A Class 10 license lets you drive a motorcycle or moped on public roads
A Class 10 driver's license is a motorcycle or moped endorsement that allows you to operate two-wheeled motor vehicles legally. It is not a standalone license — you must hold a valid Class D (regular car) license first, then add the Class 10 endorsement to it. Some states call this a motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle license instead of Class 10, but the rules work the same way.
The vehicle you can ride depends on the engine size and type. Most Class 10 licenses cover motorcycles of any size and mopeds (motorized bicycles with engines under 50cc). A few states have separate tiers — Class 10A for smaller bikes and Class 10 for full-size motorcycles — but the majority use a single Class 10 category that covers both.
You cannot legally ride a motorcycle on public roads with only a Class D license, even if you own the bike. Doing so is a traffic violation and can result in fines, points on your record, and suspension of your driving privileges. Insurance companies will also deny claims if you were riding without the proper endorsement.
Key Takeaways
- A Class 10 endorsement requires you to already hold a valid Class D driver's license — it cannot stand alone.
- You must pass a written test on motorcycle safety and traffic laws, and a riding skills test on an actual motorcycle.
- Age requirements vary by state, but most require you to be at least 16 or 17 years old to test for Class 10.
- Motorcycle insurance is separate from car insurance and typically costs less than car coverage, but rates depend on your age, riding history, and the bike's value.
- Some states waive the riding test if you complete an approved motorcycle safety course, which also often lowers your insurance premium.
Age requirements and when you can test
The minimum age to get a Class 10 endorsement ranges from 16 to 18 depending on your state. Most states allow you to test at 16 or 17 with parental consent if you are under 18. A few states require you to be 18 or older with no exceptions.
You do not have to wait until you turn a certain age to study for the written test — many states let you take the written portion early and hold a permit while you practice riding. A motorcycle permit (sometimes called a motorcycle learner's permit) lets you ride under specific conditions, usually with an experienced rider present and only during daylight hours. The permit is valid for a set period, typically 60 to 180 days, giving you time to practice before the riding test.
Check your state's DMV website for the exact age rules in your area, because they vary significantly. Some states also have different rules for riders under 18 — for example, requiring a safety course or limiting when you can ride.
Written test and riding test requirements
To earn a Class 10 endorsement, you must pass two tests: a written knowledge test and a practical riding test. The written test covers motorcycle-specific topics like how to handle a bike in different weather, how to brake safely, how to position yourself on the seat, and how to read road signs. Most states allow you to study a free manual available on the DMV website and take practice tests online.
The riding test takes place on a closed course or parking lot, not on public roads. You will be asked to perform basic maneuvers — starting, stopping, turning, swerving, and figure-eight patterns — to show you can control the bike. The test usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes. You must bring your own motorcycle or moped (in working condition) or rent one from a testing facility if your state offers that option.
Many states waive the riding test if you complete an approved motorcycle safety course, usually offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or a state-approved provider. These courses run one to three days and teach classroom and hands-on skills. Taking the course also often reduces your motorcycle insurance premium by 5 to 15 percent, so the cost of the course can pay for itself quickly.
How Class 10 affects your insurance and driving record
Motorcycle insurance is a separate policy from your car insurance. You cannot add a motorcycle to your auto policy — you must buy a standalone motorcycle policy. Rates vary widely based on the bike's make and model, engine size, your age, your riding history, and your location. A young rider on a sport bike will pay much more than an older rider on a cruiser.
If you are under 25, expect motorcycle insurance to cost $500 to $2,000 per year depending on these factors. Riders over 25 with clean records often pay $300 to $800 annually. These are rough ranges — get quotes from multiple insurers to see what you would actually pay.
A Class 10 endorsement itself does not appear as a separate item on your driving record, but any traffic violations you receive while riding a motorcycle do appear. Speeding, reckless driving, or riding without a helmet (where required) all go on your record and can raise your insurance rates or lead to suspension of both your Class D and Class 10 privileges.
What happens if you ride without a Class 10 endorsement
Riding a motorcycle without the proper endorsement is illegal and treated as a moving violation in most states. Penalties include fines ranging from $100 to $500, points added to your driving record, and possible suspension of your driver's license. In some states, a second offense can result in license suspension for 30 days or longer.
Beyond legal consequences, riding without a Class 10 endorsement creates a serious insurance problem. If you are in an accident, your motorcycle insurance claim will likely be denied because you were not legally permitted to ride. You would be personally liable for all damages — medical bills, property damage, and legal fees. This can result in wage garnishment or a judgment against you.
Your car insurance will also not cover you if you are injured while riding a motorcycle without the endorsement, even if you have comprehensive or collision coverage on your vehicle.
How to add Class 10 to an existing driver's license
If you already have a Class D license and want to add a Class 10 endorsement, visit your state's DMV office in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of identity, and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Some states also require a vision test.
You will pay a fee to test for the endorsement — typically $15 to $50 for the written test and $25 to $75 for the riding test, though some states bundle them. If you hold a motorcycle permit, you may be able to skip the written test and go straight to the riding test.
Once you pass both tests, the DMV will issue you a new driver's license with the Class 10 endorsement printed on it. This usually happens on the same day or within a few days. Your old license becomes invalid once the new one is issued.
Motorcycle safety course as an alternative to the riding test
Taking an approved motorcycle safety course can replace the riding test requirement in most states. The course teaches classroom material on the first day (covering topics like how motorcycles work, how to dress for safety, and how to handle emergencies) and hands-on riding on the second and third days. You ride a small motorcycle provided by the course, so you do not need to own a bike to take it.
The course costs $150 to $300 and takes 8 to 16 hours spread over two or three days. Upon completion, you receive a certificate that you bring to the DMV. The DMV will waive your riding test and issue the endorsement without requiring you to perform maneuvers on a closed course.
Beyond skipping the test, completing a safety course often qualifies you for a motorcycle insurance discount. Many insurers offer 5 to 15 percent off your premium if you have completed an MSF course or equivalent. Over a few years, this discount can save you hundreds of dollars, making the course cost-effective even if you could pass the riding test on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Class 10 license without a Class D license first?
No. You must hold a valid Class D driver's license before you can get a Class 10 motorcycle endorsement. The Class 10 is an addition to your existing license, not a standalone license. If you do not yet have a Class D, you must pass that test first.
Do I need to own a motorcycle to test for Class 10?
You need access to a motorcycle for the riding test, but you do not have to own one. Some DMV testing facilities rent motorcycles to test-takers for a fee of $25 to $75. You can also borrow a friend's bike or rent one from a motorcycle shop. The bike must be in working condition and registered, but it does not have to be yours.
What if I fail the riding test?
You can retake the riding test after a waiting period, usually 7 to 14 days. There is no limit to how many times you can test, though you will pay the test fee each time. Many people who fail the first time pass on the second or third attempt. Taking a motorcycle safety course between attempts can improve your skills and your chances of passing.
Does a Class 10 endorsement expire?
No. Once you earn a Class 10 endorsement, it stays on your license for as long as your driver's license is valid. You do not need to renew it separately. When you renew your Class D license, the Class 10 endorsement renews automatically at no extra cost.
Can I ride a moped with a Class 10 license?
Yes. A Class 10 license covers both motorcycles and mopeds (motorized bicycles with engines under 50cc). Some states have a separate Class 10A endorsement for mopeds only, but most combine them under Class 10. Check your state's DMV website to confirm what your Class 10 covers in your area.