How To Get a West Virginia Motorcycle License
You must pass a written test to get your motorcycle permit and then pass an on-road skills test to get your license or endorsement.
Written by Cassandra Hamilton
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
To ride a motorcycle in West Virginia, you either need a Class F endorsement on your driver’s license or a motorcycle-only license. Both require you to pass a written knowledge test and a skills test.
For decades, the motorcycle has been a symbol of rebellion and true freedom. Riding a motorcycle in West Virginia is especially thrilling thanks to the winding roads and beautiful scenery. Still, residents of West Virginia will need a special endorsement or license to legally ride their two-wheeled rebel.
Getting your motorcycle license in West Virginia is a straightforward process—you just need to prove your knowledge and your skills. Here to help you through that process is
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Do you need a license to operate a motorcycle in West Virginia?
Yes, to operate a motorcycle in West Virginia, you need either:
- An F endorsement on your existing driver’s license, OR
- A Class F motorcycle-only license.
You must be at least 16 years old to operate a motorcycle in West Virginia.
How to get a motorcycle endorsement on your West Virginia driver’s license
Like many states, an endorsement on your existing driver’s license is one way to legally operate a motorcycle in West Virginia. Specifically, you’ll need to add an F endorsement to your West Virginia license. The process is fairly straightforward.
First, you’ll need to get a motorcycle permit. There are limitations with the permit—you can’t ride after dark or carry passengers, for example. To get the permit, you’ll need to go to the DMV and:
- Provide proof of identity.
- Show West Virginia residency.
- Pass a written motorcycle knowledge test.
- Pay the $5 fee.
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge with the
Motorcycle Operator Manual
before you take your knowledge test. Once you have the permit in hand, you’ll need to practice on your motorcycle. You can sign up for a course through a motorcycle driving school
. Your permit is valid for 90 days. There is a seven-day waiting period between when the permit is issued and when you can take your on-road skills exam. This exam can be taken through a licensed third-party provider like a motorcycle driving school, or at
the DMV
.Once you’ve passed your skills exam or had it waived by completing a training course, you’re able to get your motorcycle F endorsement. The endorsement fee is $7.50, plus $1 for each remaining year before your license renewal is due.
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How to get a motorcycle-only license in West Virginia
If you don’t hold a standard driver’s license and aren’t interested in getting one, you can get a motorcycle-only license in West Virginia instead.
The path to getting a motorcycle-only license is similar to getting a motorcycle endorsement on an existing license. You’ll need to provide:
- Proof of identity.
- Two proofs of West Virginia residency.
- A passed written motorcycle knowledge exam.
This will get you your motorcycle permit, which is valid for 90 days. You can take the on-road skills exam seven days after you receive your permit. To finish the process of getting your motorcycle-only license, you’ll pay a fee of $2.50 per year the license is valid.
How to save on car and motorcycle insurance in Pennsylvania
If you ride a motorcycle in West Virginia, you’ll need
motorcycle insurance
. This type of coverage is similar to car insurance in that it’ll protect you from steep costs after an accident. The good news is, motorcycle insurance is often less expensive than car insurance. But what if you have both a car and a motorcycle? Coverage can start to add up fast, which is why the
Jerry
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FAQs
Can you take the motorcycle permit test online?
No, you will need to take the West Virginia motorcycle permit test in person at your DMV office.
How much is a motorcycle license in West Virginia?
The cost to get a motorcycle endorsement is $7.50 plus $1 for each remaining year until your driver’s license is up for renewal. For a motorcycle-only license, the cost is $2.50 per year the license is valid.
Can you drive a motorcycle without insurance in West Virginia?
No, you need motorcycle insurance to ride your motorcycle in West Virginia.
