What you need to know about Maryland motorcycle permits
Maryland requires a separate motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license, not a standalone permit. You can get a motorcycle learner's permit first, which lets you ride under specific restrictions while you practice. After that, you take a skills test to earn the full endorsement. The whole process takes a few weeks if you move through it steadily, but you can take as long as you need between the permit and the endorsement test.
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) handles both the permit and the endorsement. You'll start at an MVA office, pass a written test about motorcycle rules, then schedule a riding skills test at an MVA testing site. If you pass the skills test, the endorsement gets added to your existing driver's license — you don't get a separate card.
Key Takeaways
- You must first pass a written motorcycle knowledge test at an MVA office to get a learner's permit, which costs $7 and is valid for 120 days.
- With a learner's permit, you can only ride during daylight hours, cannot carry passengers, and must wear a helmet and eye protection at all times.
- After practicing, you schedule a riding skills test at an MVA testing location; passing this test adds the motorcycle endorsement to your driver's license.
- You can skip the written test and learner's permit if you complete an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course, which also waives the skills test.
- The endorsement itself has no additional fee beyond your regular license renewal cost.
Getting your learner's permit at the MVA
Visit any Maryland MVA office with your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency (such as a utility bill or lease). Bring your original documents or certified copies — the MVA does not accept photocopies for proof of residency. You'll pay $7 for the permit.
You'll take a written test covering Maryland motorcycle laws, safe riding practices, and road signs. The test has 25 questions, and you need 21 correct to pass. Study materials are available free on the MVA website under "Motorcycle Endorsement." The permit is valid for 120 days, so you have four months to practice and schedule your skills test.
Once you have the permit, you can ride a motorcycle during daylight hours only. You cannot carry passengers, and you must wear a helmet and eye protection (goggles or a face shield). Violating these restrictions can result in a citation and may delay your endorsement.
Restrictions and rules while you hold a learner's permit
A motorcycle learner's permit is not the same as riding freely. Maryland law is specific about what you can and cannot do. You cannot ride on interstate highways, and you cannot ride between sunset and sunrise. If you're caught riding at night or on an interstate, you risk a traffic citation that can complicate your path to the endorsement.
You must display your learner's permit while riding — carry it with you or have it accessible. Wear a helmet that meets Department of Transportation (DOT) standards and eye protection. If you're involved in an accident or stopped by police, you'll need to show the permit and your regular driver's license together.
Taking the riding skills test
After you've practiced, contact the MVA to schedule your skills test. You can call the MVA at 410-787-7758 or schedule online through the MVA website. Testing sites are located across Maryland, and you'll need to bring your learner's permit, driver's license, and a street-legal motorcycle or a motorcycle provided by an approved testing facility.
The test takes about 30 minutes and includes a written pre-test, a physical inspection of your motorcycle, and a riding portion. The riding portion tests your ability to start, stop, turn, and maneuver the bike safely. You must wear a helmet and eye protection during the test. If you fail, you can retake it, but you'll need to schedule another appointment.
Passing the skills test means the motorcycle endorsement is added to your driver's license when ready. There's no additional fee for the endorsement itself — it's included in your regular license renewal cost. Your endorsement remains valid as long as your driver's license is valid.
Using an MSF course to skip the written test and skills test
If you complete an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course, you can bypass both the written test and the skills test. The MSF offers the Basic Rider Course, which is a two-day classroom and hands-on program. After you finish, you receive a completion certificate that you bring to the MVA.
At the MVA, you'll present your MSF certificate, your driver's license, and proof of residency. You pay $7 for the endorsement processing fee, and the motorcycle endorsement is added to your license on the spot. You do not take any test. This route is faster if you want to avoid the learner's permit stage and the separate skills test appointment.
MSF courses are offered by private training providers throughout Maryland. Costs vary by provider, typically ranging from $150 to $300 for the two-day course. Some courses include a motorcycle to ride during training; others require you to bring your own. Check the MSF website to find approved providers near you.
Renewing your motorcycle endorsement
Your motorcycle endorsement renews automatically when you renew your driver's license. You do not need to retake any test or pay an additional fee. When your license expires, renew it through the MVA as you normally would — online, by mail, or in person — and the endorsement stays on your new license.
If your license is suspended or revoked for any reason, your motorcycle endorsement is suspended or revoked along with it. You cannot ride legally until your license is restored.
Documents you'll need at each step
| Step | Documents Required | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Get learner's permit | Current driver's license, proof of Social Security number, proof of Maryland residency | $7 |
| Take skills test | Learner's permit, driver's license, street-legal motorcycle | No additional fee |
| MSF course route | MSF completion certificate, driver's license, proof of residency | $7 (plus course cost, $150–$300) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a motorcycle with just my regular driver's license?
No. You must have a motorcycle endorsement on your license to ride legally in Maryland. Riding without the endorsement is a traffic violation. You need to pass either the written and skills tests or complete an MSF course.
What if my learner's permit expires before I schedule my skills test?
You'll need to retake the written test and get a new permit. The permit is valid for 120 days, so plan your skills test appointment well before that important date. If you miss it, you start over with the $7 fee and the written test.
Do I have to own a motorcycle to take the skills test?
No. Some MVA testing sites have motorcycles available for the test, though availability varies by location. Call ahead to ask whether your testing site provides a bike. If not, you'll need to bring your own street-legal motorcycle.
Can I get a motorcycle endorsement if my driver's license is suspended?
No. You must have a valid, unsuspended driver's license to get a motorcycle endorsement. If your license is suspended, you cannot take the written test or skills test until it's restored.
How much does the whole process cost?
If you go the learner's permit route, you pay $7 for the permit and $7 for the endorsement processing, totaling $14. If you take an MSF course instead, you pay $7 for endorsement processing plus the course cost, which ranges from $150 to $300 depending on the provider.