How To Get a Virginia Motorcycle License
After holding a permit for either 30 days or 9 months, you can take a test to earn a motorcycle license in Virginia. Read here for more.
Written by Olivia Rose
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
To get a Virginia motorcycle license, you need to obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit and wait either 30 days or 9 months, depending on your age. Then, passing the motorcycle road skills test will grant you a motorcycle license, which will show as an “M,” “M2,” or “M3” under “Class” on your Virginia license.
Motorcycles are an economical method of travel—especially when the weather’s nice and the roads are nicer.
But in order to legally drive a motorcycle in Virginia, you need a motorcycle license. Virginia’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can help you do that—and we’ll walk you through all the steps to get there.
Whether you want to compare
Virginia car insurance costs
or get set up with Virginia motorcycle insurance, look no further than Jerry
, the car insurance super app
. And we’ve also got you covered on how to get a motorcycle license in Virginia — tests to take, fees to pay, and what the types of license options are. Read on to learn more. Do you need a license to operate a motorcycle in Virginia?
Yes — in order to legally operate a motorcycle in Virginia, you need either:
- A “Class M” motorcycle designation on your license
- A “Motorcycle Only” license
You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to obtain a
motorcycle learner’s permit
in Virginia — the first step before getting a license. You must have your motorcycle learner’s permit for 9 months before you can get a license. That means that the absolute youngest you may be to have a motorcycle license in Virginia is 16 years and 3 months. How to add a motorcycle endorsement to your Virginia driver’s license
There are a few simple steps for adding a motorcycle endorsement to your Virginia driver’s license, but they vary slightly depending on whether you are over or under 18 years of age.
Here’s what you need to do to add that “Class M” designation to your license in Virginia if you are 18 years or older:
- Take (and pass) a 25-questionmotorcycle knowledge exam. You can take this test at your local DMV. Passing the exam will grant you a motorcycle learner’s permit.
- Pass a vision screening to ensure you are safe to legally operate a motorized vehicle.
- Hold your motorcycle learner’s permit for at least 30 days.
If you are under 18, these steps are all the same except that you must hold your permit for at least 9 months rather than 30 days.
Luckily, the cost of getting a motorcycle license in Virginia is low. You’ll pay $3.00 to get a motorcycle learner’s permit and $2.00 per year to have a motorcycle class designation on your license.
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How to get a motorcycle-only license in Virginia
If you only drive a motorcycle and have no intention of driving a car, you might want a motorcycle-only license. In Virginia, your license will indicate you are restricted to motorcycles only by designating a “6” under “Restriction” on your license.
Getting a motorcycle-only license in Virginia is pretty simple! The steps are the same as those for getting an M Class designation on your license, but you’ll also need to pass a
driver’s license knowledge exam
. This is essentially the exam a driver takes when getting a learner’s permit without the driving exam.How to save on car and motorcycle insurance in Virginia
One additional benefit of driving a motorcycle?
Motorcycle insurance
is often cheaper than car insurance
. But if you drive a motorcycle and a car in Virginia, you could be looking at some high monthly dues. You’re best off using
Jerry
to help you locate an affordable car insurance policy in Virginia. Jerry’s process is simple — just download our trustworthy app, answer a few quick questions, and start shopping! We use top-of-the-line technology to scan through your personalized policies from over 55 providers and bring you the ones that make the most sense for your budget and coverage needs.
If you decide to make the switch with Jerry, we’ll handle all the boring calls and paperwork to get you good to go with your new provider. And we can help you cancel your old policy too!
If the convenience isn’t enough to convince you, the savings should be. Our average user saves over $800/year on their car insurance.
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Patricia W.
Reviewed on 5/28/2023
FAQs
How much does it cost to register a motorcycle in Virginia?
It costs $26.75 per year to register your motorcycle in Virginia.
What are the Virginia motorcycle helmet laws?
You must wear a helmet anda face shield, safety shield, or safety glasses/goggles while operating a motorcycle in Virginia according to state law.
What is the Virginia motorcycle license age requirement?
The earliest you can get a motorcycle license in Virginia is 16 years and 3 months. You’ll need to hold your motorcycle learner’s permit for at least 9 months prior to that—and the minimum age for a learner’s permit is 15 years and 6 months.
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