Motorcycle License in Nevada

Nevada may be best known for the opulence of Las Vegas, but sometimes less is more: like cruising a desolate highway on your hog.

But before you can enjoy those simpler things, you'll have to earn your motorcycle license. In Nevada, the process is handled by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

New to Nevada

Once you officially move to the Silver State, you have 30 days to transfer your license.

Find the nearest Nevada DMV office, and:

  • Provide proof of your:
    • Identity.
    • Social Security number.
    • Nevada residency (requires 2 documents).
  • Complete an Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card (Form DMV 002E).
    • Make sure to check “Class M" for your motorcycle endorsement.
  • Turn in your out-of-state license.
  • Pay the $46.25 transfer fee.

The NV Department of Motor Vehicles will mail you your new license—complete with motorcycle endorsement.

NV Motorcycle Eligibility

To apply for a NV motorcycle permit, you must already hold a standard NV driver's license. Applicants under 18 years old must also follow all rules applied to NV teen drivers, including permit restrictions and educational requirements. Our teen driver guide has a full rundown of the rules.

In addition, you MUST:

  • Pass both a vision and general driver's license knowledge test.
  • EITHER:
    • Pass a written motorcycle knowledge exam and a skills test. 
    OR


Motorcycle Permits in Nevada

To get a motorcycle permit, you'll have to pass a written exam. The test can be tough, so you may want to try a practice test first. 

When you're ready for the exam, you can take it either:

If you pass AND you're under 18 years old, your motorcycle instruction permit will be good for 6 months If you're 18 years old or older, your instruction permit is good for 6 months. When you use it, you MUST ride in direct visual supervision of a licensed motorcycle rider who:

  • Is at least 21 years old.
  • Has held a motorcycle license for at least 1 year.

Applicants under 18 years old must also follow all rules applied to NV teen drivers, including permit restrictions and educational requirements.

NV DMV Motorcycle Knowledge Test

If you opt to take your knowledge test with the Department of Motor Vehicles, you'll have to drop by a DMV full service office, and:

  • Bring proof of your:
  • Complete an Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card (Form DMV 002E).
    • Applicants under 18 years old must:
      • Have a parent or guardian present.
      • Sign a financial responsibility statement in office.
  • Take a vision test.
  • Pass the written motorcycle exam.
  • Pay the appropriate fees:
    • $25 testing fee (in addition to licensing fee).
    • $22.25 instruction permit fee.
      • Applicants 65 years old or older pay $17.25.

After all the above is taken care of, you'll be an official motorcycle permit holder!

Permit Limitations

Earning your permit is exciting, but don't forget that the designation comes with its own set of rules.

Motorcycle permit holders in Nevada must:

  • Practice ONLY under supervision of a licensed motorcycle rider who is:
    • At least 21 years old.
    • Has had a motorcycle license for at least 1 year.
  • Ride during sunlight hours only.

Permit holders in NV are also prohibited from:

  • Taking any passengers.
  • Driving on freeways or high-speed roads.

Apply for Your NV Motorcycle License

You're almost there! The only thing that remains between you and your motorcycle license now is the skills test. You'll need to meet the other motorcycle license eligibility requirements mentioned above.

You again have an option of where and how to take the exam, including at either:

If you decide to take the DMV route, schedule an appointment with the Nevada DMV. Make sure to ask if motorcycle skills tests are available at that location.

After a successful behind-the-wheel exam, you'll be eligible for a motorcycle license. Congratulations!

To complete the process for your motorcycle license, you'll need to:

Motorcycle Education Courses in NV

You may never forget how to ride a bike, but adding a powerful motor to one makes the task much different. That's why the Nevada DMV supports motorcycle education courses for residents hoping to earn their license.

Aside from in-classroom and on-road education and training, a motorcycle course will allow you to take the:

  • Written exam.
  • Skills exam.

Participants do NOT need to have a permit, and motorcycles and helmets will be provided.

The NV Department of Motor Vehicles accepts training courses overseen by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). You can find a nearby course through the foundation's website.

Getting Your License

Once you pass your course, you'll be issued a certificate of completion—also called a MSF card.

You'll have to take this to your local DMV office to get your motorcycle license.

Nevada Motorcycle License Fees

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles currently charges the following for motorcycle licenses and related services:

  • Motorcycle knowledge and skills test: $25.
  • Retest: $10.
  • Instruction permit: $22.25.
    • 65 years old or older: $17.25.
  • Original motorcycle license: $41.25.
  • Out-of-state transfer license: $46.25.

NOTE: Applicants may be subject to additional fees. Contact your local DMV for more information.

Forms

DMV 002E
Application Driving Privileges or ID Card
Apply for an original, renewal, OR duplicate NV driver's license (Class C, M, A, or B), instructional permit, commercial endorsement, OR identification card.
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