In Nevada, a motorcycle license is required to legally operate a motorcycle. It is therefore important to learn how to apply for the first time as well as how to transfer over an out-of-state license after establishing residency in Nevada. A motorbike license can be acquired in two different ways within the state. You can either apply for a learner’s permit, take additional testing and pass a road skill exam or you can forgo a learner’s permit entirely by successfully completing a motorcycle course that is certified by the Nevada Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).

A DMV motorcycle endorsement is not issued within the state. Instead, all classes of license a driver has earned will appear on the same license. That being said, Nevada does transfer over licenses and endorsements from other states for those who qualify. You can learn more about these application processes, requirements and related testing in the sections that have been provided below.

What is a Nevada motorcycle endorsement?

In Nevada, a motorcycle endorsement is not issued to qualifying applicants. Instead, the state provides drivers with a singular driver’s license that lists all classes of operation that the driver has earned. Instead of an M endorsement, “Class M” is listed on the face of the licenses in addition to any other classes and driving privileges that have been earned.

Motorcycle Permit Requirements in Nevada

The minimum motorcycle permit age in Nevada is 15 and a half. However, teens who are under the age of 18 will need to meet additional requirements before a permit can be issued to them. Teens who are under the age of 18 must:

• Have parental consent.
• Submit a completed Certificate of Attendance to show proof of school attendance.
• Have already completed a general driver education course that is approved by the state.

In addition to age related requirements, there are general requirements that all applicants must meet, regardless of age. General requirements for motorcycle permit in Nevada are:

• You must be a Nevada resident.
• You must be a United States citizen or have a lawful presence within the U.S.
• You must be able to submit the appropriate documentation and fees alongside your application.
• You must be able to successfully pass a vision exam.
• You must be able to successfully pass a road skill exam.
• You must pass a Class C written test, if you do not already hold a Nevada Class C license or higher.
• You cannot have previously failed the motorcycle skills test two or more times.

A motorcycle permit is not required to obtain a license in Nevada. If you are interested in obtaining a license, you will have two options in doing so. The first is through obtaining a permit, practicing with the permit under state restrictions and completing a road skill exam. However, you can forgo all of these steps by simply completing a rider safety course offered through the Nevada Rider Program.

Required Documents

Documentation requirements for a motorcycle permit in Nevada include:

• Proof of identity, such as with a U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, valid foreign passport or permanent resident card.
• Proof of name change (if applicable), Such as with a certified marriage certificate, court order or divorce decree.
• Proof of Social Security number, such as with a Social Security card.
• Two forms of proof of Nevada address, such as with a rent receipt, record from a public utility, bank statement or mortgage agreement.
• Certificate of Attendance, required for teens under the age of 18.

Nevada Motorcycle Permit Rules and Restrictions

If you are wondering, “What does a motorcycle permit allow you to do in Nevada?” it is important to know that, while a permit will allow you to operate a motorcycle, you may only do so while complying with the permit restrictions. While operating a motorcycle with a permit, you must:

• Carry your permit on your person.
• Only operate a motorcycle within direct visual supervision of a licensed driver who has a valid license for a motorcycle, has had that license for at least one year and is at least 21 years of age.
• Ride during daylight hours only.
• Not carry passengers.
• Not drive on freeways or other high-speed roads.

These rules and restrictions apply to all permit holders, regardless of age.

How to Get a Motorcycle Permit in Nevada

Applying for a motorcycle permit in Nevada is one of two ways that you can begin working towards your license within the state. Should you wish to obtain a permit, you may only do so by submitting an application in person at a participating DMV office location. During your office visit, you will need to submit an application, your required documentation and permit fees.

Before a DMV motorcycle permit can be issued to you, you must be able to successfully pay for and pass a knowledge exam. If you do not currently hold a Class C license, the Class C written test will also be required. Retests will incur additional charges. Finally, a vision exam must be successfully completed.

A motorcycle learners permit can be issued to you during your visit to the DMV, so long as you meet all of the requirements for a permit and you complete any and all required testing. The permit validity period is based upon age. If you are 18 years of age or older, your permit will remain valid for six months and you may renew your permit once every five years. If under the age of 18, the permit remains valid for a one year period and can be renewed multiple times.

Nevada Motorcycle License Requirements

The minimum motorcycle license age in Nevada is 16 years of age. However, age is not the only factor that will determine whether or not you are eligible for a license. General qualifications include:

• You must be a Nevada resident.
• You must be a United States citizen or have a lawful presence within the U.S.
• You must be able to submit the appropriate documentation and fees alongside your application.
• You must be able to successfully pass a vision exam.

When learning about the requirements for a motorcycle license, it is important to understand that, in Nevada, you can obtain a license in one of two ways. The first method is by first obtaining a learners permit after successfully completing a written knowledge exam. After obtaining a permit, you may use that permit to practice operating a motorcycle until you feel ready for the road skill exam. After the successful completion of the road skill exam, a license can be issued to you.

Alternatively, getting a motorcycle license can be done without first obtaining a learners permit or completing any knowledge or skills tests. Instead, you have the option of participating in a motorcycle education course that is certified through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. After completing an approved course, you need only provide the DMV with your certificate of completion to waive the knowledge and skill tests.

Required Documents

The documentation requirements for a motorcycle in Nevada are:

• Proof of identity, such as with a U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, valid foreign passport or permanent resident card.
• Proof of name change (if applicable), Such as with a certified marriage certificate, court order or divorce decree.
• Proof of Social Security number, such as with a Social Security card.
• Two forms of proof of Nevada address, such as with a rent receipt, record from a public utility, bank statement or mortgage agreement.
• Certificate of Attendance, required for teens under the age of 18.
• Certificate of a motorcycle safety course completion, required only if waiving the knowledge and/or road skill exam.

How to Get a Motorcycle License in Nevada

When asking, “How long does it take to get a motorcycle license in Nevada?” it is worth knowing that the amount of time that it will take will largely depend on how you go about obtaining your license and your personal testing ability. As stated previously, you must either pass both a knowledge and road skill exam with the DMV or you can obtain a waiver for these exams by successfully completing a course that has been certified by the MSF.

You can get a motorcycle license after completing one of these two routes by visiting a participating DMV, submitting an application and providing fees and documentation for the license. You will be asked to complete a vision exam before a license can be issued. You will receive a temporary license during your visit and your new license will be mailed to you. The new license will include all of the licenses classes that you have received privileges for.

Getting a Nevada Motorcycle License as a New Resident

If you have a motorcycle license that was issued in another state, Nevada law requires you to transfer your out-of-state license to a Nevada license within 30 days of establishing residency within the state. However, residents who are only temporarily residing within Nevada, such as active duty military personnel, will not be required to transfer their licenses.

To get a motorcycle license in Nevada as a new resident, you must visit your local DMV to submit a documentation and provide the appropriate documentation and fees, just like an individual who is applying for a license for the first time. However, so long as your license is not expired, you will not be required to complete any additional testing.

Required Motorcycle Classes in Nevada

Nevada motorcycle classes are not required of any license applicant, regardless of age. However, these classes can provide numerous benefits to rider, including the ability to forgo a learners permit and waive both knowledge and road skill exams that are normally required to obtain a license. Courses must be approved by the state and you can find a large list of courses available within the state online.

A motorcycle safety course will also provide new riders with the opportunity to learn how to operate a motorcycle safely and lawfully as well as teach riders defensive riding and collision avoidance techniques. Additionally, a greater number of auto insurance agencies will provide a discount towards auto insurance premiums after completing an approved course. This can be especially important to new drivers who are experiencing high premium rates due to a lack of experience.

Motorcycle training can take up to three days to complete, depending on the course, and attendance is 100 percent mandatory. Each class will include a list of materials or apparel that students must bring with them each day to the course. Courses combine a combination of classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction and, in Nevada, approved courses cannot be completed online.

A motorcycle license class will include instruction regarding:

• The various types of motorcycles and the differences between them.
• Basic motorcycle control and handling.
• Safe riding skills, knowledge and tips.
• Apparel and safety gear requirements and recommendations.

Fees can vary between classes as the state does not regulate these fees. Therefore, it is important to review fees that are required in each course before completing enrollment.

Nevada DMV Motorcycle Test Details

In Nevada, motorcycle tests are not required of any applicant who completes an approved motorcycle training course within the state. However, should you choose to first obtain a learners permit and obtain a license after practicing, both a written and road skill exam will be required.

Motorcycle Written Test

The motorcycle permit test, also referred to as a knowledge exam, is a multiple-choice test that must be completed at a participating DMV. To pass this test, you must get a set amount of correct answers. Not only is there a fee for the initial test, but there are additional fees for retests. Exam questions are based on motorcycle basics, the safe operation of a motorcycle and Nevada traffic laws.

Motorcycle Road Test

The driving DMV motorcycle test will test your ability to operate a motorcycle safely and lawfully. This exam can only be provided by participating DMV locations and is only required if you do not complete a state approved motorcycle education course. As part of the exam, you will be asked to perform specific maneuvers, including:

• Cone weaves and normal stops.
• Turning from a stop and U-turns.
• Quick stops.
• Obstacle swerve.

Do you need a motorcycle license to drive a scooter in Nevada?

A motorcycle license is not required in Nevada to drive a scooter, also referred to as a moped, within the state, so long as it meets the following specs:

• The scooter’s engine does not produce more than two gross brake horsepower.
• The scooter’s engine has a displacement of no more than 50 cubic centimeters.
• The scooter’s engine does not produce more than 1500 watts final output.
• The scooter is not capable of a speed higher than 30 miles per hour on a flat surface.

To drive a motorized scooter, you need only have a driver’s license of any class that has been issued by the state.

Nevada Motorcycle License Costs

The total motorcycle license cost in Nevada is:

• Written/road skill testing fees — $26
• Retest written/road skill testing fees — $11
• Instruction permit — $23.25
• Original license (eight years) — $42.25
• Original license (four years) 23.25

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