Motorcycle learner’s permit

How to get a motorcycle learner’s permit

Motorcycle learner’s permit

How to get a motorcycle learner’s permit

Get your motorcycle learner’s permit

A motorcycle learner's permit allows you to drive a motorcycle with restrictions to help you gain experience on the road. The permit allows you to drive a motorcycle without a specific motorcycle endorsement for 60 days, and a motorcycle learner’s permit can be renewed once during the same calendar year.


Please note:

You’re subject to the following restrictions while operating a motorcycle with a learner’s permit:

  • Can only drive in Connecticut
  • Daylight driving only
  • Not valid for carrying passengers
  • Not valid on limited-access highways
  • Vision-protecting equipment must be worn, including but not limited to goggles, glasses, face shields, windshields, and wind screens
  • Protective headgear that conforms to the minimum specifications established by Section 14-289g of the Connecticut General Statutes must be worn

Endorsements

Ultimately, you are working toward getting a motorcycle endorsement on your license, which your learner’s permit will help you achieve. A motorcycle endorsement designated by the letter “M” allows you to operate a two- or three-wheel motorcycle on public highways.

 

A motorcycle endorsement that also has the restriction "3" on your license limits you to only operating a three-wheel motorcycle.

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  • Get a permit
  • Renew a permit

Get a permit

Step 1: Begin the process

Before getting an endorsement to drive a motorcycle, you’ll need to get a motorcycle learner’s permit. Note that the motorcycle novice safety course is not required in order to obtain a learner’s permit.

Note: Military personnel may be eligible for a waiver of the endorsement test. Learn how military personnel can register their vehicle in Connecticut. You can also view fees for the motorcycle training permit and on the military fee waiver. 


Step 2: Make an appointment

An in-person appointment is required for the motorcycle knowledge and vision test at a DMV office.


Make an appointment


The 16-question knowledge test is based on information from the Connecticut Motorcycle Operator’s Manual and the Connecticut Driver’s Manual. Once you pass both tests, you’ll qualify for a motorcycle learner’s permit.


Step 3: Get your permit in the mail

Your motorcycle learner’s permit will arrive through the mail within 20 business days. See Central Issuance for more information on this process.


Track the delivery of your new card to see when it will arrive.

Renew a permit

Renew your permit within the same calendar year

Your permit can be renewed once, for an additional 60 days, during the same calendar year which it was issued.


Step 1: Make an appointment

An in-person appointment at a DMV office is required to renew your current motorcycle learner’s permit.


Make an appointment


Step 2: Gather what you’ll need

Your current motorcycle learner’s permit and driver’s license


Step 3: Get your permit in the mail

Your permit will arrive through the mail within 20 business days. For more information about this process, please see Central Issuance.


Track the delivery of your new card to see when it will arrive.


Renew your permit from the previous calendar year


Step 1: Make an appointment

An in-person appointment at a DMV office is required to renew your current motorcycle learner’s permit.


Make an appointment

 

Step 2: Gather what you’ll need

Your current motorcycle learner’s permit and driver’s license


Another completed application for non-commercial driver's license (form R-229)


Pay the testing fee and pass another eye examination and motorcycle knowledge test


Step 3: Get your permit in the mail

Your renewed motorcycle learner’s permit will arrive through the mail within 20 business days. For more information about this process, please see Central Issuance.


Track the delivery of your new card to see when it will arrive.

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  • First-time permit
  • Renewal within the same calendar year:
  • Renewal from the previous calendar year:

First-time permit

Your motorcycle learner’s permit will be valid for 60 days.

 

The associated fees are:

  • $40 for the motorcycle knowledge and vision test
  • $16 for the motorcycle learner's permit

Please review acceptable forms of payment.

Renewal within the same calendar year:

$16 to extend your motorcycle learner’s permit an additional 60 days

Renewal from the previous calendar year:

  • $40 fee to take another motorcycle knowledge and vision test
  • $16 fee to renew within six months of the previous calendar year
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  • How to
  • Restrictions for new motorcycle drivers
  • Motorcycle endorsement fees
  • Waiver for out-of-state active-duty military

How to

You need an endorsement to drive a motorcycle on certain public highways. With the motorcycle endorsement “M,” you can operate a two- or three-wheel motorcycle on public highways. Learn more about different types of endorsements. To get a motorcycle endorsement, follow these steps: 

 

Step 1: Gather what you need:

Step 2:

Make an appointment for your knowledge and vision tests. Once you successfully complete your tests, you can get a motorcycle learner’s permit.

 

Make an appointment

 

Step 3:

Complete a novice motorcycle safety course approved by the DMV. The course is valid for two years from the date of completion. This course includes classroom and skills training on a motorcycle. View all approved Connecticut Rider Education Program (CONREP) motorcycle safety course providers.

 

Step 4:

Once you successfully complete a motorcycle safety course, visit a DMV hub or branch office to have an “M” endorsement or an “M” endorsement with a “3” restriction added to your Connecticut driver’s license.

Restrictions for new motorcycle drivers

Once you earn a motorcycle endorsement, you’re subject to these restrictions:

  • Drivers age 18 and older may not transport passengers for the first 90 days after they get a motorcycle endorsement.
  • Drivers age 16 and 17 may not transport any passenger on a motorcycle for a period of six months after getting a motorcycle endorsement.
  • Connecticut applies specific motor vehicle operation laws to drivers age 16 and 17, which also include driving a motorcycle. Learn more about safety tips and laws for teen drivers. their parents, and their passengers.

Motorcycle endorsement fees

  • Knowledge and vision testing fee: $40
  • Add the “M” endorsement or the “M” endorsement with “3” restriction to your license: $30
  • Motorcycle learner’s permit fee: $16

See acceptable forms of payment.

Waiver for out-of-state active-duty military

Any active-duty military personnel, who holds a Connecticut driver's license, is currently stationed out of state or country, and has successfully completed an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Course or Connecticut Rider Education Program (CONREP) motorcycle safety course may be waived for the motorcycle endorsement examination.

 

Military personnel waivers

To apply for a military personnel waiver, please send the following by mail or email to the address(es) below:

Mailing address: 

 

Department of Motor Vehicles
Mail-in License Transaction Unit, Room 331
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Fax: 860-263-5591

Email: dmv.ciu@ct.gov

 

Note: Please allow two weeks for the DMV to process your endorsement. A duplicate license with an “M” endorsement or an “M” endorsement with a "3" restriction will be sent directly to the address you provide.