How to Get A Motorcycle License in Illinois

Learn how to get a motorcycle license in Illinois from our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers. First, you need a motorcycle learner’s permit in order to practice riding and/or take an Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) approved motorcycle training course. At the end of the course, you’ll take the Illinois motorcycle license test, so you don’t need to take a rider’s basic skills test at the DMV.

If you don’t want to take an IDOT motorcycle training course, you will need your motorcycle learner’s permit in order to practice street riding skills while supervised on a street legal motorcycle. Then, you can take both a written exam and road test at the DMV to get your motorcycle license.

Whether you decide to take a motorcycle safety course or not, you’ll need to study the complete Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual in order to pass the knowledge requirement tests for both your permit and your license.

Quick Guide to Getting a Motorcycle License in Illnois

How to Get an M-Class Motorcycle Permit in Illinois

You can get your motorcycle permit at an Illinois DMV location by making an appointment, passing the permit test, and paying a $10 fee. The test consists of 15 questions from the Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual. Note that the manual includes some sample test questions. You need to answer at least 12 questions correctly to pass the licensing test and obtain your learner’s permit.

Permits for Motorcycles 150cc or More (M-Class)

If you’re 18+ with a valid Illinois driver’s license, you must pass the motorcycle written test to get a permit. Without a valid regular driver’s license, you’ll need to pass the driver’s exam (based on the Illinois Rules of the Road manual), a vision test, and the motorcycle written test. If you’re 16 or 17, have completed driver education, and an IDOT-approved rider course, you can get a permit for a larger bike.

Your permit is valid for 24 months, and Illinois rules allow you to practice riding only during daylight under the supervision of a licensed rider aged 21+ with over a year of riding experience.

Permits for Motor-Driven Cycles (L-Class) Under 150cc

If you’re 16 or 17, have finished driver education, and passed the motorcycle permit test, you can get a 24-month permit to ride a motor-driven cycle under 150cc. You can practice during daylight with supervision from a licensed rider aged 21+ who has at least one year of riding experience.

Here are the steps to getting your motorcycle license in Chicago and throughout Illinois.

If You Have a Valid Illinois Driver’s License

If you already have a valid Illinois driver’s license and want to get your motorcycle permit, you need to:

1. Get an M-class permit.
2. Practice riding or attend an IDOT motorcycle safety course. Make sure you have valid motorcycle insurance and proper safety riding gear, including a DOT-approved helmet, before hitting the road.
3. Show your valid Illinois driver’s license at the DMV in your city.
4. Present your IDOT motorcycle rider course certificate of completion to waive the skills test or take the riding test. (Note: If you’re under 18, you’ll still need to pass the rider skill test at the DMV, even if you completed the basic rider course.)
5. Pay the $10 Illinois motorcycle license fee.

First-Time Applicants

If you don’t have a valid Illinois driver’s license, you’ll first need to pass the Illinois Rules of the Road written test, the motorcycle knowledge exam, and a vision test to obtain an M-class permit.

Where to Get Your Motorcycle License in Illinois

Find out where to get your Illinois motorcycle license on the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State website. Use their search to filter DMV locations by driver’s license services, motorcycle written tests, and road tests.

The Difference Between an Illinois Class M License and Class L License

Class M gives you a valid motorcycle license to legally operate any motorcycle with an engine size of 150 cubic centimeters (cc) or greater. The Class L license is for riding a motor-driven cycle with less than 150cc engine size.

Note, riding an electric scooter does not require a special license.

Getting Help If You’re In a Motorcycle Accident

New and inexperienced riders are often involved in motorcycle accidents. At The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers understand how overwhelming a wreck can be for an inexperienced rider and we’re here to help.