If you’re ready to ride a Ryvid electric motorcycle, one of the first things you’ll need is a motorcycle license or endorsement. This ensures you’re legally allowed to ride a street-legal motorcycle, like the Ryvid Anthem and OUTSET, on public roads. Each U.S. state has its own requirements for obtaining a motorcycle license or endorsement, so we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process.
What Is a Motorcycle Endorsement or License?
A motorcycle endorsement is a special qualification added to your automobile driver’s license that permits you to operate a motorcycle on public roads. While many states do have standalone motorcycle licenses, most states simply add an endorsement to your existing driver’s license.
Do you need a Motorcycle Endorsement or License to ride the Ryvid Anthem or OUTSET?
Legally, the Ryvid Anthem and OUTSET are classified as motorcycles because they meet the requirements set by regulatory agencies in terms of design, power, and performance. Here's a breakdown of why this is the case:
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- Two-Wheeled Vehicle: A motorcycle is a motor vehicle that has a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and is designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground.
- Power Output: Many jurisdictions classify vehicles based on their engine displacement or power output. While traditional motorcycles are often classified by engine size (e.g., cc or cubic centimeters for combustion engines), electric motorcycles like the Ryvid Anthem and OUTSET are classified based on power output, which is typically measured in kilowatts (kW). Ryvid’s electric motor is powerful enough to fall into the motorcycle category under most legal frameworks.
- Speed Capabilities: Ryvid electric motorcycles are designed to reach speeds typically associated with motorcycles (up to 70+ mph), which places it in the motorcycle category rather than lower-powered electric vehicles like scooters or mopeds, which are subject to different regulations.
General Steps to Obtain a Motorcycle License or Endorsement
While requirements vary by state, most follow these general steps:
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- Meet Eligibility Requirements: Ensure you meet your state’s age and residency requirements. Most states require riders to be at least 16 years old.
- Take an Approved Motorcycle Basic Rider Safety Course: Many states require or strongly recommend completing a state-approved basic rider training course, such as those offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).
- Complete a Written Test: Study your state’s motorcycle handbook and pass a knowledge test about motorcycle safety and road rules.
- Pass a Skills Test: Demonstrate your ability to ride a motorcycle safely by completing an on-cycle skills test. This step is often waived if you’ve successfully completed a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course.
- Pay Fees and Submit Documentation: Pay the required fees and provide necessary documents, such as proof of identity, residency, and insurance.
- Receive Your License or Endorsement: Once all steps are completed, you’ll receive your motorcycle endorsement or license.
Getting your motorcycle license is an exciting step toward the freedom of the open road! While we’ve put together this brief guide to help you understand the licensing requirements in all 50 states, it’s important to remember that rules can vary and may change over time. Be sure to check with your state’s DMV or licensing authority for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
State-by-State Breakdown
Alabama
- Minimum Age: 14 for a restricted license, 16 for a full license
- Requirements: Pass a written test and skills test; MSF course optional
- Special Notes: Restricted licenses limit riders to motorcycles under 200cc
- More Information: Alabama Motorcycle Manuel
Alaska
- Minimum Age: 16 with parental consent
- Requirements: Written test, skills test, or MSF course completion
- Special Notes: There are 3 classes of motorcycle license depending on the engine size and configuration (2 wheel vs 3 wheel).
- More Information: Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Arizona
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: Written test and skills test; MSF course optional
- Special Notes: Licenses do not restrict engine size
- More Information: Arizona Department of Transportation
Arkansas
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: Written test, skills test, and vision test
- Special Notes: A motorcycle instruction permit is available for riders under 18
- More Information: Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
California
- Minimum Age: 15½ for a permit, 16 for a full license
- Requirements: Complete an MSF course, written test, and skills test
- Special Notes: Permits have restrictions, including no freeway riding
- More Information: California Department of Motor Vehicles
Colorado
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: Written test and skills test; MSF course optional
- Special Notes: Instruction permits are available for riders 15-16
- More Information: Colorado Department of Revenue
Connecticut
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: Written test, MSF course completion, and skills test
- Special Notes: Completion of MSF course is mandatory
- More Information: Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Delaware
- Minimum Age: 17
- Requirements: Written test, skills test, or MSF course completion
- Special Notes: Motorcycle learner’s permits are valid for six months
- More Information: Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Florida
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: MSF course completion
- Special Notes: Skills test is waived with MSF course certificate
- More Information: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Georgia
- Minimum Age: 17
- Requirements: Written test, skills test, or MSF course completion
- Special Notes: Completion of MSF course waives skills test
- More Information: Georgia Department of Driver Services
Hawaii
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: Pass a written test and skills test or complete an MSF course
- Special Notes: Permit required before testing for a license
- More Information: Hawaii Department of Transportation
Idaho
- Minimum Age: 15
- Requirements: Written and skills test, MSF course optional
- Special Notes: Learner's permit required for riders under 17
- More Information: Idaho Transportation Department
Illinois
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: Written test, skills test, and MSF course completion
- Special Notes: Completion of MSF course waives skills test
- More Information: Illinois Secretary of State
Indiana
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: Written and skills test, MSF course optional
- Special Notes: Completion of MSF course waives testing
- More Information: Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Iowa
- Minimum Age: 14 for an instruction permit, 16 for a license
- Requirements: Written and skills test, MSF course optional
- Special Notes: Instruction permits valid for four years
- More Information: Iowa Department of Transportation
Kansas
- Minimum Age: 15 for a restricted license
- Requirements: Written and skills test or MSF course completion
- Special Notes: Instruction permits available
- More Information: Kansas Department of Revenue or Kansas Motorcycle Handbook
Kentucky
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: Written test, skills test, or MSF course completion
- Special Notes: Permits are available and valid for one year
- More Information: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Louisiana
- Minimum Age: 15 for a learner’s permit, 16 for a license
- Requirements: Written and skills test, MSF course optional
- Special Notes: Learner’s permits have restrictions
- More Information: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles or LA Dept. Of Safety MSF Handbook
Maine
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: Written and skills test, MSF course optional
- Special Notes: Permits required for those under 18
- More Information: Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Maryland
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: Completion of an MSF course
- Special Notes: Skills test waived with MSF course certificate
- More Information: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
Massachusetts
- Minimum Age: 16 for a permit, 18 for a license
- Requirements: Written and skills test, MSF course optional
- Special Notes: Permits are required before licensing
- More Information: Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Michigan
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: MSF course completion
- Special Notes: Waiver of skills test with MSF completion
- More Information: Michigan Secretary of State
Minnesota
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: Written test, MSF course completion
- Special Notes: Skills test required unless waived by MSF
- More Information: Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Mississippi
- Minimum Age: 15 for a learner’s permit
- Requirements: Written and skills test
- Special Notes: Permits valid for one year
- More Information: Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Missouri
- Minimum Age: 15½ for an instruction permit, 16 for a license
- Requirements: Written and skills test, MSF course optional
- Special Notes: Instruction permits valid for 12 months
- More Information: Missouri Department of Revenue or MO Motorcycle Operator Manual
Montana
- Minimum Age: 15 with driver’s education, 16 without
- Requirements: Written and skills test
- Special Notes: Instruction permits required for under 18
- More Information: Montana Department of Justice
Nebraska
- Minimum Age: 17
- Requirements: Written and skills test or MSF course completion
- Special Notes: Instruction permit required for under 18
- More Information: Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
Nevada
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: MSF course completion or written and skills test
- Special Notes: Skills test waived with MSF certificate
- More Information: Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
New Hampshire
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: Written and skills test or MSF course completion
- Special Notes: Permits required for riders under 18
- More Information: New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles
New Jersey
- Minimum Age: 17
- Requirements: Written and skills test, MSF course optional
- Special Notes: Basic driver’s license required for endorsement
- More Information: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
New Mexico
- Minimum Age: 15 for learner’s permit, 16 for a license
- Requirements: Written and skills test, MSF course optional
- Special Notes: Instruction permit required for under 18
- More Information: New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
New York
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: Written test and skills test
- Special Notes: MSF course strongly recommended
- More Information: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
North Carolina
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: Written and skills test or MSF course completion
- Special Notes: MSF course waives testing requirements
- More Information: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
North Dakota
- Minimum Age: 14 for learner’s permit, 16 for license
- Requirements: Written and skills test, MSF course optional
- Special Notes: Learner’s permits valid for one year
- More Information: North Dakota Department of Transportation
Ohio
- Minimum Age: 15½ for temporary permit
- Requirements: Written and skills test or MSF course completion
- Special Notes: MSF course waives skills test
- More Information: Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Oklahoma
- Minimum Age: 14 for learner’s permit, 16 for license
- Requirements: Written and skills test or MSF course completion
- Special Notes: MSF course waives skills test
- More Information: Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
Oregon
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: MSF course completion
- Special Notes: Skills test waived with MSF course certificate
- More Information: Oregon Department of Transportation
Pennsylvania
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: Written and skills test or MSF course completion
- Special Notes: Permit valid for one year
- More Information: PennDOT
Rhode Island
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: Written and skills test or MSF course completion
- Special Notes: Instruction permit valid for one year
- More Information: Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
South Carolina
- Minimum Age: 15 for permit, 16 for license
- Requirements: Written and skills test or MSF course completion
- Special Notes: MSF course waives skills test
- More Information: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
South Dakota
- Minimum Age: 14 for learner’s permit, 16 for license
- Requirements: Written and skills test or MSF course completion
- Special Notes: Instruction permits valid for 180 days
- More Information: South Dakota Department of Public Safety
Tennessee
- Minimum Age: 15 for learner’s permit, 16 for license
- Requirements: Written and skills test or MSF course completion
- Special Notes: MSF course waives skills test
- More Information: Tennessee Department of Safety
Texas
- Minimum Age: 15 for learner’s permit, 16 for license
- Requirements: MSF course completion
- Special Notes: Skills test waived with MSF certificate
- More Information: Texas Department of Public Safety
Utah
- Minimum Age: 15 for learner’s permit, 16 for license
- Requirements: Written and skills test or MSF course completion
- Special Notes: Learner’s permit valid for six months
- More Information: Utah Driver License Division
Vermont
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: Written and skills test or MSF course completion
- Special Notes: Permit required for those under 18
- More Information: Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
Virginia
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: Written and skills test or MSF course completion
- Special Notes: MSF course waives testing requirements
- More Information: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Washington
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: MSF course completion
- Special Notes: Skills test waived with MSF course certificate
- More Information: Washington State Department of Licensing
West Virginia
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: Written and skills test or MSF course completion
- Special Notes: Learner’s permit required for under 18
- More Information: West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
Wisconsin
- Minimum Age: 16
- Requirements: Written and skills test or MSF course completion
- Special Notes: MSF course waives skills test
- More Information: Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Wyoming
- Minimum Age: 16 (Youths at least 15 may be issued restricted-use instruction permits, upon successfully passing a written exam and a vision test, to ride a motorcycle for a period of 90 days.)
- Requirements: Written and skills test or MSF course completion
- Special Notes: Restricted-use instruction permits are valid for one year
- More Information: Wyoming Department of Transportation or WY Motorcycle Manual
Tips for New Electric Motorcycle Riders
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- Complete a Motorcycle Safety Course: Even if your state doesn’t require it, an MSF course can significantly improve your skills and confidence.
- Understand Your Electric Motorcycle: Learn the unique features of electric motorcycles, such as regenerative braking and throttle response, which differ from gas-powered bikes.
- Invest in Quality Gear: Proper gear, including a DOT-approved helmet, gloves, and protective clothing, is essential for safety.
- Practice in Safe Areas: Before hitting busy streets, practice in parking lots or low-traffic areas to get comfortable with your Ryvid electric motorcycle.
Why Choose Ryvid?
At Ryvid, we’re revolutionizing the way people experience motorcycles. Our electric motorcycles are designed for sustainability, performance, and style, making them perfect for new and experienced riders alike. With the Ryvid Anthem and OUTSET, you’ll enjoy the benefits of electric riding, including instant torque, zero emissions, and lower maintenance costs.
Ready to Ride?
If you’re eager to hit the road on your Ryvid electric motorcycle, now’s the time to take the necessary steps to secure your motorcycle license or endorsement. With the right preparation and training, you’ll be ready to enjoy the freedom and excitement of electric motorcycle riding.
For more information about Ryvid motorcycles and resources for new riders, visit Ryvid.com.