What you need to know about Maryland's motorcycle learner's permit

Maryland's motorcycle learner's permit — called an Learner's Permit for Motorcycles — lets you ride a motorcycle on public roads under specific restrictions while you practice before taking your full motorcycle endorsement test. You must be at least 16 years old, pass a written knowledge test about motorcycle safety and Maryland traffic laws, and hold the permit for a minimum of 30 days before you can test for your full endorsement. The permit costs $6.50 and is issued by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).

Unlike a regular driver's license learner's permit, a motorcycle learner's permit is a separate credential. You can hold both at the same time — your regular driver's license and your motorcycle learner's permit — but they cover different vehicles and have different rules. When you ride under a motorcycle learner's permit, you cannot carry passengers, cannot ride at night (between sunset and sunrise), and must wear a helmet and eye protection at all times.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old and have a valid Maryland driver's license or learner's permit to get a motorcycle learner's permit.
  • The written test covers motorcycle-specific knowledge, including safe riding techniques, road hazards, and Maryland motorcycle laws.
  • Your motorcycle learner's permit is valid for one year and requires you to wait at least 30 days before taking the motorcycle endorsement road test.
  • While riding under your motorcycle learner's permit, you cannot carry passengers, cannot ride between sunset and sunrise, and must wear a helmet and eye protection.
  • You can take the motorcycle endorsement road test at any MVA testing location once you have held your learner's permit for 30 days.

Age and license requirements to get your free guide

You must be at least 16 years old to get a Maryland motorcycle learner's permit. You also need to already hold a valid Maryland driver's license or a learner's permit for regular vehicles — you cannot get a motorcycle learner's permit on its own if you have no driver's license at all.

If you are 16 or 17, your parent or guardian must sign a consent form. The MVA will provide this form when you explore. If you are 18 or older, you do not need parental consent.

How to take the motorcycle written test

The motorcycle written test is a 25-question multiple-choice exam that covers motorcycle operation, safety, and Maryland traffic laws specific to motorcycles. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages at all MVA branches.

You can take the test at any full-service MVA office. No appointment is required for the written test — you can walk in during business hours. Bring your valid driver's license or learner's permit, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Maryland residency (such as a utility bill or lease). The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and you will know your results when ready.

If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you will pay the $6.50 fee each time you test.

The 30-day waiting period before your road test

Once you pass the written test, the MVA will issue your motorcycle learner's permit on the spot. However, you cannot take the motorcycle endorsement road test until you have held the learner's permit for at least 30 days. This waiting period is required by Maryland law and cannot be waived.

Use these 30 days to practice riding. Many riders take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course during this time, which teaches hands-on riding skills and can sometimes reduce your insurance costs. The MSF course is not required by Maryland, but it is a common way to build confidence before your road test.

Restrictions while riding on your motorcycle learner's permit

Your motorcycle learner's permit comes with clear riding restrictions that you must follow. You cannot carry any passengers — you must ride alone. You cannot ride between sunset and sunrise, which means no night riding. You must wear a helmet and eye protection (goggles or a face shield) every time you ride, regardless of weather or how short the trip is.

You must also obey all other traffic laws that explore to regular drivers. Speeding, running red lights, and other violations can result in a ticket and may affect your ability to test for your full endorsement. If you are stopped by police while riding on your learner's permit, have it ready to show along with your regular driver's license.

When and where to take your motorcycle endorsement road test

After you have held your motorcycle learner's permit for at least 30 days, you can schedule your motorcycle endorsement road test at any MVA testing location. The road test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and includes both a skills test (riding maneuvers in a controlled area) and an on-road test (riding on public streets with an examiner).

You must bring your motorcycle learner's permit, a valid driver's license, and a motorcycle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The motorcycle must have working headlights, taillights, turn signals, brakes, and mirrors. You must also wear a helmet and eye protection during the test.

Testing locations and available appointment times vary by MVA branch. You can find the nearest location and schedule your test through the Maryland MVA website or by calling your local MVA office. Some locations have longer wait times than others, so plan ahead if you have a specific date in mind.

What happens after you pass your road test

If you pass your motorcycle endorsement road test, the MVA will add the motorcycle endorsement to your driver's license. Your learner's permit is no longer valid once you have the endorsement. With your full endorsement, you can ride a motorcycle without the restrictions that applied to your learner's permit — you can carry passengers, ride at night, and ride anywhere a regular driver's license allows.

If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the road test. There is no waiting period between road test attempts, but you will need to pay the test fee again. You can continue to ride on your learner's permit while you practice and prepare for your next attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a motorcycle learner's permit if I don't have a regular driver's license yet?

No. Maryland requires you to hold a valid driver's license or learner's permit before you can get a motorcycle learner's permit. If you are working toward your driver's license, you will need to pass that first.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day or any other day. There is no waiting period between attempts. Each attempt costs $6.50. Most people pass on their second try if they study the motorcycle handbook before retesting.

Do I have to take a motorcycle safety course to get my learner's permit?

No. The safety course is not required by Maryland to get your learner's permit or endorsement. However, taking an MSF course during your 30-day waiting period is a good way to build riding skills and may reduce your motorcycle insurance costs.

Can I ride on the highway with my motorcycle learner's permit?

Yes, you can ride on highways, but only during daylight hours and only if you follow all other traffic laws. You still cannot carry passengers or ride between sunset and sunrise.

How long is my motorcycle learner's permit valid?

Your motorcycle learner's permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If you do not pass your road test within that year, you will need to retake the written test and get a new learner's permit.