Can i get a motorcycle endorsement in a different state

You must pass a 25-question, multiple-choice, knowledge exam (80% or better) based on the material in the motorcycle manual. If you fail the exam you must wait at least one day before taking the exam again.

Upon successful completion of the knowledge exam, you will be required to successfully complete a skills exam before the endorsement will be issued.

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

Any motorcycle used for the skills exam 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.

Every Vermont resident who operates a motorcycle on the highway in Vermont must hold a valid Vermont Driver's or Junior Driver's license with the proper motorcycle endorsement.

Motorcycle Permit info...

Motorcycle Safety Courses

Vermont Motorcycle Awareness Program (VMAP)

Vermont Rider Education Program (VREP)

3-Wheeled Motorcycle Training

Definitions (from 23 V.S.A. § 4)

• Motorcycles: any motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, and shall include autocycles but exclude motor-driven cycles, golf carts, track driven vehicles, tractors, and electric personal assistive mobility devices.

• Motor-Driven Cycles: any vehicle equipped with two or three wheels, a power source providing up to a maximum of two brake horsepower, and having a maximum piston or rotor displacement of 50 cubic centimeters if a combustion engine is used, which will propel the vehicle, unassisted, at a speed not to exceed 30 miles per hour on a level road surface, and which is equipped with a power drive system that functions directly or automatically only, not requiring clutching or shifting by the operator after the drive system is engaged. Motor-driven cycles are subject to the purchase and use tax imposed under 32 V.S.A. chapter 219 rather than to a general sales tax. Neither an electric personal assistive mobility device nor a motor-assisted bicycle is a motor-driven cycle.

• Autocycle: a three-wheeled motorcycle:

  • in which the occupants sit with their legs forward;

  • designed to be controlled with a steering wheel and pedals; and

  • equipped with safety belts for all occupants.

• Fully enclosed autocycle: an autocycle equipped with a windshield and that has full top and side enclosures capable of supporting the vehicle's weight and protecting the occupants when the vehicle is resting on the enclosures.

• Motor-assisted bicycle: any bicycle or tricycle with fully operable pedals and equipped with a motor that: 

  • has a power output of not more than 1,000 watts or 1.3 horsepower; and

  • in itself is capable of producing a top speed of no more than 20 miles per hour on a paved level surface when ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds. 

    • Motor-assisted bicycles shall be regulated in accordance with 23 V.S.A. § 1136.

Obtaining a Motorcycle License (Endorsement)

Online renewal/duplicate service | Online driving records | Online payment of traffic tickets |

Motorcycling in Maine

Any resident with a valid motorcycle permit or license can operate a motorcycle in Maine.
Non-residents with a motorcycle license from their state or country of residence, as well as those who are at least 16 years old and hold a permit from another state or country, are welcome on Maine roads.
If you are moving to Maine from another state and already have your motorcycle license/endorsement, you must transfer your credentials into a Maine license within 30 days of becoming a resident, per Maine law. (Please note: The only state from which we do not accept a motorcycle license waiver is the State of Alabama.)   

Motorcycle Licensing

Per Maine law, you must successfully complete a hands-on rider education program. The motorcycle licensing process requires the same provisions as other motor vehicle licenses, such as a vision test. If you are less than 18 years of age, but at least 16 years of age, you must complete a basic driver education course before enrolling in a motorcycle safety course.

Depending on what you plan to ride, you may not need a motorcycle endorsement on your license. Check out this listing of vehicles to see if an endorsement is required for the vehicle you plan to operate.

The motorcycle safety course is offered at motorcycle rider education schools throughout the state in partnership with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

• The Basic Rider Course is required for all new riders. This 15-hour course combines classroom instruction with hands-on training, using the school's motorcycles on a controlled range. Trained RiderCoaches lead the course, using the Motorcycle Safety Foundation curriculum approved by the BMV. Students will learn about motorcycles and their controls, safety considerations before and during riding, and techniques to have the best control of the vehicle. Traffic strategies, braking maneuvers, protective apparel selection, maintenance and more are covered in this course. Average cost for this course is about $325.

  A written test and a motorcycle skills test are administered at the completion of this course. Those who pass the written test are eligible to receive their motorcycle permit. Those who pass the skills test are also eligible for a road test waiver. If you are eligible for a road test waiver, the motorcycle endorsement will be added to your Maine license or if you do not hold a Maine license, a motorcycle only license will be issued. If the road test is waived, the operator cannot carry a passenger for a period of 60 days after the motorcycle endorsement/license is issued.

NOTICE: If you currently hold a valid motorcycle permit, you must pass a motorcycle road test prior to its expiration or you will have to complete the Basic RiderCourse.

Permit Period/Road Test

Those who complete the Basic RiderCourse but do not qualify for a road test waiver will be issued a permit from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles upon showing a course completion certificate. Applicants must fill out the permit application and pay a $35 fee. The motorcycle permit is valid for two years. Permit-holders will be supplied with a postcard to send in to schedule their road test.  If the applicant does not pass the first road test, a fee of $35 is required for subsequent tests. If the road test and licensing process is not completed within two years, the applicant must re-take the Basic RiderCourse.

During the permit period, riders must wear a helmet whenever operating the motorcycle and are prohibited from carrying passengers. If you plan to ride out of state or in another country during your permit period, you will need to check with their principle law enforcement agency, such as the State Police or Highway Patrol, to see if your permit is valid for operation there.

The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles provides the Motorcycle Operator Manual as a study guide for the road test.
For the road test, the examiner will observe and evaluate your ability to operate and control the motorcycle with sufficient skill and knowledge to be a competent driver on the highways of the State of Maine. Skills such as maintaining proper lane position and making turns will be evaluated, as will your reactions to pedestrians, other vehicles, traffic signs, signals and road conditions. Examiners typically use two-way radios to conduct the examination.

Protective Gear

The use of helmets, eye protection and other protective riding gear is strongly encouraged. Riders who fall into these categories are required by law to wear a helmet:

• Persons under the age of 18 who operate a motorcycle or ride as a passenger
• Persons operating on a learner's permit
• Persons operating a motorcycle for one year following successful completion of the driving test
• The passenger of an operator who is required to wear headgear

Continued Education

Experienced motorcyclists can improve their level of safety by taking an Experienced Rider Course through any of the motorcycle rider education schools that offer the course in partnership with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. In the Experienced Rider Course, motorcyclists take their own bikes on the range and learn from trained Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoaches who instruct them on how to improve their cornering and braking techniques, among other skills that aid in crash avoidance. Average cost for this course is about $70-100. Note: Some insurance companies offer discounts on their premiums for those who complete safety training courses.

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