Obtaining a Motorcycle Permit and License

Any person who is at least 16 years of age and has not had a driver's license or right to operate taken away by the Registrar may apply for a Class M (Motorcycle) permit at any RMV full service office.

Fees

The fee for the written test for a class M permit is $30.00.

Documentation Requirements

If you are under 18 years of age:

You must present the following:

• SSN Card or valid, current, U.S. or non-U.S. Passport

• 1 Primary document proving date of birth

• Parental consent on the License application

• A valid Social Security Number that verifies with the Social Security Administration or an acceptable written denial notice from the Social Security Administration.

Note: The Social Security Administration does not include any Visa information on written denial notices, therefore, if you do not have a valid Social Security Number, you will have to provide evidence of an acceptable Visa code in addition to the written denial notice from the Social Security Administration.

All documents must be originals. Photocopies will not be accepted. You must also clear a check through the National Driver Register and pay the required fees.

If you are 18 years of age or older:

You must present the following:

• SSN Card or valid, current U.S. or non-U.S. Passport

• Document proving date of birth

• Document proving signature

• Document proving Massachusetts residency

Note: One of the documents, other than a SSN card or passport, must be a Primary document.

• A valid Social Security Number that verifies with the Social Security Administration or an acceptable written denial notice from the Social Security Administration.

Note: The Social Security Administration does not include any Visa information on written denial notices, therefore, if you do not have a valid Social Security Number, you will have to provide evidence of an acceptable Visa code in addition to the written denial notice from the Social Security Administration.

All documents must be originals. Photocopies will not be accepted. You must also clear a check through the National Driver Register and pay the required fees.

A Massachusetts Liquor ID can be used to prove date of birth or signature.

Parental Consent

If you are under 18 years of age, you must obtain the written consent of a parent, guardian, child guardian division or boarding school headmaster. Written consent must be given by signing the front of the License and ID Application. If the person giving consent is NOT a parent, proper documentation of authority must be shown at the time of the written test.

Obtaining your Class M Permit

Complete the permit application. This form can be found at any RMV service office. You may also download it from the Forms and Files section on our website.

You must present the application, the required ID documents, and the $30.00 fee, in person, to any RMV full service office to take the written test. The test is given on an automated testing system on a walk-in basis during posted branch hours.

The written test consists of twenty (20) questions. You must answer fourteen (14) questions correctly to pass.

At the time of your written test, you must also pass an eye screening for field vision and basic colors.

Please note that if you fail the written permit exam, you must present the required sources of identification documentation the next time you apply for a permit. Please refer to the list of identification requirements to ensure that you bring the necessary documents with you.

Simplified English, Oral, and Hearing Impaired Examinations

If you have a cognitive or physical disability that would prevent you from taking a standard knowledge test through ATS, you may contact the Registry to request an alternative extended time, paper, or oral test. To do so, please call (617) 351-4505 and leave a message that includes your name, your telephone number, the specifics of your request, and the Registry Branch Office where you would like to take your knowledge test. You will then be contacted by a Registry Customer Service Agent who will help you schedule a test.

When you arrive for your scheduled knowledge test, you must provide the Branch Manager with written documentation that confirms the nature of your disability. This documentation may be a Doctor's or Social Worker's letter, or a letter from a school on official letterhead. You will also need to provide all of the required identification documents (see Identification Requirements section).

An alternative knowledge test will only be provided if it has been scheduled in advance by calling the number above.

Obtaining a Duplicate Class M Permit

You must appear in person at an RMV office to have a duplicate permit issued for $15. If your permit has expired you need to take and pass the written test and pay the $30 fee to obtain an updated permit.

Limitations with a Class M Permit

You may NOT carry a passenger. You may drive during daylight hours ONLY (between sunrise and sunset). You must wear a DOT standard helmet. You must also wear eyeglasses, goggles or a protective face shield unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen or windshield. You may not operate a motorcycle outside Massachusetts if that state's laws prevent you from legally doing so.

Renewing a Class M Permit

Permits expire two (2) years from the date of issue. If you need a new permit, you'll need to present the required sources of identification, take and pass the written test and pay the $30 fee

Obtaining a Class M License

You may apply for a Class M license if you are at least 18 years old and have a valid Class M permit. You may also apply if you are 16 1/2 years old and have successfully completed all JOL requirements. Parental consent is required for applicants under 18 years of age.

Fees

For a complete list of fees, please visit our fee chart.

Scheduling a Road Test

Once you have passed the written permit test and completed all necessary JOL requirements, you must call the RMV Telephone Center to schedule your road test. All road tests must be scheduled by the phone center. You may NOT make a road test appointment in person.

Vehicle Requirements for Class M Road Tests

For all road tests, you are required to supply a properly equipped, legally registered and insured motorcycle that has a valid inspection sticker. The motorcycle must be acceptable to the examiner. You must wear a DOT standard helmet. You must also wear eyeglasses, goggles or a protective face shield unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen or windshield.

Sponsor Requirements

You are not required to have a sponsor accompany you for a motorcycle road test.

To Obtain Your Class M License

You must bring the following to the road test: a completed application for your license, your Class M permit and a motorcycle.

You must successfully complete the road test before the expiration date on your permit.

Bring the stamped, signed permit and the appropriate fees to any RMV full service office to get your license.

If you Hold a Current Massachusetts License

If you currently hold a valid Massachusetts license of any class, you may add a motorcycle endorsement if you meet the following requirements:

• Have a valid Massachusetts license.

• Have a valid Class M Permit.

• Pass the motorcycle road test, or

• Complete the Motorcycle Rider Education Training Course.  In order to be exempt from the RMV road test, you must present your course certificate to the RMV within 90 days of completing the program.

• Surrender your license and permit and pay a $15.00 fee to add the motorcycle endorsement and receive a new license.

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