Owning your very own motorcycle is something many of us have dreamed about since our earliest days. It offers the universally thrilling experience of freedom as you drive down the highway, windy or coastal roads. If you’re eager to turn that dream into a reality, then you’ll need to meet the minimum age requirements of the state in which you reside. In order to get your hands on the motorcycle learner's permit, this can actually be done at as young as 14 years of age. Most states here in the US set the minimum age at either 16 or 17 for a full motorcycle license, with a few states requiring riders to wait till 18. If you’re looking at getting your own license, then you may want to stay on your parents' good side, as you’ll also need their consent if you’re under the age of 18.
| State | Min Age | State | Min Age | State | Min Age | State | Min Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 16 | Alaska | 16 | Arizona | 16 | Arkansas | 16 |
| California | 16 | Colorado | 16 | Connecticut | 16 | Delaware | 17 |
| Florida | 16 | Georgia | 17 | Hawaii | 17 | Idaho | 15 |
| Illinois | 16 | Indiana | 16 | Iowa | 16 | Kansas | 16 |
| Kentucky | 16 | Louisiana | 16 | Maine | 16 | Maryland | 16 |
| Massachusetts | 16.5 | Michigan | 16 | Minnesota | 16 | Mississippi | 17 |
| Missouri | 16 | Montana | 16 | Nebraska | 17 | Nevada | 16 |
| New Hampshire | 16 | New Jersey | 17 | New Mexico | 15 | New York | 16 |
| North Carolina | 16 | North Dakota | 16 | Ohio | 15.5 | Oklahoma | 14 |
| Oregon | 16 | Pennsylvania | 16 | Rhode Island | 16 | South Carolina | 15 |
| South Dakota | 16 | Tennessee | 15 | Texas | 15 | Utah | 16 |
| Vermont | 16 | Virginia | 16.25 | Washington | 16 | West Virginia | 16 |
| Wisconsin | 16 | Wyoming | 17 |
Minimum Age to Get a Motorcycle License
There is a list of requirements that all riders need to meet before they are able to legally drive their two-wheel companions on the roads here in the US, like forms, tests, and additional costs for your motorcycle license. The first hurdle is one that no amount of work, effort or practice can change, and that’s age requirements. If you’re not yet old enough to attain a learner's permit or full license in your state, then there’s not much else you can do than wait patiently.
This might be a little tricky if you’ve got your bike sitting outside in your driveway, so you might want to consider putting it away in the garage or into storage until the time is right. You could, of course, enjoy it on private property if you’re lucky enough to have the space; however, you won’t be able to drive on public roads. If you're wondering what age can you get your motorcycle license, keep in mind that the answer varies by location and license type.
Depending on where you reside or intend to drive, the age you need to be to get a license will vary quite a bit. The minimum age for motorcycle license application eligibility often depends on whether you're applying for a learner’s permit or a full endorsement. For instance, New Mexico is known for having the lowest minimum age and lets aspiring motorcyclists get their learner's permit at just 13 years old.
Those in Arkansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota will have to be just a little more patient, though they still can begin working through the process at the young age of 14.
While you’ll be able to get on the road earlier in these states, do expect some heavier restrictions starting, as the limitations tend to be a little stricter.
Then, the likes of Delaware, Georgia, and Mississippi will only allow those above the age of 17 to ride their motorcycles on the roads, as you won’t be able to get a license any earlier than this.
Over half of the states in the US have a minimum age requirement for a motorcycle driver's license, which is set at 16 years old.
Knowing at what age can you get a motorcycle license is essential for planning ahead and meeting your local requirements.
So, while it's likely that this is the age you’ll need to be, you’ll still want to make sure you’re adhering to the age requirement in your state. So, when can you get your motorcycle license and start riding independently? We’ll walk you through it.
Additional Age Restrictions
Even if you learn that you are, in fact, old enough to begin taking steps closer to getting your hands on your very own motorcycle license in the state you reside in, it may not be entirely smooth sailing from here. There are a number of restrictions that may apply to the license you attain at an early age. Let’s put these under the lens so you know exactly what you’re in for.
If you find yourself in Tennessee, for example, while you’ll be able to get your hands on a motorcycle learner permit from the age of 15, you’ll be limited to riding your bike between the hours of 4 a.m. and 8 p.m. You’ll also need to remain within a seven-mile radius of your home address too. While this might not be exactly what you want to hear, these restrictions are in place to ensure your safety and that of other road users, ensuring you build the necessary experience before heading out on those dimly lit roads or going beyond this radius.
Many states now use a Graduated Licensing Program (GDL), where aspiring riders like yourself have to progress through multiple stages.
So, you’ll begin with a learner's permit and then make your way up to an intermediate license, and finally graduate to that full unrestricted license.
In Minnesota, all riders who are under the age of 18 will be required to get through the Basic Rider Course before getting their motorcycle endorsement. Texas limits 15-year-old riders to motorcycles with engines of 250cc or less until they turn 16. You can also expect some restrictions to come into play when it comes to the size of the engine that you’ll be able to pack inside that bike of yours.
Take Texas, for example, riders who have a license will be restricted even from driving bikes that are 250cc or less until the age of 16. Keep in mind that these restrictions come into play when it comes to public roads, so if you want to have a private area to ride around, it’s fair game!
To get a motorcycle license, you must pass a knowledge test, a vision screening, and either complete a motorcycle safety course or pass a skills test, with specific requirements varying by state and age.
So, you may have been hoping for a black and white answer when it comes to arriving at an answer for how old you need to be before setting out on the roads as a fully licensed motorcycle driver. You’ll have realized by now that the required age varies quite a bit depending on what state you are in, and there are also a number of restrictions in place even thereafter.
Why Are Age Requirements in Place?
If any of these restrictions are news to you, then it’s quite likely that they have you feeling like they’re holding you back from the image you have of driving on down the highway. Well, it’s important that you don’t see these regulations just as something holding you back. Instead, you should see the intent behind them and why they were put in place to begin with.
Age restrictions are in place, as young riders obviously lack much of the experience that other drivers have on the roads, which only comes with time, and can’t always be learned from a driving course or driver's theory textbook. At a young age, you won’t have fully developed those judgment, coordination, and risk assessment skills that are crucial for driving on the roads.
In 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported about 89,000 police‑reported motorcycle collisions in the U.S.
It’s important that we aim to bring this number down each year and strive for it to be zero. Implementing safety regulations and stringent requirements is one of the best ways to achieve this. Bikes can pack quite the punch, too, so it’s especially important that drivers are at an appropriate age before operating a motorcycle and gain the necessary experience. Several states use Graduated Licensing Programs that let young riders build experience under controlled conditions before they get full riding privileges.
Texas is a great example when it comes to restrictions involving engine sizes, letting 15-year-olds ride motorcycles up to 250cc and allowing them to handle larger engines as they age and gain experience. This one doesn’t require too much explanation. The more power that a bike has, the more dangerous it can be on the roads, as it’s generally going to be heavier and more of a challenge to control. These restrictions aim to curtail the number of accidents by making sure that these vehicles are only operated by experienced and competent riders.
Working Towards Your Motorcycle License
As you can see, you can’t jump right to getting set up with your motorcycle license, however much you might like to. Before you so much as begin the process, you’ll need to satisfy the age requirement in your state. As you’ve learned from this article, there may even be a number of restrictions thereafter, too. You should now find yourself more informed as to how old you need to be to ride a motorcycle here in the US, other restrictions that come with age, as well as the reasoning behind these requirements.
While an essential requirement, your age is just the beginning of getting a motorcycle license. You also need to pass knowledge tests about traffic laws and motorcycle operations. Vision screenings and riding skills tests are part of the process, too, so be sure to do your research on what you need for a seamless process. You now know everything you need to get started working towards getting your very own motorcycle license!
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