How to get a Rhode Island Motorcycle License

Ready to take your motorcycle on the open road? This article will take you through the steps to get your Rhode Island motorcycle license with an extra emphasis on safe driving.

The Rules

Under Rhode Island DMV guidelines, anyone who drives a motorcycle must have a Class M motorcycle license or motorcycle instruction permit. In order to obtain a motorcycle license these steps need to be followed:

• A motorcycle safety course must be completed. This course is given through the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), with campuses located in Warwick and Lincoln. For more information and how to sign up for this course, please call CCRI.
• Knight Campus in Warwick - (401) 825-2000.
• Bring your certificate of completion and your current, valid RI license to any DMV branch during regular business hours. Pay a fee of $25.00 to receive your motorcycle permit.
• You must hold this permit for a period of thirty (30) days. After the thirty day period is up, you need to return to any branch office with your motorcycle permit and your valid RI license in order to receive your motorcycle license. The fee for a new photo license with a motorcycle endorsement is $25.00.

If you already hold a motorcycle license in another state and are applying for your Rhode Island license, the DMV will convert your existing license/endorsement to your new license.
Applicants must be 16 years of age, pass the motorcycle knowledge test, a sign test and a vision screening. The final step is to pass the motorcycle skills test where you will demonstrate your competency in motorcycle operation.

Prepare for the Written Exam

The Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island DMV Motorcycle Exam. Take the Rhode Island motorcycle sample test now and test your driving knowledge.

Paperwork

Before you head to the Rhode Island DMV Office, make sure you have the following required documents to get your motorcycle license. Examples include:

• Certified or original 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)
• Rhode Island ID card
• Social Security Number, if issued,
• Documents from a court of record
• Marriage certificate
• Parental Consent Form if under 18

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.

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