How to Get A Motorcycle License in Illinois

Learn how to get a motorcycle license in Illinois from our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers. 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. After successful completion 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 a written exam and road test at the DMV to get your motorcycle license.

Whether you decide to participate in a motorcycle training program or not, you’ll need to study the complete 2025 Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual in order to pass the knowledge requirement tests for both your permit and your license.

Quick Guide to Getting a Motorcycle License in Illinois

How to Get an M-Class Motorcycle Permit in Illinois

To get your motorcycle permit in Illinois, visit a DMV location, schedule an appointment, pass the permit test, and pay a $10 fee.

The test has 15 questions based on the Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual, which also includes sample questions to help you prepare. You’ll need to get at least 12 questions right to pass and receive your learner’s permit.

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

If you’re 18+ with a valid Illinois driver’s license, you must pass the motorcycle written test to get a permit. Without a valid regular driver’s license, you’ll need to pass the driver’s exam (based on the 2025 Illinois Rules of the Road manual), a vision test, and the motorcycle written test. If you’re 16 or 17, have completed driver education, and completed an IDOT-approved rider course, you can get a permit for a larger bike.

Your permit is valid for 24 months. In Illinois, you can only practice riding during daylight hours and must be supervised by a licensed rider who is at least 21 years old and has over a year of riding experience.

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

If you’re 16 or 17, have finished driver education, and passed the motorcycle permit test, you can get a 24-month permit to ride a motor-driven cycle under 150cc. You can practice during daylight hours with supervision from a licensed rider aged 21+ who has at least one year of riding experience.

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

If You Have a Valid Illinois Driver’s License

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

1. Get an M-class permit.
2. Ride your motorcycle safely by practicing or taking an IDOT motorcycle safety course. Before you hit the road, make sure you have valid motorcycle insurance and the right safety gear, including a DOT-approved helmet.
3. Show your valid Illinois driver’s license at the DMV in your city.
4. Show your IDOT motorcycle rider course certificate of completion to waive the skills test or take the riding test. (Note: if you’re under 18, you’ll still need to pass the rider skill test at the DMV, even if you completed the basic rider course.)
5. Pay the $10 Illinois motorcycle license fee.

First-Time Applicants

To get an M-class permit in Illinois, you’ll need to pass the Rules of the Road written test, the motorcycle knowledge exam, and a vision test, if you don’t already have a valid Illinois driver’s license.

Find out where to get your Illinois motorcycle license on the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State website. You can search to filter DMV locations by driver’s license services, motorcycle written tests, and road tests.

The Difference Between an Illinois Class M License and Class L License

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

The Illinois Secretary of State reports that over half of all crashes involve motorcycle riders with less than six months of experience. At The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, we know how stressful a motorcycle accident can be, especially for new riders, and we’re here to help.