How to Get a Motorcycle License in Iowa

Learn how to get a motorcycle license in Iowa from our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers.

According to the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT), to ride a motorcycle on the open road in Iowa, you need a Motorcycle Instruction Permit, Motorcycle Endorsement, or a Class M License. These are available at any driver’s license issuance site. A permit allows for supervised riding to practice skills in advance of seeking a motorcycle endorsement on an existing Iowa driver’s license or getting a Class M (motorcycle only) license.

The IDOT offers a motorcycle manual that includes essential safety information for riding motorcycles on Iowa roads.

How to Get a Motorcycle License in Iowa Explained By Andrew Kryder, ESQ

What Is Considered a Motorcycle in Iowa?

In Iowa, a motorcycle is defined as any motor vehicle with two or three wheels (excluding tractors) that can reach speeds greater than 30 mph. This includes motorcycles, mopeds, and motorized bicycles.

The Motorcycle Instruction Permit

Before applying for a motorcycle endorsement or Iowa motorcycle license, you must first get a Motorcycle Instruction Permit. This allows you to practice riding on public roads with a licensed rider nearby. They must stay within sight and hearing distance and be on or in a different motor vehicle. Only one permitted learner may be supervised by a licensed driver at a time.

How to Get a Motorcycle Instruction Permit

To get an Iowa motorcycle instruction permit, first pass the motorcycle knowledge exam and a vision screening. Your riding permit will be issued for one four-year term with no renewal allowed.

Requirements for Riders Aged 14-17

If you’re 14 to 17 year old, a motorcycle permit allows you to ride with a licensed parent, guardian, or immediate family member (21+) or with written parental permission and a licensed supervisor (25+).

How Much Does a Motorcycle Instruction Permit Cost?

It costs $2 per year to add a motorcycle instruction permit to an existing license or $14 if you’re getting a motorcycle instruction permit and don’t already have another type of license.

Motorcycle Endorsement added to Iowa Driver’s License

In Iowa, a motorcycle endorsement added to your license allows you to legally operate a motorcycle. To get it, you must pass a knowledge test, a motorcycle skills test (the driving test), and a vision screening.

How to Waive the Skills Test

The department may waive the skills test if you’ve completed an Iowa-approved motorcycle rider education course.

How Much Does a Motorcycle Endorsement Cost?

It costs $2/year with the same expiration as the existing license.

Class M—Motorcycle Only License

A Class M license in Iowa is valid only for motorcycle riding and cannot be used for other motor vehicles. To get a license valid only for a motorcycle, you must pass the motorcycle and operator knowledge tests, a skills test on your motorcycle, and a vision screening.

How to Waive the Skills Test

The department may waive the skills test if you’ve completed an Iowa-approved motorcycle rider education course.

How Much Does a Class M Motorcycle License Cost?

It costs $6/year and is valid for 8 years for riders under 78 years of age.

Moped (Motorized Bicycle) License Only

This license is valid only for moped (motorized bicycle) driving and cannot be used for other motor vehicles.

To get a moped-only license, you will need to pass the vision screening and the operator knowledge test.

How to Waive the Skills Test

The knowledge test may be waived if you have a valid operator instruction permit or driver’s license. If you are under 16, you must complete an Iowa-approved moped education course. A driving test may still be required.

How Much Does a Moped License Cost?

A moped (motorized bicycle) license is $6/year and valid for 2 years.

What Iowa-Approved Motorcycle Education Courses Are Available?

Taking an Iowa-approved motorcycle education course is recommended, especially for younger riders.

The Iowa Department of Transportation recommends or requires riders, especially those under 18, to complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course (BRC) or similar approved course. This course teaches basic riding skills and safety through classroom instruction and on-cycle instruction. Successfully completing it waives the motorcycle license skills test.

What Insurance Is Required for Motorcycles in Iowa?

Iowa doesn’t require motorcycle owners to have insurance by law. However, under the Financial & Safety Responsibility Act, you could lose your license and registration if you can’t prove you have motorcycle insurance or another form of financial responsibility after an accident.

Getting Help If You’re in a Motorcycle Accident

In 2023, the Iowa Department of Public Safety reported 63 motorcyclists died in Iowa, accounting for 16% of traffic deaths—even though motorcycles are only 4% of registered vehicles. Of those killed, 74% weren’t wearing helmets. Iowa is one of three states without a universal helmet law. Rider error is the main cause of single-vehicle crashes, and the state’s motorcycle fatality rate exceeds the national average.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries caused by someone else’s negligence, call the attorneys at our personal injury law firm to get help.