How to Get A Motorcycle License in Illinois

Getting a motorcycle license in Illinois is fairly easy. 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 written and road tests 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 Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual in order to pass the knowledge requirement tests for both your permit and your license.

How to Get an M-Class Motorcycle Permit in Illinois

You can get your motorcycle permit at an Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location by making an appointment, passing the Illinois motorcycle permit test, and paying a $10 fee. The written test is made up of 15 questions based on the Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual and there are sample questions at the end of the manual. You need to get at least 12 questions correct to pass the test and get your learner’s permit.

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

If you are 18+ and have a valid Illinois driver’s license, you will need to pass the motorcycle written test to get this permit. If you are 18+ and don’t have a valid driver’s license, you will need to pass the driver’s exam (based on the Illinois Rules of the Road manual), pass a vision test, and pass the motorcycle written test. If you are 16 or 17, have completed driver education and have completed an IDOT approved rider course, you can get a permit for a larger bike.

Your permit is valid for 24 months, allows you to practice riding only during daylight hours under the supervision of a licensed 21+ rider with more than one year of riding experience.

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

If you are 16 or 17, have completed driver education, and passed the motorcycle permit written test, you can get a 24-month instruction permit to operate a motor-driven cycle under 150cc. It allows you to practice riding only in daylight hours under the supervision of a 21+ rider with a valid license and at least one year of riding experience.

Steps to Get Your Motorcycle License in Illinois

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

If You Have a Valid Illinois Driver’s License

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

1. Get an M-class permit.
2. Practice riding and/or attend an IDOT motorcycle safety course or an IDOT-approved course. (Also make sure you have valid motorcycle insurance and adequate safety gear including a DOT approved helmet before taking your bike out on the street.)
3. Show your valid Illinois driver’s license at the DMV in your city.
4. Show your certificate of completion from your IDOT motorcycle rider education course to waive the skills test or complete the riding test. (Note, if you are under 18, you will have to pass the rider skill test at the DMV even if you completed your 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, before completing the steps above, you’ll need to take the Illinois Rules of the Road driver’s written test, pass the written motorcycle knowledge exam, and pass a vision test to get an M-class permit.

Where to Get Your Motorcycle License in Illinois

You can find out where you can get your Illinois motorcycle license on the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State website. There’s a search that allows you to filter DMV locations by whether or not they provide driver’s license services, motorcycle written tests, and motorcycle road tests.

The Difference Between a Class M and Class L License in Illinois

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.