A Connecticut motorcycle license allows you to operate two- or three-wheeled motorbikes on the roads. When you apply for a motorbike license, it is important to note that you will not receive a separate credential just for operating a motorcycle. Instead, a motorcycle endorsement will be added onto your regular driver’s license, granting you permission to operate both motorcycles and passenger vehicles.

Obtaining a motorcycle permit is not a requirement for getting a license, but you can choose to get this type of credential in order to practice before adding an endorsement. Permits come with more restrictions than endorsements, but these are put in place to keep you and other drivers safe on the road. Below, learn everything you need to know about obtaining a motorbike permit or adding an endorsement to your license so you can legally operate a motorcycle.

What are Connecticut motorcycle endorsements?

A motorbike endorsement is simply a letter that gets added to your regular Connecticut driver’s license once you have met the application requirements for operating a motorcycle. When you add a motorcycle endorsement to your credentials, you will receive a new card with an “M” on it, indicating that you are allowed to operate a motorbike. This endorsement gives you permission to operate two- and three-wheeled vehicles with any engine capacity.

If you take your tests on a three-wheeled motorcycle, then note that motorcycle endorsements will include a “3” restriction showing that you are only permitted to drive a three-wheeled bike. You can remove the restriction by taking your tests on a two-wheeled motorcycle.

Motorcycle Permit Requirements in Connecticut

Motorbike permits are not a requirement for getting an endorsement on your license, but you can choose to obtain a permit in order to practice. Before you have your full motorcycle endorsement, you are not allowed to practice riding a motorcycle on public roadways without having a permit in your possession.

The minimum motorcycle permit age in Connecticut is 16 years of age. Before you can get a permit, keep in mind that you must already have a driver’s license in your possession. Motorcycle permits are separate credentials that come with their own requirements and restrictions.

Required Documents

To obtain motorcycle permits, you will need to submit an Application for Non-Commercial Driver’s License, which can be printed from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website and completed ahead of time. If you are younger than 18 years of age when applying for a motorcycle license, then have your parent or guardian fill out a Certificate of Parental Consent form as well.

During the motorbike endorsement process, the DMV also requires that you show proof of your identity, Social Security Number, residency in CT and legal presence in the U.S. if you are not a citizen. To satisfy this requirement, you will need at least one primary document such as a birth certificate, passport, CT driver’s license, certificate of naturalization, permanent resident card, certificate of citizenship or other similar documentation.

If you do not have two primary documents, then you can submit one primary document in addition to one secondary document such as an out-of-state driver’s license, state-issued ID card, court order, marriage certificate, employment authorization card or other similar documents.

When getting a motorcycle permit, you will also need to show proof of your legal name if it has changed from the name listed on your identification document. A marriage certificate, court order or divorce decree can meet this requirement.

Next, in the motorbike learners permit process, you must show proof of your Social Security Number by presenting a Social Security card, a W-2 form or a 1099 tax form. Finally, you can prove your CT residency by presenting two pieces of mail from two separate sources issued within 90 days that show your name and residential address. Bills, bank statements and other documents are commonly used for this requirement.

If you are not a U.S. citizen when applying for a motorbike permit, then be prepared to show proof that you are in the U.S. legally, such as an I-94 form, a permanent resident card, employment authorization card or foreign passport with an I-551 stamp.

Connecticut Motorcycle Permit Rules and Restrictions

There are a variety of motorcycle permit restrictions put in place to keep you and other drivers safe. When you obtain a permit for a motorcycle, you are not allowed to do any of the following:

• Drive your motorcycle outside of Connecticut
• Ride before sunrise or after sunset
• Carry any passengers
• Ride on limited-access highways

In addition to following these motorcycle permit restrictions, you must always wear vision protection such as glasses, goggles or a face shield if your bike does not have a windscreen. Furthermore, you must wear a Department of Transportation (DOT) certified helmet when operating a bike with a learner’s permit. All of these requirements apply regardless of your age when you get a permit.

How to Get a Motorcycle Permit in Connecticut

Applying for a motorcycle permit requires that you visit any full-service branch of the DMV. At the DMV office locations, you will need to pay a fee and present your current driver’s license, the application form, your identity and residency documents and a parental consent form if you are younger than 18 years of age. Getting a motorcycle license permit requires that you pass a vision test and knowledge test.

Connecticut Motorcycle License Requirements

The minimum motorcycle license age in Connecticut is 16 years of age. Before you can add a motorbike endorsement on your license, you will need to have a regular Connecticut driver’s license in your possession already. Adding an endorsement will require that you take a knowledge and vision test at the DMV. You will also need to show proof of completing a safety course by presenting the certificate of completion before you are eligible for an endorsement.

After getting a motorcycle license, it is important to note that you must follow several rules for the first few months that you hold your credentials. If you are 18 years of age or older, then you cannot transport any passengers for 90 days after adding an endorsement. On the other hand, if you are younger than 18 years of age when you get an endorsement, then you may not transport passengers for the first six months that you hold your endorsement.

Required Documents

To obtain a CT motorcycle endorsement on your license, you will need an Application for Non-Commercial Driver’s License and, if you are younger than 18 years of age, then a Certificate of Parental Consent. In addition, you must present proof of your identity, Social Security Number, Connecticut residency and legal presence in the U.S. The same documents described in the permit section above can be used to satisfy the requirements for getting an endorsement.

How to Get a Motorcycle License in Connecticut

When asking where to get motorcycle license credentials, note that you can complete the application process at any full-service DMV branch. Getting a motorcycle endorsement requires that you submit an Application for Non-Commercial Driver’s License and a Certificate of Parental Consent if you are younger than 18 years of age.

Next, you must provide your identity and residency documents and pay an application and testing fee. You will be required to take a vision and knowledge test in addition to presenting a certificate of completion from a motorcycle safety program.

Getting a Connecticut Motorcycle License as a New Resident

If you hold an out-of-state motorcycle license, then you will need to transfer it when moving to Connecticut. The DMV motorcycle license process requires that you do the following in order to transfer your credentials:

• Present your current driver’s license
• Submit an Application for a Non-Commercial Driver’s License
• Pay a license fee and testing fee
• Bring documentation showing your identity, Social Security Number, Connecticut residency and legal presence in the U.S. as described in the section above
• If you are younger than 18 years of age, then complete an eight-hour safe driving class, pass a vision test, take a road test and provide a certificate for completing the safety class

Note that if you hold a motorbike permit from out-of-state, you cannot transfer it. Instead, you will need to take the steps for getting a CT driver’s license before you can obtain a motorcycle endorsement or permit in the state. Likewise, out-of-state vehicle registration will need to be transferred to CT motorcycle registration and auto insurance.

Required Motorcycle Classes in Connecticut

All applicants must complete a motorcycle class before getting an endorsement added to a driver’s license. A novice motorcycle safety course offered through the Connecticut Rider Education Program (CONREP) will meet this requirement. Motorcyclists who take the class will receive a certificate of completion that is valid for two years from its issuance. This form must be presented to the DMV when applying for an endorsement.

Before you can take the basic rider course in Connecticut, you must have a driver’s license and be able to ride a bicycle. Courses provide both classroom instruction and hands-on learning opportunities that cover the skills you need to know in order to be a safe rider. As an added benefit, you may be able to receive a motorcycle insurance discount of up to 10 percent at certain insurance agencies upon passing the course.

Connecticut DMV Motorcycle Test Details

Because the mandatory motorcycle safety class you take includes a riding skills portion, you are not required to take a skills exam when getting your license. However, you must take a vision test and written knowledge exam before you can get a permit or endorsement on your license.

The motorcycle vision test gauges your visual acuity and peripheral vision. You must have at least 20/40 vision with or without corrective lenses and have at least 140 degrees of peripheral vision to pass.

The motorcycle written test includes 16 questions that cover information found in the Motorcycle Operator Manual and the Connecticut Driver’s Manual for New Drivers. Be sure to read these handbooks before taking the test, as they will help you pass and avoid paying a retest fee.

These exams are provided at any full-service branch of the DMV. Note that tests are provided on a walk-in basis only, so you cannot schedule an appointment ahead of time. As a final note, you may be able to waive the endorsement tests if you are an active duty member of the military.

Do you need a motorcycle endorsement to drive a scooter in Connecticut?

Under Connecticut law, a motor-driven cycle includes any two-wheeled vehicle that has a seat height of at least 26 inches and an engine with no more than five brake horsepower. Most mopeds and scooters fit this definition. You do not need a Connecticut motorbike endorsement to operate one of these vehicles as long as you have a regular operator’s license. However, if you are younger than 18 years of age, then note that you must wear a helmet when operating a motor-driven cycle.

Connecticut Motorcycle License Cost

You should be prepared to pay motorcycle license fees for taking a test, adding an endorsement to your license or getting a permit. The fees associated with permits and endorsements are:

• $40 to take a knowledge test.
• $16 to obtain a motorcycle learners permit.
• $30 to add an endorsement onto your license.
• $72 to obtain a license if you do not already hold a CT driver’s license (applicable to new residents transferring credentials).

Note that if you fail the motorcycle test, you will need to pay an additional $40 fee each time you retake the exam. When paying any fee, note that the acceptable forms of payment will vary based on which licensing center you use. Most full-service DMV locations accept cash, checks, money orders, credit cards and debit cards, but you will want to check ahead of time before you visit.

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