A Missouri motorcycle license or endorsement must be earned before you can legally operate a motorcycle within the state. Therefore, it is worth taking the time to learn more about the motorbike license application process, including the requirements, documents that must be submitted, testing and where to apply. Furthermore, the application process differs between new Missouri residents wishing to transfer a license and residents who are seeking a license for the first time.

Before you can obtain a motorbike license in Missouri, you must first pass a knowledge test and obtain a learner’s permit. This permit will allow you to practice operating a motorcycle under certain restrictions. From there, you can either pass a road skill test or complete an approved motorcycle rider training course (MRTC) to obtain a license or endorsement. To learn more about DMV motorcycle permits, endorsements and licenses, review the sections that have been provided below.

What is a Missouri motorcycle endorsement?

A Missouri motorcycle endorsement is an endorsement that can be applied to any class of driver’s license within the state to add privileges for motorcycle operation. However, applying for a driver’s license is not required to obtain motorcycle-related driving privileges.

In addition to an M endorsement, new drivers have the opportunity of obtaining a motorcycle-only license that will not include driving privileges for standard motor vehicles but will allow a rider to legally operate a motorcycle.

Motorcycle Permit Requirements in Missouri

The minimum motorcycle permit age in Missouri is 15-and-a-half. However, teens younger than 16 years of age will have additional requirements for motorcycle permit credentials regarding motorcycle safety information. Teens who are not yet 16 will be required to complete an approved motorcycle rider training course before a permit can be issued. Applicants who are 16 years of age and older will not be required to complete an MRTC if they choose not to do so.

Additional requirements for a motorcycle permit in Missouri include the following:

• Must be residents of Missouri
• Must be U.S. citizens or lawfully residing within the United States
• While a Missouri driver’s license is not required, applicants cannot hold a driver’s license or permit in another state
• Applicants must be able to successfully pass a vision and knowledge exam

Required Documents

Documentation requirements for a motorcycle permit in Missouri include:

• Proof of name, date of birth and citizenship or lawful presence within the U.S.
• Proof of Social Security Number.
• Proof of residential address.
• Proof of MRTC completion if the applicant is younger than 16 years of age.
• Parental consent if the applicant is younger than 18 years of age.

Missouri Motorcycle Permit Rules and Restrictions

It is important to ask, “What does a motorcycle permit allow you to do in Missouri?” in order to ensure that you are always riding while following Missouri law. Motorcycle permit-related restrictions are determined by the age of the permit holder. In Missouri, the following restrictions apply to teens younger than 16 years of age:

• Motorcycle engine may not have a displacement greater than 250cc
• No passengers
• Permit holder may only ride within a 50-mile limit from their home address
• Permit holder is restricted to daytime driving
• Must carry permit whenever operating a motorcycle

Motorcycle permit restrictions for permit holders who are 16 years of age or older are: as follows

• No passengers
• Permit holder is restricted to daytime driving
• Must carry permit whenever operating a motorcycle

How to Get a Motorcycle Permit in Missouri

To obtain a motorcycle permit in Missouri, you must visit participating DMV office locations in order to submit your application, payment and appropriate documentation. At this time, you cannot submit a motorbike permit application online or by mail. Before a permit can be issued to you, you must successfully pass both a vision and knowledge exam. If you are younger than 16 years of age, then you must complete an approved motorcycle rider training course before completing these steps.

After qualifying for a DMV motorcycle permit, one will be issued to you during your office visit. This permit does not replace your Missouri driver’s license if you have one, but it is rather a separate document that proves you have the legal ability to practice riding a motorcycle under the restrictions for your age group.

Missouri Motorcycle License Requirements

The minimum motorcycle license age in Missouri is 16. In addition to meeting the age to get motorcycle license credentials, you are required to:

• Be a resident of Missouri.
• Have a lawful presence within the United States.
• Be able to provide the DMV with required documentation.
• Have parental consent if younger than 18 years of age.
• Already have a learner’s permit.
• Be able to pass a vision exam.

As an additional requirement for a motorcycle license in Missouri, applicants must either successfully pass a road skill exam with a participating DMV or complete an approved motorcycle rider training course within the state.

Required Documents

Documentation requirements for a motorcycle license in Missouri include:

• Proof of name, date of birth and citizenship or lawful presence within the U.S.
• Proof of Social Security Number.
• Proof of residential address.
• Proof of MRTC completion if waiving the road skill exam.
• Parental consent if the applicant is younger than 18 years of age.

How to Get a Motorcycle License in Missouri

If you are wondering, “How long does it take to get a motorcycle license in Missouri?” then it is important to know that there are a number of factors that can affect the amount of time that it takes, including your age, whether or not you intend to take an approved education course and how well you do on your testing.

If getting a motorcycle license and younger than 18 years of age, then it is important to know that you must hold your permit for a minimum of 182 days before you can apply for a full license. Furthermore, you cannot have any traffic ticket convictions in the last six months and any convictions related to alcohol in the last 12 months. To get a motorcycle license in Missouri, you will ultimately need to either successfully pass a road skill exam with the DMV or complete an approved motorcycle rider training course.

For individuals who are 18 years of age or older, there is no minimum amount of time that you must wait from the date your motorcycle permit is issued to the date that you attempt the road skill exam. However, many applicants find it easier and more beneficial to complete an educational course than attempt the road skill exam.

If you are wondering where to get a motorcycle license after completing the above steps, then it is worth knowing that you must visit your local DMV in person, as license applications cannot be submitted online. You may be asked to provide your documentation again as well as pass an additional vision test before a license can be issued.

If you already have a Missouri-issued license, then you will receive a duplicate driver’s license with the M endorsement listed on the face of the license. If you do not have a driver’s license, then you will receive a motorcycle-only license. Temporary licenses are issued during your visit and your real license will be mailed to you.

Getting a Missouri Motorcycle License as a New Resident

You should transfer your motorcycle license to a Missouri license after establishing residency within the state. To transfer your our-of-state motorbike license, you simply need to visit your local DMV with the appropriate documentation and fees as well as your out-of-state license. During your visit, you will need to pass a vision screening and a road sign test. However, you will only be required to take the motorcycle written or road skill exam if your out-of-state license has been expired for over 184 days.

Required Motorcycle Classes in Missouri

In Missouri, motorcycle classes are only required to obtain a permit if you are younger than 16 years of age. While other applicants are not required to complete an approved motorcycle training course, there are a number of benefits for doing so including the following:

• A certificate of completion from an approved MRTC will provide a waiver for the DMV road skill test, making it easier to obtain a license for a motorcycle.
• A number of auto insurance agencies provide discounts to new drivers after the successful completion of an approved course.
• Enrolling in a motorcycle license class gives riders with no previous riding experience the ability to learn safe driving knowledge and skills.

A Missouri motorcycle safety course can only be completed in person and, generally, classes are completed in two to three days. In addition to basic riding courses, several course providers offer introductory motorcycle experience courses, which is a three-hour class designed to provide one-on-one attention to riding novices before the basic rider course. In these courses, students will receive both classroom instruction and instructed practice on safe riding.

You can find approved motorcycle training locations online. However, it is worth knowing that each provider will have different fees associated with the course, class schedules and cancelation and refund policies. Therefore, it is important to review all of these elements of a course before scheduling.

Missouri DMV Motorcycle Test Details

In Missouri, you may need to take both the motorcycle permit test and the road skill test depending on how you decide to obtain your license within the state. The motorbike permit test is a written test that all applicants are required to successfully pass. However, the road skill exam can be waived with the successful completion of an approved motorcycle rider training course.

Motorcycle Written Test

The written DMV motorcycle test is a multiple-choice exam that must be successfully passed before a learner’s permit can be issued. This exam will cover a number of topics, including basic motorcycle operation, safe driving practices and Missouri traffic laws.

Motorcycle Road Test

As part of the road motorcycle test, you will be asked to demonstrate your ability to operate a motorcycle safely and in accordance with state and local laws. For this exam, you may be tested on your ability to:

• Accelerate, turn safely and brake.
• See, be seen and communicate with other drivers.
• Adjust speed and position that is appropriate to the traffic situation.
• Stop, turn and swerve quickly.
• Select safe speeds to perform various maneuvers.
• Choosing correct paths and staying within your boundaries.

Do You Need a Motorcycle License to Drive a Scooter in Missouri?

A Missouri motorcycle license may be required to operate a scooter within the state depending on the specs of the scooter in question. In Missouri, a motorbike license will not be required if the scooter is designed as a motorized bicycle by meeting the following requirements:

• The scooter has two or three wheels
• The scooter has a motor with a cylinder capacity of no more than 50 cubic centimeters, which produce less than three gross brake horsepower
• The scooter is capable of a maximum speed of no more than 30 miles per hour on ground level

It is also worth knowing that motorized bicycles cannot be operated on any public thoroughfare that is designated as part of the federal interstate highway system.

Missouri Motorcycle License Costs

The Missouri motorcycle license cost is as follows:

• Class M Permit (Minimum Age: 15-and-a-half) — $6.25
• Class M Permit (Minimum Age 16) — $3.50
• Class M License (3 years) — $10
• Class M License (6 years) — $20

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