintaining some safety restrictions. If you want to apply, you'll need to meet the requirements for your learner's permit and:

Be at least 16 years and six months of age

Have held your learner's permit for at least three months if you're 18 to 24 years old (or 45 days if you're 25 or older) without being convicted of or given Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a moving violation

Complete an MVA-approved

Driver Education Program

, which includes 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of in-car training

Complete 60 hours of supervised practice, 10 of which must be at night (if you’re 18 to 24 years old)

Complete 14 hours of practice with an experienced driver, three of which must be at night (if you’re 25 or older)

The purpose of this practice is to prepare you to pass your driver skills test and earn your provisional license. When you're ready, take the next step and do the following.

Schedule an appointment at an MVA branch location.

Present a

completed supervised driving log

and certification page as well as your unexpired learner’s permit.

Present proof of

motorcycle insurance

that meets

Maryland minimum car insurance laws

Bring a licensed driver and a safe, registered motorcycle in good working order to the test location.

Pass the

driver skills test

MVA examiners will check your ability to drive a motorcycle safely in traffic and their checklist will differ depending on whether it's a two-wheeler or three-wheeler. Using a three-wheeled motorcycle will restrict the type of vehicle you can operate. The best preparation is to check out the MVA's

Motorcycle Safety resources

in addition to completing the required amount of supervised practice.

Taking a

Basic Rider Training course

at a licensed motorcycle safety training center is highly recommended.

You don't have to pay for your first Class M driver skills test if you have a valid learner's permit. If you fail, you'll have to pay a skills retest fee before you can retake the test the next business day, assuming an appointment is available. However, you can't take a third test until seven days have passed.

Congratulations on passing your motorcycle skills test! With a provisional license, you no longer need to be accompanied by a supervising driver. If you’re under 21, you can’t drive with any alcohol in your system, even if it’s below the legal limit.

Maryland DUI laws

apply to older drivers.

Being convicted of a moving violation while holding a provisional license will reset the 18-month wait until your full license to zero. For the first offense, you'll also have to attend a

driver improvement program

, and for the second and third, you’ll suffer a license suspension.

If you’re under 18

Getting a provisional license is more complicated if you're under 18. First, you'll need to hold your learner's permit for at least nine months. As well as a driver's education program and 60 hours of supervised practice, you'll have to take an MVA-approved

motorcycle safety course

Once you have a provisional license, you’re bound by a few extra restrictions. They include:

No alcohol in your system, even if it’s below the legal limit

No passengers below 18 other than immediate family members for the first 151 days, unless it’s in the presence of a supervising driver

No driving between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless it’s in the presence of a supervising driver or you’re

attending an approved activity

No using a wireless or hands-free device

You also face

different penalties

if you violate the conditions of your provisional license. A moving violation conviction can result in suspension, special restrictions on your license, or even revocation. This includes a one-year suspension for driving at night and a 90-day suspension for using a wireless communications device!

MORE:

How to get a Maryland driver’s license reinstatement

How to get a Class M Full Driver’s License in Maryland

After 18 months, if you've completed all the requirements for a provisional license, it will automatically be converted to a

Class M Full Maryland Driver's License

(or motorcycle endorsement). The only requirement is that you don’t get convicted of a moving violation during that time. You must also refrain from drinking alcohol if you’re 21 or younger.

Did you pass? Congratulations! The MVA will mail you an attachment card showing that you now have a full Class M license.

When your provisional license expires, simply follow the usual steps to renew your driver’s license in Maryland. You’ll need to visit a

full-service MVA office

in person and pay a fee of $72, or $9 per year. You can

add a motorcycle endorsement

for as little as $45 if you already have a driver's license.

If you’re under 18

When you apply for a learner's permit and provisional license as soon as possible, the 18-month waiting period for a full driver's license should coincide with your 18th birthday. Happy birthday and congratulations! Your Class M full driver's license has no special restrictions.

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