Motorcycle license

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You must be properly licensed with a Class M license or Class M Instruction Permit to legally operate a motorcycle on Wisconsin roads, according to Wisconsin law.

A “motorcycle” by definition in state statute, is capable of speeds in excess of 30 miles per hour and has:

  • an engine or battery
  • a seat or saddle requiring the rider to sit astride (sit with one leg on each side)
  • no more than three wheels
  • steering controlled by handlebars
  • acceleration and braking controlled with handlebar and foot controls

For information on operating a moped (sometimes called a “scooter”) see our Moped webpage.

Review the Motorcyclists' Handbook for Rules of the Road (Wisconsin state laws and Administrative Rules) and important safety tips. The handbook contains what you need to know to pass the motorcycle Knowledge Test.

To obtain a Wisconsin Class M (motorcycle) license, you must either:

Key Requirements

Under age 18 (at least 16 years old)

18 years of age and older

Motorcycle Knowledge Test, signs test 
RequiredRequired
​Vision screening​
​​Only required if approved vision screening is not already on file
​Only required if approved vision screening is not already on file
SponsorshipRequiredNot required
Driver Education (Class D)Classroom and Behind-the-Wheel must be completed before you are allowed to obtain a Class M Instruction PermitNot required
Must show proof of enrollment before obtaining a Class M Instruction PermitNot required*
* You can choose to take a BRC without obtaining an instruction permit if you are not operating a motorcycle on public roads. Upon completion of BRC, you may add Class M to your Class D license.
Restrictions for Class M instruction permit*

*These restrictions are removed once you obtain your Class M

  • Must wear eye protection
  • Must wear an approved helmet
  • After dark, the permit holder must be accompanied by a person at least 25 years old with two years licensed driving experience and a Class M motorcycle license
  • The licensed person does not need to be a passenger on your motorcycle but must be nearby
  • Must wear eye protection
  • Must wear an approved helmet
  • After dark, the permit holder must be accompanied by a person at least 25 years old with two years licensed driving experience and a Class M motorcycle license
  • The licensed person does not need to be a passenger on your motorcycle but must be nearby

A motorcycle instruction permit is required to practice your driving skills before attempting a Class M road test with the DMV. There is no minimum amount of time that you must hold a motorcycle instruction permit before attempting a Class M road test. A motorcycle instruction permit is valid for six months.

If the motorcycle instruction permit expires:

  • Before the applicant completes the road test, the permit can be renewed for an additional six months. You must renew in-person at a DMV customer service center.
  • Once the motorcycle instruction permit has been renewed two times, you would be required to show proof of enrollment (a receipt or a letter on letterhead from an approved training school) in an approved or the before the third renewal of the license is allowed.

  • Road tests are conducted by appointment at a DMV customer service centers.
  • You must provide a motorcycle in good working order and wear eye protection (face shield/goggles/ glasses or an approved windshield) and an approved helmet.
  • During your road test, your examiner will instruct you through a Bluetooth headset. If you have a headset, you can bring it for the road test appointment, otherwise, one will be provided for you to use.

Instead of taking a road test at a DMV, you may complete an approved Basic Motorcycle Rider Course. Bring your course completion waiver to a DMV to obtain your Class M license. (Some completion certificates are sent electronically to the DMV.) The waiver certificate is valid for one year from completion date.

There are three types of approved courses for a motorcycle road test waiver:

The Basic Rider Course is a great start to learning the basic skills needed to operate a motorcycle. The successful completion of the course includes the use of an E-course, approximately five hours of classroom activities and 10 hours of motorcycle riding exercises. This course gives the student the opportunity to obtain their waiver of the road test at the DMV, when applying for the Motorcycle License.

The 3-Wheel Basic Rider Course can also be done on a 3-wheel motorcycle. This course includes approximately five hours of classroom and eight hours of on-cycle riding exercises. If you complete the 3-wheel Basic Rider Course, you will be restricted to driving a 3-wheel motorcycle on your Class M license. To lift the 3-wheel restriction, you would need to complete a road test or Basic Rider Course on a 2-wheel cycle.

The Basic Rider Course2 is for riders who already possess basic riding skills and are either returning to riding or are seeking a refresher course to practice and renew basic riding skills. The course includes approximately three hours of classroom and five hours of on-cycle riding exercises. This course may also be used to waive the road test when applying for the Wisconsin Motorcycle license, as long as the student also completes the E-Course.

To find the closest provider of approved motorcycle training, view the interactive map below. Then, select a dot for provider information. You can also use the Address search bar to enter an address, or draw a point, line or box around your search area.

View larger map

Questions?
​​Emailwmsp@dot.wi.gov​