North Carolina
Motorcycle Test

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Motorcycle License

How To Get A North Carolina Motorcycle License

If you want to operate a motorcycle in North Carolina, you must have a motorcycle learner permit or a motorcycle endorsement on your driver license. North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires that applicants pass a motorcycle knowledge test and an off-street motorcycle skills test. Both tests are used as a way for North Carolina DMV to test applicants on their knowledge of safety and motorcycle operation. Individuals who are 16-18 years old will have to complete a motorcycle safety course run by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or the North Carolina Motorcycle Safety Education Program in order to obtain a motorcycle learner permit.

Any individual who already has an official motorcycle license from another state and is wanting to get a North Carolina motorcycle license will be exempt from taking the knowledge or on-cycle skills test. More information can be found on the North Carolina DMV website.

If you want to take the alternative route of obtaining your motorcycle endorsement on your driver license, you can take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course. These courses are for riders of all skill levels and provide an opportunity for riders to learn the basics of operating a motorcycle and safety-oriented mental strategies. Participants will be learning through classroom activities and off-street riding instruction. You can view the class locations and course schedules on their website.

Motorcycle Test

North Carolina Motorcycle License Test Tips

You can use this site to help you get the information you need to help you pass the North Carolina motorcycle knowledge test. The purpose of this test is to make sure you understand the laws of riding a motorcycle, the rules of lane positions and vehicle control, and how to properly get off the road when needed. The knowledge test will be based upon information from the Motorcyclists’ Handbook so be sure you read through the pages thoroughly. The information you learn will be best in keeping you and others around you safe.

After passing your knowledge test you can work toward passing the on-cycle skills test. This off-street motorcycle skills test will take about 20-25 minutes and an examiner will be scoring you. You will be demonstrating your skills in an obstacle course set up by North Carolina DMV. Some things you may be asked to perform are techniques such as the slow rider, pause and go, gear shift, right turn and quick stop, and/or serpentine. Do your best to spend time practicing your motorcycle skills before scheduling the test. When you are best prepared, you can find test locations here.

Additional Information

Information on the North Carolina Department of Transportation

The NC DOT is responsible for testing student drivers and licensing all drivers. To schedule your licensing examination or get more information contact them via:

Website:  https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/motorcycle/Pages/default.aspx
Phone:  919.715.7000

To find the office hours and / or location nearest you, please visit:
https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/locate-dmv-office/Pages/dmv-offices.aspx

Additional North Carolina Motorcycle License Helpful Links

Please use the links below to learn more about helpful topics related to the North Carolina motorcycle license test or other motorcycle license related topics.