If you want to ride a motorcycle in the Bay State, you have a few steps to take to be licensed to operate a motorcycle in Massachusetts. You must first get your motorcycle permit, which you must hold for a certain time before obtaining your motorcycle license or endorsement.
If you have an existing Massachusetts Passenger (Class D) driver’s license, you may add a motorcycle endorsement (Class M) to your license. If you do not currently hold a regular license, you may apply for a freestanding Class M motorcycle driver’s license.
Learn more about getting your Massachusetts motorcycle license below.
Get Your Motorcycle (Class M) Learner’s Permit
To apply for your motorcycle permit, you must be at least 16 years old, with no history of revocation of licenses in Massachusetts or another state. If under 18 years of age, you will also need parental consent on your application.
Getting your permit involves the following:
● Apply for your permit with the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).
● Present appropriate documentation for identification and residency.
● Pay the $30 testing fee.
● Pass a vision screening.
● Pass the 25-question permit test with 18 or more correct answers.
Your permit is valid for two years from the date of issuance. You must wear a helmet and face shield or goggles when riding with a permit. While learning with a permit, you may not ride after dark or carry passengers on your motorcycle.
After six months of riding with a motorcycle permit, you may apply for your motorcycle license. If your permit expires after two years, you will need to reapply and retake the permit exam to be eligible to get your motorcycle license.
Get Your Motorcycle (Class M) License or Endorsement
To get your motorcycle license, you will need to schedule a road test with the RMV. For your test, you must provide your own motorcycle that meets all road safety requirements, including:
● Active registration
● Appropriate insurance coverage
● Inspection and approval, with a visible sticker verification
● Sound operating condition
You must also wear an approved helmet and safety glasses or goggles for your test. You do not need protective eyewear if you have a windshield.
When getting your motorcycle license, you must provide the appropriate identification and residency documents again. If you are getting a motorcycle endorsement on your Massachusetts Class D driver’s license, you only need to pay a $15 fee. You will need to pay a $50 fee for a separate motorcycle license.
Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP)
Riders under 18 years old must show proof of completion of the Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP). As an adult, you may also take the MREP course and show proof within 90 days of certification to bypass the road test when getting your Massachusetts motorcycle license.
The MREP offers four courses for different categories of riders, including:
● Basic Rider Course (BRC). This course offers basic motorcycle handling instruction, risk management and road safety skills taught in a classroom, plus 10 hours of rider training on a school motorcycle.
● Returning Rider Basic Rider Course (RRBRC). In this class, returning riders who haven’t ridden in a while can refresh their skills or waive the road test with classroom learning and 5 hours of rider training on a training motorcycle.
● Basic Rider Course 2 (BRC2). This course increases the speeds of the Basic Rider Course; students must use their own motorcycles.
● Basic Rider Course 3 Wheel. In this class, riders get 10 hours of riding practice plus 5 hours of classroom study.
Certification with MREP can save riders of any experience level on their insurance premiums.
Call Law Tigers for Motorcycle Law in Massachusetts
Getting your Massachusetts motorcycle license can lead to a lifetime of fun riding the open road. For legal help with any motorcycle issues, turn to our attorneys at Law Tigers. We’re lawyers who ride and who fight for motorcyclist’s rights following accidents, hit-and-runs, bike thefts, and wrongful death.
Call us at Law Tigers today for a free case evaluation anywhere in the U.S. at 1-888-863-7216.
