How To Get a Missouri Motorcycle License

To legally operate a motorcycle in Missouri, you must pass the Class F and Class M written, vision, road sign, and motorcycle skills tests.
Written by Jacqulyn Graber
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
To operate a motorcycle or motortricycle on public roadways in
Missouri
, you must have a Class M license or permit (or a standard
Missouri driver’s license
with a Class M endorsement). You'll also need to purchase
motorcycle insurance
.
icon
Make safe driving pay
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning now

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

Yes—in order to legally operate a two- or three-wheeled motorcycle (a.k.a., a motortricycle) in Missouri, you’re required to hold either a Class M license or permit or a regular driver’s license with a Class M endorsement.
Teenagers who do not have a regular driver’s license may still apply for a Class M permit. You must be at least 15 years of age to do so. The standard Graduated drivers licensing rules will apply to upgrade said permit to a Class M license.
If you already have a MO driver’s license, then you simply need to add a Class M endorsement to your license. Read on to discover how you can do so.

How to add a motorcycle endorsement to your Missouri driver’s license

If you already have a valid Missouri Class F driver’s license, adding on a Class M motorcycle endorsement is relatively straightforward. You simply have to pass the Class M motorcycle skills test.
Missouri’s Department of Revenue provides prospective motorcyclists with a
Motorcycle Operator Manual
, which outlines everything you’ll need to know for the skills test. You may also choose to enroll in a
motorcycle safety program
If you are under 18 when you apply for Class M endorsement, then the state’s standard Graduated Licensing regulations will apply to your driver’s license and Class M endorsement as usual.
When you head to the Department of Revenue’s office to apply for a Class M endorsement, be sure to have proof of ID on you, as well as money to pay the associated fees. A Class M endorsement should cost no more than $9.25. 
rating reverse-full
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”

How to get a motorcycle-only license in Missouri

The process of obtaining a motorcycle-only permit or license in Missouri is the same: you still have to pass the standard Class F and Class M written exams, as well as the Class M motorcycle skills test.
Motorcycle-only permits are ideal for teenagers who have not yet received their full driver’s licenses. Riders aged 15 and up can apply for a Class M permit—however, riders under the age of 16 must first show proof that they’ve successfully completed a motorcycle rider training course.
A parent or guardian must also be present when you apply for a Class M permit.
Class M permits are valid for six months and include the following restrictions: 
  • You may only drive during daylight, meaning you may not drive from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
  • You may not drive more than 50 miles from your home address.
  • You may not drive a motorcycle larger than 250 ccs.
  • You may not carry passengers.
  • You must be accompanied by a qualified person, such as a parent, grandparent, or qualified driving instructor.
After holding the permit for six months, you may apply for an intermediate Class M motorcycle-only license. Full Class M licenses are then available at the age of 18. 
 “Before
Jerry
I was paying $280 for basic full coverage. Jerry found me a Progressive plan for $117 that includes better coverage. This was even better than previous quotes I’d received!” —Faith 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
icon4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars
icon4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers

FAQs

Yes—in order to get a motorcycle license or endorsement in Missouri, you’ll need to pass the vision and written tests associated with a Class F license, as well as the motorcycle skills test associated with a Class M license.
Driving a motorcycle without a valid license in Missouri is considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by fines and even jail time.
No—all motorcyclists in Missouri must carry liability insurance.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings