Drivers & Vehicles > Drivers > Getting a driver license> License types >

Motorcycle or moped license

Instruction permit | Motorcycle violations | Rider courses | Skills test | Waiver program 

A motorcycle is a motor vehicle designed and built to have no more than three wheels. It must have its own power source and be capable, under ideal road conditions, of speeds in excess of 30 mph with a 150 pound rider.

Who needs a motorcycle or moped license

Anyone who drives a motorcycle must have a Class M motorcycle license or motorcycle instruction permit. 

Moped drivers do not need a Class M license. They can operate a moped with a Class D regular or probationary license.

A moped is:

Any of the following vehicles (excluding a tractor) capable of speeds not more than 30 mph, with 150 lb. Rider on a dry, level, hard surface with no wind, a power source as an integral part of the vehicle, and a seat for the operator:

• A bicycle-type vehicle with fully operative pedals and an engine certified by the manufactured at not more than 50cc.
• A Type 1 motorcycle with an automatic transmission and engine certified at not more than 50cc.

If an individual wishes to operate a moped, but does not hold a Class D driver license the following is required:

• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Must have completed an approved driver Education course. Sponsorship is required if under the age of 18. 
• Class D knowledge, signs, and vision tests Or a valid Class D instruction permit 
• Apply at customer service center DMV customer service centers accept cash or checks only. Credit cards are accepted for online and phone transactions.
• Proof of name and date of birth
• Proof of identity
• Proof of residency
• Proof of legal presence, effective April 1, 2007
• Pay fee

A person must hold a Wisconsin motorcycle instruction permit or surrender a valid motorcycle license from another state before they may obtain a Class M license.

Instruction permit

To obtain a motorcycle instruction permit, the applicant must pass the motorcycle knowledge test, a sign test and a vision screening. 

If under age 18, the following are also required:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Have a sponsor
• Provide proof of Driver Ed completion
• Provide proof of enrollment or completion of a Basic Motorcycle Rider Course

A cycle instruction permit is valid for 6 months. If the cycle instruction permit expires before the applicant completes the skill test, the permit can be renewed for an additional 6 months. Once the cycle instruction permit has been renewed 2 times, you would be required to show proof of enrollment or completion of an approved basic motorcycle rider course before renewal of the license is allowed.

Some restrictions apply during the period the instruction permit is held:

• Must wear eye protection
• Must wear an approved helmet
• Permit holders may ride alone during the day. 
• If cycling after dark, the permit holder must be accompanied by a person at least 25 years old with two years licensed driving experience and a Class M motorcycle license.

Skills test

The applicant must demonstrate competency in motorcycle operation by passing a Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) administered motorcycle driving skills test or providing a waiver showing completion of WisDOT approved Basic Motorcycle Rider Course. 

For the WisDOT driving skills test, the applicant must provide a cycle in good working order and wear eye protection and an approved helmet. 

Skills tests are conducted by appointment at DMV service centers located throughout the state.

Return to top

Rider courses 

Rider courses are highly recommended for anyone who wants to ride a motorcycle or who wants to improve their motorcycle riding skills.

Basic Motorcycle Rider Course

Successful completion of a Basic Motorcycle Rider Course is required for persons wanting a Class M license who:

• Are under 18
• Held three previous motorcycle instruction permits
• Previously failed two WisDOT administered motorcycle skill tests

Advanced Motorcycle Rider Course

The Advanced Motorcycle Rider course is an advanced motorcycle safety course available to persons who already have a Class M license.

Motorcycle violations

Successful completion of either the Basic Rider Course, or the Advanced Rider Course can also be used to reduce your driving record demerit points for motorcycle violations by up to 3 points, which you have been convicted of during the prior 12 months. A person is limited to only one point reduction every five years.

Courses are provided throughout Wisconsin and through the riding season by training sponsors in various locations.

Motorcycle Skills Test Waiver Program

Upon successful completion of a Basic Motorcycle Rider Course, the motorcycle riding instructor issues each student a signed waiver authorization form. This form is usable only one time and only by the person to whom it is issued. When other licensing requirements have been met and the waiver form is presented at the DMV service center, a Class M endorsement will be added to the person's driver license.

If you have questions:

• E-mail: driverrecords.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
• Call: (608) 266-2353

Return to top

Questions about the content of this page:
Bureau of Driver Services, driverrecords.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
Last modified: August 7, 2007