A motorcycle endorsement on your Connecticut driver’s license is designated by the letter “M”. In order to receive this endorsement, you’ll first need to pass vision and knowledge tests to hold a motorcycle learner’s permit and take an approved motorcycle safety training course.

Driving a motorcycle is an exciting way to get around—but it can also be dangerous if you lack the knowledge and experience required to hold a motorcycle license in Connecticut. If you don’t have a motorcycle endorsement on your Connecticut driver’s license, you won’t be legally permitted to operate a motorcycle on public roadways.

There are a few basic steps to obtain your motorcycle endorsement: get your learner’s permit, complete the safety and training course, and apply for your Connecticut motorcycle license.

If you have questions about this process,

car insurance

super app

Jerry

, the App Store’s

#1-rated insurance comparison tool

, has answers. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about getting a Connecticut motorcycle endorsement on your license.

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 Connecticut?

Technically no—but that‘s only if you plan to drive a motorcycle on private property. If you want to use a motorcycle as a mode of transportation on public roads, a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license is required by law.

In accordance with Connecticut motor vehicle law, a motorcycle is defined as having no more than three wheels touching the ground, a saddle on which the rider sits, or a platform on which the rider stands. This is not to be confused with a moped, which the law defines as a motorbike that produces no more than five brake horsepower. You don’t need an “M” endorsement to cruise around on a moped in Connecticut—just a valid driver’s license.

The minimum age to obtain a motorcycle license in Connecticut is 16. All motorcycle drivers in Connecticut must hold a permit before receiving an “M” endorsement on their driver’s license. Having a motorcycle permit will allow you to practice driving your motorcycle on public roads for 60 hours before you’re officially licensed.

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

To get your motorcycle permit you’ll first need to pass a knowledge test. This 16-question written test also includes a vision screening. The test questions will be based on content from both the

Connecticut Driver's Manual

and the

Connecticut Motorcycle Manual

If you’re under 18, you also need a notarized

Certificate of Parental Consent

and a completed

Non-Commercial Driver’s License Application

in addition to passing the knowledge and vision tests.

After you’ve received your motorcycle permit, it’s time to complete training through the Basic Rider Course (BRC) or Intermediate Rider Course (IRC). The main difference between these two courses is that participants of the IRC use their own street legal motorcycles.

The course takes about 12 to 15 hours and is run through the

Connecticut Rider Education Program (CONREP) for Motorcycle Safety

As a motorcycle permit holder, it’s important that you always abide by the following restrictions to avoid permit revocation:

Only drive your motorcycle in the state of Connecticut

Only drive from sunrise to sunset

Do not drive on limited-access roads

Do not transport any passengers on your motorcycle

Wear a helmet and eye protection

Once you have all the rules down, you’re ready to get your motorcycle license! Make sure you arrive at the DMV with proof of completion of the motorcycle training and safety course.

As a newly licensed motorcycle driver in Connecticut, you’ll remain under a few restrictions. For the first 90 days after getting your “M” endorsement, you’re prohibited from transporting passengers on your motorcycle. If you’re under 18, you cannot transport passengers for the first six months.

MORE:

Is motorcycle insurance cheaper than car insurance?

"I’m earning

awesome rewards

every week, just for driving safe!”

How much does it cost to get a motorcycle license in Connecticut?

It takes patience and effort to get a motorcycle license in Connecticut—it also costs money. To give you a better idea of how much you’ll need to pay to obtain your “M” endorsement, we’ve broken down the general costs which include the following:

Written/vision test for permit: $40

Permit fee: $16

Permit renewal fee (if applicable): $16

Basic Rider Course: $220

Motorcycle license fee: $30

Motorcycle license renewal fee (required every six years): $72

MORE: How to deal with rising gas prices in Connecticut

How to save on car and motorcycle insurance in Connecticut

Motorcycle drivers are required to carry at least a

liability policy

when purchasing mandatory

motorcycle insurance

. If you’ve never purchased this type of coverage before, determining a fair price can be difficult—but generally, it’s cheaper than

car insurance

When you’re on the hunt for cheap insurance rates, comparison shopping with

Jerry

is your best bet. Jerry will put together a customized list of affordable car insurance rates in less than a minute and even assist you with canceling your existing policy in exchange for a better deal.

Jerry offers motorcycle insurance, too—after you’ve signed up for the free app, just text the Jerry agent your motorcycle info and we’ll show you the best rates our partnering providers offer. It’s never been easier to save—on average, Jerry users save over $800 on car insurance each year!

Are you overpaying for your car insurance?

Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.

Compare Rates Now

No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms

No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees

4.717k Ratings

5M+Drivers Joined

7M+Cars Garaged

FAQs

Is there a motorcycle license test in Connecticut?

You won’t need to take a road test, but Connecticut requires all motorcycle drivers to complete a state-approved Basic Rider Course before obtaining a motorcycle license.

Can you drive a motorcycle without insurance in Connecticut?

No. Connecticut requires motorcyclists to carry a minimum of liability coverage for motorcycle insurance.

What happens if you drive a motorcycle without a license in Connecticut?

If you drive a motorcycle on private roads you aren’t doing anything illegal. Driving a motorcycle on public roads without a license could get you a fine between $200 and $600 in addition to possible jail time.

Are you overpaying for car insurance?

Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.

Try Jerry