Applying for a Motorcycle Endorsement or Motorcycle Learner Permit?
The law in North Carolina requires the operator of any motorcycle to have a motorcycle endorsement shown on their driver license or possess a motorcycle learner permit.
Who can apply for a motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle learner permit?
A motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle learner's
permit may be obtained upon initial issuance of a driver license, or at any time thereafter,
if you possess a:
- full provisional (level 3) license;
- a regular license;
- or a commercial driver license.
What steps are involved in getting a motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle learner permit?
The steps to apply for a motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle learner permit are initially the same as the
steps in applying for a North Carolina driver license, but with additional requirements, fees and tests.
For a complete list of the steps involved in getting a driver license visit
Driver Services: Applying for a Driver License.
Driver license examiners throughout the state are trained to test fairly and to give prompt and
courteous service. Most examining stations are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For a complete listing of offices visit the office locations section.
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To apply for a Motorcycle Learner Permit:
- If the applicant is at least 16 years old but less than 18 years old, the applicant must possess
a full provisional license issued by the DMV. In addition a parent or guardian's signature is
required.
- If the applicant is 18 years of age or older, the applicant must possess a license issued by the DMV.
To apply for a Motorcycle Endorsement:
- To obtain a motorcycle endorsement you must possess a full provisional license, a regular or
commercial license.
For further information regarding a Motorcycle Endorsement or Learner Permit view the Driver's Handbook
- Chapter 1: Types of Licenses, Permits and Certifications Section.
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The fees for an original North Carolina driver license and learner permit are as follows:
| Endorsement or Permit |
Fee |
|
| Motorcycle Learner Permit |
$15.00/ 18 months |
|
| Motorcycle Endorsement |
$1.75 / yr.* |
Your license will be issued for a period of 5 or 8 years depending on your age. Ages 18 through 53 will be issued for 8 years. Ages 54 and older will be issued for 5 years. The cost of your license and any endorsements will be computed based on the yearly charge.
For the complete description of the Motorcycle Endorsment and Motorcycle Learner Permit visit the Driver's
Handbook: Chapter 1 - Types of
Licenses, Permits and Certifications.
For a broader listing of the fees associated with a Motorcycle Endorsment and Motorcycle Learner Permit
visit the Driver's Handbook:
Chapter 1 - Schedule of Fees.
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To get your Motorcycle Learner Permit you have to pass three tests: vision, traffic signs, and motorcycle knowledge. If you plan on getting a full Motorcycle Endorsement you'll have to pass four tests:
- Vision
- Traffic Signs
- Motorcycle Knowledge
- Motorcycle On-Cycle Skills (Road Test)
NOTE: Motorcycle skills tests are given on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 8:30am and 2:30pm, weather permitting. The knowledge test must be completed before the skills test is given.
If you are applying for your Driver License at the same time as your Motorcycle Endorsement or Motorcycle
Learner Permit you will only have to take the vision and traffic signs tests once.
For the complete descriptions of what each driver's test involves visit the online portion of
the Motorcyclists' Handbook: Earning Your License;
or download the pdf version of the Motorcyclists' Handbook here:
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NC SMARTLINK
NC DOT
NC GOV
Commercial Carriers
