Pennsylvania Riders
Motorcycle Licensing, Training & Insurance
Riding a motorcycle is a great way to experience all that Pennsylvania has to offer. Before hitting the open road in Pennsylvania, you must learn to ride and get properly licensed to keep yourself and those around you safe. Keep reading to find out how to get a motorcycle license in Pennsylvania.
Getting a Motorcycle License in Pennsylvania
Before you can get your PA motorcycle license, you must get a motorcycle permit. A permit allows you to ride only between sunrise and sunset and only while under the supervision of someone with a Class M license. When riding, you must wear a helmet and eye protection and cannot carry any passengers except a licensed instructor.
Getting a Motorcycle Permit in Pennsylvania
Before you can get your PA motorcycle license, you must get a motorcycle permit.
To get a motorcycle permit, follow these steps:
- From the Pennsylvania DMV, get an application for a Class M learner’s permit.
- Read and understand the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator’s Manual, which contains the information you need to operate a motorcycle in Pennsylvania.
- Bring your application and the current fee to a PennDOT Driver License Center. You will have to pass a vision screening test and a motorcycle knowledge test. If you do not pass, you can reapply for the permit up to three times in a five-year period.
You will then receive the learner’s permit, which is valid for one year.
Motorcycle Safety Courses
Training and Testing
Pennsylvania residents who have a Class M permit or license can take one of the following motorcycle safety courses for free through the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP). Many businesses provide this training.
- The Basic Rider Course lasts for 15 hours and suits beginners to advanced riders. You receive a motorcycle and a helmet for use during the course. If you have a learner’s permit, completing the course successfully grants you a motorcycle license.
- The Basic Rider Course 2 lasts for one day and is for riders who already have experience in motorcycle riding. You will need to supply your own motorcycle with proof of insurance for this course. If you successfully complete the course with a learner’s permit, you will earn your motorcycle license.
- The 3-Wheel Basic Rider Course focuses on 3-wheel motorcycles and lasts for 12 hours. You must supply your own 3-wheel motorcycle with proof of insurance. If you have a learner’s permit, successful completion gives you a motorcycle licensewith a 9 restriction, which allows you only to operate three-wheelers.
- The Advanced Rider Course lasts one day and is for experienced riders who already have a motorcycle license. You’ll need your own bike to learn riding strategies, rider behavior and choices, decision-making, and risk management.
Motorcycle Skills Evaluation
Many of these courses end with a skills evaluation administered by a certified Rider Coach. If you pass, you automatically receive your Pennsylvania motorcycle license.
However, if you do not go through PAMSP, you’ll need to go to a Driver License Center that offers motorcycle skills testing (not all of them do). You must then pass this practical exam before you receive your motorcycle license.
If you are under 18 years old, you can only get your motorcycle license after you have had your motorcycle learner’s permit for at least six months and have at least 65 hours of supervised riding. You must also complete a PAMSP Beginner Riding Clinic to receive the license.
Motorcycle Helmets
Riders with learner’s permits must wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle. Otherwise, Pennsylvania requires protective headgear for motorcycle riders unless:
- You are over 21 and have had a Class M license for at least two years.
- Or you are over 21 and have completed a PAMSP course.
- Or you’re riding a three-wheeled motorcycle with an enclosed cab.
If you are exempt from wearing a helmet and you carry a passenger who is 21 years old or older, that individual is also exempt from wearing a helmet.
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Insurance
Riding a motorcycle on public roads in Pennsylvania demands the following minimum levels of liability insurance:
- $15,000 bodily injury per person
- $30,000 per accident
- $5,000 for property damage
The same minimum insurance requirements exist for insuring automobiles in Pennsylvania.
Motorcycle & Powersport Insurance for Riders Only
Now that you have the information you need to get your motorcycle license in Pennsylvania, you may want to learn about motorcycle and off-road insurance.
Boundless Rider powersport and motorcycle insurance is available in Pennsylvania, click below for coverage info or get a motorcycle insurance quote.
The content included on this website is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. For complete and up-to-date information, please review the links within this article, section or page, and visit the applicable state and governmental agency websites.