How to Get your Mississippi Motorcycle License

If you want to get your Mississippi motorcycle license, you need to be at least 16 years old and hold your regular Class R driver’s license. If you are under the age of  21, you must also have held your motorcycle learner’s permit for at least a year before getting a motorcycle endorsement. To help you out, the Law Tigers team put together this guide on Mississippi’s motorcycle licensing process. Read on to learn how to get your Mississippi motorcycle license. 

Motorcycle Learner’s Permit Requirements

The youngest age to get a learner’s permit is 15. In order to get a permit, you must provide proof of being enrolled in school, and you have to hold it for at least a year before you can get your regular motorcycle license. While holding your permit, you can only ride under the supervision of a licensed rider 21 and older. You also cannot ride at night, and you cannot ride on the highway.

What Is the Penalty for Riding Without a License in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, riding a motorcycle without a valid motorcycle endorsement can result in a fine of up to $100 and a jail sentence of no more than ten days. Second and third offenses carry progressively higher fines and prison sentences, with a maximum penalty of a $500 fine and a six-month prison term. Mississippi law allows violators to complete a four-hour traffic safety violation course to remove the infraction from their driving record. As long as the offender hasn’t received a similar violation in the past three years, they can take the course.

Motorcycle License Requirements

Before you begin the process of obtaining a Class M motorcycle endorsement on your license, you should understand whether you meet the basic requirements. When you apply for a motorcycle endorsement at the DMV, you will need to present the following:

• Birth certificate
• Proof of residency
• Social security card
• Required fees

You must also meet the age requirements. Anyone over 18 can complete the traditional process to obtain a motorcycle license. If you are between 17 and 18, you will need to also supply:

• A parent or guardian signature
• Proof of identity
• Proof of a finished motorcycle training program
• Social security card

If you are between 14 and 17, you will need to first obtain a permit, then apply for a license once you turn 17. 

Written Motorcycle License Test

The first step in obtaining a motorcycle license endorsement is taking a written test. Upon passing this test, you will receive a motorcycle permit that you can use to ride your motorcycle on the road under certain conditions.  The written test contains questions about road signs and motorcycle operation laws. For example, here are a few types of questions you can expect to see on the test:

• What requirements must you meet to carry a passenger on your motorcycle?
• The edge of the road is dangerous for motorcycles because ____. 
• How can you warn the driver behind you that you are about to slow down?

You can take practice tests online to prepare for the test. You can also download the Motorcycle Foundation Operators Manual through your DMV. We recommend scheduling your written test in advance at your DMV. Be sure to bring the required documents listed in the previous section. Once you pass the test, you can receive your permit. 

On-Bike Skills Test

The second step in obtaining a Class M motorcycle endorsement in Mississippi is passing an on-bike skills test. This test will showcase your ability to navigate the bike safely on the roadway. Operating a motorcycle is much different from driving a car, so we recommend practicing on the road over several weeks or months before you feel comfortable taking the skills test. Once you obtain your permit, you will be allowed to ride on the road with another rider who is at least 21 years old and has their motorcycle endorsement.  If you already feel confident riding your motorcycle, you can take the on-bike test the same day as the written test. 

Motorcycle Safety Courses

In Mississippi, you can choose to take a motorcycle safety course instead of passing the on-bike skills test. This course will teach you how to operate your motorcycle and the laws and regulations you need to know as a motorcyclist. At the end of the course, you will take an exam with the instructor. Passing this exam will give you a waiver that you can present at the DMV instead of taking the on-bike exam.  You can find motorcycle safety courses throughout Mississippi. Just be sure that the Motorcycle Safety Foundation endorses the course you take.  Now that you know how to get your Mississippi motorcycle license, you can begin the process of becoming a motorcycle pro. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, call Law Tigers at 1-800-LAWTIGERS for a free case evaluation. We’re a nationwide network of motorcycle attorneys fighting for riders.