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Learn to ride

How to get your motorcycle license

Getting licensed to ride takes a few tests and, in many places, a course. The steps depend on where you live, and every one below links to the official rules.

Checked against official government sources on October 13, 2026. Rules change, so confirm with your licensing agency before you book.

United States

Every state sets its own rules, but every state requires a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license. In most states you get it by passing a written test and an on-cycle skills test, and some states also require a rider course.

From permit to endorsement

  1. Find your state's rules

    Start with your state's motor vehicle agency (the DMV, BMV, or Secretary of State). USA.gov links to the agency for every state.

    Source: USA.gov

  2. Pass the written knowledge test

    In most states this is the first test toward the motorcycle endorsement.

    Source: NHTSA

  3. Practice on a learner permit, where your state uses one

    Many states issue a motorcycle permit after the written test. California, for example, only requires one for riders under 21.

    Source: New York DMV, California DMV

  4. Pass the skills test, or a state-approved course instead

    Many states waive the DMV skills test for riders who complete a state-approved rider course. California, New York, and Virginia all do, each with its own conditions, so check what your state accepts before you book.

    Source: California DMV, New York DMV, Virginia DMV

  5. Get the endorsement

    Once you meet your state's requirements, the motorcycle endorsement (Class M in some states) goes on your driver's license.

    Source: NHTSA

Minimum ages vary by state.

What to ask a rider training school
  • Do you provide the motorcycle and helmet for the course, or do I bring my own? Many beginner courses supply a small bike; most expect your own gloves, boots over the ankle, and a long-sleeved jacket.
  • Does finishing the course count toward my motorcycle endorsement, and what paperwork do I take to the licensing office afterward? The rules differ by state, so ask the school rather than a forum.
  • How big are the classes, and how many coaches are on the range? Fewer riders per coach means more time riding and less time waiting.
  • What happens if it rains, or if I do not pass the riding part? Ask about rescheduling and retake fees before you pay.
  • Do you run courses beyond the beginner class, such as an experienced rider or advanced skills course? A refresher after a long break is worth the day.

Canada

Licensing is provincial, with graduated stages. Here's how it works in Ontario; other provinces and territories differ.

Ontario: M1, M2, then M

  1. Get an M1

    Pass the eye test and the written knowledge test. You must be at least 16. The M1 lasts 90 days and comes with conditions, including daylight riding only, no passengers, and a zero blood alcohol level.

    Source: Ontario.ca

  2. Move to an M2

    After at least 60 days, pass the first road test, or complete a recognized motorcycle safety course instead of that road test.

    Source: Ontario.ca

  3. Ride on the M2

    Hold the M2 for at least 22 months, or 18 months if you took a recognized safety course.

    Source: Ontario.ca

  4. Get your full M

    Pass the second road test. You have up to five years from the M2 to finish.

    Source: Ontario.ca

British Columbia

  1. Check ICBC for the current steps

    B.C. announced a new motorcyclist licensing program for 2026, and ICBC is updating its graduated licensing too. ICBC's page has the steps that apply when you start, including how a certified training school can stand in for the skills test.

    Source: ICBC

What to ask a rider training school
  • Do you provide the motorcycle and helmet for the course, or do I bring my own? Many beginner courses supply a small bike; most expect your own gloves, boots over the ankle, and a long-sleeved jacket.
  • Does finishing the course count toward my motorcycle licence, or shorten the wait for the next stage, and what do I take to the licensing office afterward? The rules differ by province, so ask the school rather than a forum.
  • How big are the classes, and how many coaches are on the range? Fewer riders per coach means more time riding and less time waiting.
  • What happens if it rains, or if I do not pass the riding part? Ask about rescheduling and retake fees before you pay.
  • Do you run courses beyond the beginner class, such as an experienced rider or advanced skills course? A refresher after a long break is worth the day.

United Kingdom

These are the rules for Great Britain. Northern Ireland has its own system. Which licence you can get depends on your age and the bike: AM for mopeds from 16, A1 for light motorcycles from 17, A2 from 19, and A for any motorcycle from 24, or from 21 if you move up from A2.

From CBT to a full licence

  1. Get a provisional licence

    You can apply from 15 years and 9 months, with no test.

    Source: GOV.UK

  2. Complete CBT

    Compulsory basic training is a course, not a pass or fail test. Afterwards you can ride a moped from 16, or a motorcycle up to 125cc from 17, with L plates. You have two years to pass your full test, or you take CBT again.

    Source: GOV.UK

  3. Pass the theory test

    Every rider passes the motorcycle theory test before the practical test.

    Source: GOV.UK

  4. Pass Module 1 and Module 2

    Module 1 is off-road and comes first; Module 2 is on the road. Pass both within two years of the theory test.

    Source: GOV.UK

Progressive access means moving up a category after two years on the one below, with a further practical test. Direct access means taking the tests for the bigger category once you reach its minimum age.

What to ask a motorcycle training school
  • Do you provide the motorcycle and helmet, or do I bring my own? Most schools supply a bike for CBT; most expect your own gloves, boots over the ankle, and a long-sleeved jacket.
  • Which course do I need: CBT on its own, or CBT followed by A1, A2, or Direct Access training and the test? It depends on your age and the bike you want, so ask the school to check before you book.
  • How big are the groups, and how many instructors go out with them? Fewer riders per instructor means more time riding and less time waiting.
  • What happens if it rains, or if I am not ready to finish on the day? Ask about rebooking and extra-day fees before you pay.
  • Do you run courses beyond the licence, such as advanced or refresher training? A refresher after a long break is worth the day.

Australia

Each state and territory runs its own scheme, and learners and provisional riders are limited to bikes approved under LAMS (the learner approved motorcycle scheme). Here's how it works in New South Wales and Queensland; other states differ.

New South Wales

  1. Do the pre-learner course

    In areas with rider training, the pre-learner course comes first. You don't need a car licence.

    Source: NSW Government

  2. Get your learner licence

    Pass the Rider Knowledge Test. You must be at least 16 years and 9 months.

    Source: NSW Government

  3. Move to P1

    After at least three months, complete the pre-provisional course and the riding test (MOST). You must be at least 17.

    Source: NSW Government

  4. P2, then a full licence

    After at least 12 months on P1, move to P2, then at least two years later apply for your full rider licence.

    Source: NSW Government

Queensland

  1. Hold a car licence for a year

    You need a provisional or open car licence, held for at least one year, before a motorcycle learner licence.

    Source: Queensland Government

  2. Get your RE learner licence

    Complete the Q-Ride pre-learner course and pass the motorcycle knowledge test.

    Source: Queensland Government

  3. Pass the hazard perception test

    It comes before the Q-Ride course or the Q-SAFE riding test.

    Source: Queensland Government

  4. Q-Ride or Q-SAFE

    After at least 90 days as a learner, complete the Q-Ride RE course or pass the Q-SAFE riding test. Within 100 km of a Q-Ride centre, Q-Ride is the route.

    Source: Queensland Government

What to ask a rider training school
  • Do you provide the motorcycle and helmet, or do I bring my own? Many pre-learner courses supply a small bike; most expect your own gloves, boots over the ankle, and a long-sleeved jacket.
  • Which course do I need for my learner or provisional licence, and does it count toward the next stage? Each state runs its own licensing scheme, so ask the school rather than a forum.
  • How big are the classes, and how many trainers are on the range? Fewer riders per trainer means more time riding and less time waiting.
  • What happens if it rains, or if I do not pass the riding assessment? Ask about rescheduling and reassessment fees before you pay.
  • Do you run courses beyond the licence, such as advanced or refresher training? A refresher after a long break is worth the day.

Ireland

Minimum ages: 16 for AM and A1, 18 for A2, and for A, 20 with progressive access or 24 with direct access.

From learner permit to full licence

  1. Pass the theory test

    Take the driver theory test for the motorcycle category you want.

    Source: Citizens Information

  2. Get a learner permit

    Apply to the NDLS with your theory test certificate. Learners wear L plates on a yellow vest and carry no passengers.

    Source: Citizens Information

  3. Complete IBT

    Initial Basic Training is mandatory, and you can't ride on a public road until it's done. Only RSA-approved instructors deliver it.

    Source: Citizens Information

  4. Take the test

    In most cases you hold your first learner permit for at least six months, then take the driving test and apply for your full licence.

    Source: Citizens Information

What to ask a motorcycle training school
  • Do you provide the motorcycle and helmet, or do I bring my own? Many schools supply a bike for IBT; most expect your own gloves, boots over the ankle, and a long-sleeved jacket.
  • Which IBT modules do I need for my licence category, and can you take me through to the test? It depends on the category and the licence you already hold, so ask the school to check before you book.
  • How big are the groups, and how many instructors go out with them? Fewer riders per instructor means more time riding and less time waiting.
  • What happens if it rains, or if I am not ready to finish a module on the day? Ask about rebooking and extra-session fees before you pay.
  • Do you run courses beyond the licence, such as advanced or refresher training? A refresher after a long break is worth the day.

Training schools we list

96 schools in 76 regions so far, each checked against the school's own site, and we're adding more.

United States

Canada

United Kingdom

Australia

Ireland

After the course

Once you're licensed, 2 Wheels in Common helps you find people to ride with. Join a local group, drop in on a Ride-In, or find a route and ride it on your own.

Questions riders ask

Do I need a car license before a motorcycle license?
In the US, yes, because the motorcycle endorsement goes on your driver's license. In Great Britain and New South Wales you don't need a car license, and in Queensland you need to have held one for at least a year.
Can a training course replace the riding test?
Many US states, including California, New York, and Virginia, waive the DMV skills test after a state-approved course, and in Ontario a recognized safety course replaces the first road test. In Great Britain and Ireland the course (CBT or IBT) comes before you ride on the road, and you still take the tests.
Do I need my own motorcycle for a beginner course?
Often not. Many beginner courses supply a small bike and some supply a helmet, but most expect your own gloves, boots over the ankle, and a long-sleeved jacket. Ask the school before you book.
How do I find a training school near me?
Use the list on this page for the schools 2 Wheels in Common lists, and your licensing agency's site for every approved course in your area. In the US, start from your state's motor vehicle agency.

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