The open roads of North Carolina beckon, from the Blue Ridge Mountains’ winding paths to the Outer Banks’ sun-soaked coastal highways. But before you can experience the freedom of riding through the Tar Heel State, you must obtain your North Carolina motorcycle license. The process involves several key steps to ensure you’re prepared for the unique challenges and joys of motorcycling. Here’s what you need to know about how to get your North Carolina motorcycle license.
How do you get your motorcycle license in NC?
There are multiple types of motorcycle licenses and different pathways to getting them, so knowing your options can help you choose which way to go. These resources will also help you be a safer and more skilled rider. Our goal is to help you build a strong foundation for your riding experience so you’re safe on the road.
License Classes
In order to operate a motorcycle in North Carolina, you must have a motorcycle endorsement or learner permit in addition to a regular driver’s license. This applies to provisional, regular, and commercial driver’s licenses. Once you have one of these licenses, you can move forward getting a motorcycle learner’s permit or go straight for your motorcycle endorsement depending on your age.
Age Requirements
North Carolina sets specific age requirements for motorcycle licensing:
- Riders 16 and 17 must complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course.
- Riders 18 and older can choose between completing the MSF course or passing the state’s knowledge and skills tests.
Obtain a Regular Driver’s License
Before pursuing a North Carolina motorcycle license, you must possess a valid regular driver’s license. You must transfer your out-of-state license to North Carolina if you’re new to the state.
Study the Motorcycle Handbook
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides a comprehensive Motorcycle Handbook. This resource covers essential information about motorcycle operations, traffic laws, and safety practices. This handbook prepares you for the knowledge test and equips you with crucial information for safe riding.
Complete a Motorcycle Safety Course (Optional for 18+, Required for 16-17)
While optional for adults, completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course offers several benefits:
- Waives the DMV’s knowledge and skills tests
- Provides hands-on training in a controlled environment
- May qualify you for insurance discounts
North Carolina offers these courses at various locations across the state. The courses typically last a weekend and combine classroom instruction with practical riding exercises.
Pass the Knowledge Test
If you opt not to take the MSF course (or are under 18), you must pass a motorcycle knowledge test. This written exam assesses your understanding of motorcycle laws, safety practices, and proper riding techniques. The test draws from information in the Motorcycle Handbook.
Pass the Skills Test
After passing the knowledge test, you must demonstrate your riding abilities through a skills test. This on-motorcycle examination evaluates your control of the bike, ability to maneuver in traffic-like situations, and adherence to traffic laws.
You must provide a street-legal motorcycle and proof of insurance for this test. Wear appropriate safety gear, including a DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, and closed-toe shoes.
How much is a motorcycle license in NC?
While we outlined a couple of small fees, it is good to know the sum total of the license process if you are interested in getting a motorcycle license in North Carolina. In addition to possible permit fees, your state license will be valid for 8 years at a time with a base fee plus the annual motorcycle endorsement annual cost.
In exact terms, you will be looking at fees that consist of:
- Permit fee if you’re under 18 ($21.50)
- Base license annual fee ($5.50 per year x 8) = $44
- Motorcycle endorsement annual ($2.55 per year x 8) = $20.40
Thus, depending on whether or not you need a permit, you will be looking at a payment of either $64.40 or $85.90. Luckily, this will cover your licensed riding for eight years at a time!
Can you buy a motorcycle without a license in North Carolina?
It is perfectly legal to buy a motorcycle without a license in NC. Many people purchase bikes as collectors’ items, or purchase a motorcycle before they are fully licensed to ride it. You will need to provide a photo ID and have legal registration and license plates when you purchase the vehicle in order to have a title. This is so you can verify who has ownership of the bike, regardless of if you are ready to ride or not.
One tricky issue with buying a motorcycle without a license is that you cannot legally ride it home from wherever you got it. In this instance, you should talk to the dealership or private seller you’re working with in order to work out delivery services.
In general, we recommend getting a permit or license before purchasing a motorcycle. While there is nothing wrong with being excited and getting the bike early, going through the process of learning on a motorcycle you haven’t paid for will let you know if it is actually something you want to do. Similarly, you can get a feel for different bike styles before committing to one you’ve never ridden before.
Motorcycle Attorneys for the Riding Community
Law Tigers prides ourselves on being riders just like you- and we’ve been through it all. We have decades of experience in helping riders get licensed and protecting them in the event of accidents, injuries, or legal action.
We’re dedicated to the riding community, and our goal is to provide the best resources available for each part of a motorcycle-riding journey. Sign up for a FREE Rider Benefit Kit and you’ll never ride alone.