A Delaware motorcycle license allows you to operate two- and three-wheeled vehicles on highways and public roads. Instead of a motorcycle-only driving credential, you will receive a motorcycle endorsement on your license, which will indicate that you are allowed to drive motorcycles and other vehicles allowed under your class of license. Therefore, before you can receive a motorbike license, you must hold a regular license such as a Class D driver’s license already. Endorsements cannot be added onto a learner’s permit or Graduated Driver’s License (GDL).

You can obtain a motorbike endorsement in Delaware using two different methods. First, you may choose to apply for a permit and take knowledge and skills tests at the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Second, you can take a motorcycle safety course through an approved school and show your certificate of completion to the DMV to add an endorsement on your license.

What is a Delaware motorbike endorsement?

Motorcycle endorsements are simply letters that get added to your regular Class D license. When you complete the requirements for getting an endorsement, you will be issued a new driving credential that includes an “M” showing your ability to drive motorcycles legally.

Motorcycle Permit Requirements in Delaware

If you do not want to take a motorcycle safety class in DE, then you can only get an endorsement on your license by going through all of the necessary steps at the DMV. The first step in this process is obtaining a permit. Motorcycle permits are valid for a period of six months, during which time you can practice your riding skills.

Permits can only be issued if you already have a Class D license in your possession. The minimum motorcycle permit age in DE is 17 years of age due to the fact that you must be at least this old to hold a Class D license. If you apply for a permit when you are younger than 18 years of age, then you must provide written permission from your parents or guardians.

Required Documents

When applying for driving credentials in Delaware, you should be prepared to show proof of your identity, state residency and Social Security Number. To meet this motorcycle licensing requirement, you must provide:

• One document showing identity and legal presence, such as a birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, passport, resident alien card or other similar documentation.
• One document verifying your Social Security Number, such as your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 tax form, a pay stub or other documents that show your full Social Security Number.
• Two documents that show your residential address, such as a bank statement, utility bills, voter registration card or other paperwork with your address printed on it.

Delaware Motorcycle Permit Restrictions

“What does a motorcycle permit allow you to do in Delaware?” you may wonder after getting your credentials. Motorcycle permits come with a number of rules that are put in place to keep you safer on the road. When riding with a permit, you are not allowed to:

• Carry any passengers.
• Drive before sunrise or after sunset.
• Ride without a helmet or eye protection.
• Drive on federal interstate highways.

How to Get a Motorcycle Permit in Delaware

You must apply for a motorbike permit in person at the Wilmington, Newcastle, Dover or Georgetown DMV office. Motorcycle license application forms are not available online, so you will need to fill out the required paperwork when you visit one of the DMV office locations. Be sure to bring your identity and residency documents as well as a form of payment to cover the fee.

Getting a motorcycle permit also requires passing a written test and vision test. Once you have your permit, you will need to hold it for at least 10 days before you can take the steps for getting a license. Motorcycle permits are valid for six months and can only be renewed once.

Delaware Motorcycle License Requirements

The minimum motorcycle license age in Delaware is 17 years of age. This is because you must be at least 17 years of age to get a Class D license, which is required before you can get an endorsement to ride a motorcycle. Remember, there are two ways to add an endorsement on your license.

If you chose to get a motorcycle permit, then you must take a skills test at the DMV to obtain your endorsement. On the other hand, if you chose to take a motorcycle safety class instead, then there are no DMV testing requirements. You can simply bring your class completion certificate to the DMV to get an endorsement.

Required Documents

When applying for motorcycle endorsements, you will need to prove your identity, Social Security number and residency in Delaware. The same documents described above for getting a permit can be used when getting your endorsement as well. You will also need to fill out an application form, which is available from the DMV. If you are younger than 18 years of age when you apply, then you must provide written permission from your parents or guardians as well.

How to Get a Motorcycle License in Delaware

If you are wondering where to get motorcycle license credentials, then you will need to visit the DMV office in Wilmington, Newcastle, Georgetown or Dover. Bring your identity and residency documents as well as a form of payment to cover the fee for your endorsement. When adding a motorcycle endorsement onto a credential, you will receive a new driver’s license with an “M” printed on it, indicating that you are eligible to drive motorcycles.

Getting a Delaware Motorcycle License as a New Resident

If you hold an out-of-state motorcycle license and move to Delaware, then you can transfer your credentials to receive a license with an endorsement on it. You must apply for a Delaware license within 60 days of establishing residency in the state. In most cases, you will only have to pass a vision screening and can waive any DMV motorcycle test for getting a license, but the DMV can always require these exams at its discretion.

Like other residents who apply for a license, you will also need to provide documents that show your identity, legal presence in the U.S., Delaware residency and Social Security Number. However, you must also provide a certified, current copy of your driving record when transferring an out-of-state license.

Required Motorcycle Classes in Delaware

You must take a motorcycle class if you are younger than 18 years of age when you apply for an endorsement. These motorcycle classes are optional if you are older than 18 years of age. Successfully completing the class will give you a Student Completion Card (SCC), which you will present to the DMV when applying for an endorsement.

While these classes are not mandatory for adults, they are still highly beneficial, as they help you become a better rider. Another benefit is that you can waive your knowledge and skills tests at the DMV if you choose to take a safety course and present your SCC.

The basic rider course, which is required for getting an SCC, covers classroom lessons and hands-on learning opportunities. You will learn about the following:

• Challenges you may face while motorcycling
• Riding skills and strategies
• How to control your motorbike
• How to maneuver, turn and brake safely
• Collision avoidance techniques

Delaware DMV Motorcycle Test Details

When you apply for a motorbike endorsement, you may or may not need to take tests depending on whether you have completed a safety course. At a minimum, you should expect to take a vision test before receiving your endorsement. If you did not complete a rider safety class, then you must take a written motorcycle test, general road signs test and a skills exam.

Motorcycle Written Test

The written motorcycle test contains 25 questions based on information in the Motorcycle Operator Manual available from the DMV. You must get at least 20 questions correct in order to pass. You can improve your chances of success with the written exam by taking a practice test on the DMV website and reading the handbook thoroughly.

Motorcycle Road Test

The motorcycle driving test in DE consists of four different exercises that gauge your ability to safely and responsibly handle a motorcycle when starting, accelerating, braking and turning. The scoring criteria for the DMV motorcycle test are objective, meaning that the examiner will use his or her discretion to gauge whether you pass or not.

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

Under the Delaware Code, you need a motorbike endorsement in order to operate any two- or three-wheeled motor-driven cycle on the roads. The definition of a motor-driven cycle in Delaware includes motorbikes with any size of engine capacity. Autocycles, tractors and other similar vehicles do not fall under the definition of a motor-driven cycle.

 Delaware Motorcycle License Cost

When asking, “How much does it cost to get a motorcycle license?” note that there are different fees depending on which type of license you want to obtain. The DMV provides five-year endorsements that cost $8 and eight-year endorsements that cost $12. Keep in mind that motorcycle license fees in DE must be paid in addition to the other fees for obtaining a license.

Because you will receive a new driver’s license that indicates your endorsement, you will need to pay a $40 fee to obtain your new card in addition to the endorsement fee. When renewing your motorcycle credentials, you pay the motorbike endorsement fee in addition to the $40 license renewal fee.

If you need to renew your motorbike permit, then there is a $5 fee. Keep in mind that permits can only be renewed once. After renewing your credentials once, you will need to complete the testing requirements again to receive another permit.

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