How To Obtain A Motorcycle License in Illinois: Everything to Know

Illinois has some great rides for motorcyclists, including the Rock River Run from Rockford to Dixon and the Shawnee National Forest Ride in the Carbondale area. You’ll ride down winding roads, through pretty little towns, and past breathtaking waterfalls. You’ll need an Illinois motorcycle license before taking your motorcycle out on the open road. If you take an approved safety course, you can skip the test at the Driver’s Services Facility.

Motorcycle Licenses in Illinois

According to the Illinois Motorcycle Manual, there are two types of motorcycle licenses in Illinois. A Class L motorcycle license allows you to drive any motorcycle with less than 150cc displacement. A Class M motorcycle license allows you to drive any motorcycle. Both motorcycle licenses are endorsements attached to your regular driver’s license.

Steps to Take for Over-18s

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, these are the steps you need to take to obtain a motorcycle license:

• Pass the written and driving tests at a Driver’s Services Facility. A free motorcycle safety course is recommended but not required.
• If you take the free motorcycle safety course and earn a completion card, you don’t need to take an additional test. Just present your completion card at the Driver’s Services Facility.

Steps to Take for Under-18s

If you are over age 16 but under 18, here are the steps you need to take:

• Complete a motorcycle safety course.
• Present your completion card at the Driver’s Services Facility.
• Take the written and driving exams.

The Cycle Rider Safety Training Program

The Illinois Cycle Rider Safety Training Program offers motorcycle safety courses to anyone with a motorcycle instruction permit or license. You can get an instruction permit for either a Class L or Class M license. Courses offered by the Cycle Rider Safety Training Program include:

• Basic Rider Course: This is the 20-hour safety course you need to obtain a Class L or Class M license. If you’re over 18, this course allows you to obtain a motorcycle license without taking a driving test.
• Basic Rider Course 2: This course is for motorcyclists who already have some experience and want to improve their existing skills. If you are over 18, it also allows you to obtain a license without testing.
• Advanced Rider Course: This course is only for motorcyclists with a license. It covers advanced skills like cornering, swerving, and riding strategies.

If you’re under 18, you must have written permission from a parent or guardian to take one of these courses.

Testing for Your Motorcycle License

You must pass a motorcycle safety course or a written and driving test to receive either motorcycle license. To pass the written test, study the Illinois Motorcycle Manual. After you complete the written test, you can take the Rider Skill Test. This test checks your ability to operate a motorcycle safely. You must complete a series of exercises between painted lines in a paved area. To pass the test, you must show that you can speed up, brake, turn, and swerve safely. You’ll fail the test if you drop the bike or do anything unsafe. Exercises in the Rider Skill Test include:

• Weave left and right between cones and stop your motorcycle without touching the cones or the painted lines.
• Make a right turn between two lines without touching them, then perform a U-turn.
• Accelerate on a straight line and then stop quickly.
• Accelerate on a straight line, swerve, and avoid an obstacle line.

You could fail the test if:

• You lose control of your motorcycle
• You go too fast
• You go up on one wheel or drive recklessly
• You fail to complete the test before the time limit

For most people, the easiest way to get a motorcycle license in Illinois is to complete a motorcycle safety course. This will allow you to skip the written exam and the Rider Skill Test. Law Tigers Always Have Your Back If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, our legal team here at Law Tigers is ready to help. For decades, we’ve helped defend the rights of wronged motorcycle riders by providing skilled representation and sound legal advice across the United States. To get a free case evaluation or to schedule your free consultation, call us at Law Tigers today at 1-800-529-8443.