How to get a Vermont Motorcycle License

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

The Rules

Under Vermont DMV guidelines, anyone who drives a motorcycle must have a Class M motorcycle license or motorcycle instruction permit.

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.

To obtain a motorcycle endorsement, you must appear at an examination station and pass a 25 question, multiple choice, written test based on material in the motorcycle manual. To pass the examination, 20 of the 25 questions must be answered correctly. (Results of the written test are valid for 120 days from the date of the examination.)

Upon successful completion of the written test the applicant will be required to successfully complete a skills test before the endorsement will be issued.  There is a fee of $2.00 per year for the motorcycle endorsement.  An explanation of the skills test, complete with diagrams, is contained in Part I of this motorcycle manual.

You will not be permitted to take the skills test unless the cycle you furnish for this purpose is properly equipped, registered, inspected (if required), insured, and in good mechanical condition. If an applicant fails the skills test a one-week practice period is required before another skills test may be taken.

Any motorcycle used for the skills test portion of the exam must be legally transported to the exam site. For example, you can have another licensed motorcycle operator ride the bike to the exam location for you.  In this instance that operator would be required to show a valid license to the examiner. If you have a motorcycle learner permit you may ride the bike to the exam location. You may also transport the bike in another registered vehicle such as a trailer, truck or van.

All applicants applying for a motorcycle endorsement must hold a valid Vermont license.  A charge of $7.00 will be made to the applicant for the written test and there is no charge for the skills test.

Prepare for the Written Exam

The Vermont DMV requires that all applicants must pass a written motorcycle knowledge test on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.
Whenever an applicant fails a written test they must wait at least one day before they may take the exam again.

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 Vermont DMV Motorcycle Exam. Take the Vermont sample motorcycle test now and test your driving knowledge.

Paperwork

Before you head to the Vermont 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)
• Vermont 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.

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