How to get an Illinois Motorcycle License
Ready to take your motorcycle on the open road? This article will take you through the steps to get your Illinois motorcycle license with an extra emphasis on safe driving.
The Rules
Under Illinois DMV guidelines, anyone who drives a motorcycle must have a Class M motorcycle license or motorcycle instruction permit.
Applicants under eighteen years of age who present an IDOT Motorcycle Rider Course completion card will still be required to take the driver examination. Applicants eighteen years or older who present an IDOT Motorcycle Rider Course completion card will not be required to the driver examination. Full time motorcycle applicants who do not hold a valid Illinois driver's license will be required to successfully complete a vision screening, written (basic and motorcycle) exam and driver examination.
The IDOT Motorcycle Rider course is a twenty hour multimedia training program that includes both classroom and “hands-on” instruction. When you successfully complete this course, you will be eligible for your motorcycle driver's license without having to take your state's road test (if you meet the age minimum).
Prepare for the Written Exam
The Illinois DMV requires that all applicants must pass a written motorcycle knowledge test on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.
If you fail the exam, some states require you to wait until at least until the next day to take the test again and charge a re-examination fee.
All motorcyclists are encouraged to study for this written test so you don't take a chance on standing in line at the DMV Office only to go home empty-handed. Online practice tests are available that provide real sample questions from the Illinois DMV Motorcycle Exam. Take the Illinois sample motorcycle test now and test your driving knowledge.
Paperwork
Before you head to the Illinois DMV Office, make sure you have the following required documents to get your motorcycle license. Examples include:
- Certified Birth certificate issued in any state
- Drivers license or instruction permit issued in another state
- U.S. passport
- U.S. military ID card (active duty, retired, reserve)
- Illinois ID card
- Social Security Number, if issued,
- Documents from a court of record
- Marriage certificate
On the Road
Once your licensing requirements have been met, a Class M endorsement will be added to your driver's license. Remember... the safe operation of a motorcycle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the operator, the machine, and the environment.
Motorcycle License Resources
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Illinois Motorcycle Manual Illinois DMV Illinois Motorcycle Practice Test |
