Traffic regulation is very important, no matter where you are driving. Not just for your safety but the safety of others on the road.
Every state in the United States has laws ensuring this regulation takes place. The state of Alabama is no exception to this.
The local government of Alabama requires all motorcycle riders to have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s licenses.
The question that residents of Alabama might be asking is “How to get a motorcycle license in Alabama”. The first thing you’ll need to do is to figure out which license suits you. This will depend on your age.
You will then need to conduct a written test followed by a road test. Finally, you will then have to register your motorcycle. This will finish the requirements and get you your license.
This should be enough information to give you a general idea of how to get a motorcycle license, but I will explain further information that you will need to know if you want to properly and efficiently get your motorcycle license.
Motorcycle License Requirements In Alabama
In this part of the article, I will go in-depth to inform you about all the motorcycle license requirements you need to know in the state of Alabama.
This will help you determine which motorcycle license suits you and how to apply for the correct one.
Knowing Your Age
The earliest you can get a license in the state of Alabama is by age 14. This is known as the restricted M class license.
As by the name, it allows you to get a more restricted version of a typical motorcycle license. Once you reach 16, you can get a non-restricted M-class license.
Age Under 21
If you are below the age of 21, you need to provide the following information:
- Identification and citizenship documents.
- Residency.
- Proof of school enrollment (if any).
- A completed application form.
- Proof that you have passed the safety course and knowledge exam.
- Payment for application fees and the test.
Age 21 Above
If you are above the age of 21, you need to provide the following information:
- Identification and citizenship documents.
- Residency.
- Proof of school enrollment (if any).
- A completed application form.
- Proof that you have passed the safety course and knowledge exam.
- Payment for application fees and the test.
Types Of Motorcycle Licenses
Depending on your age, you will have to apply for two different types of licenses.
I will explain these two types of licenses here for your convenience. This will enable you to decide which license is suitable for you:
Type 1: Restricted Class M License
A restricted Class M license allows you to only be able to drive a motor-driven cycle only. In Alabama, a moped is classified as a motor-driven cycle.
Type 2: Unrestricted Class M License
An unrestricted Class M license allows you to drive all types of motorcycles or motor-driven cycles without any restrictions.
How To Apply For Your Alabama Motorcycle License
In this section, I will go in-depth into how you can apply for and get a motorcycle license in Alabama.
If you already have had a license in the past, then you can simply reapply for an endorsement. If not, then make sure to read this part of the article carefully!
Step 1: Get A Driver’s License
- To get a driving license in the state of Alabama, you will have to pass a vision, knowledge, and skill test on the road.
- You can opt to first get a learner’s permit to practice driving on the road under careful supervision.
- You will have to apply in person at the DMV or driver’s license office.
- Provide all of the required documents as listed above.
- You will then move on to the testing phase, in which you must pass three tests.
- Once you pass all these tests, you will have to pay all the fees.
- You will receive your temporary license from the office and receive your permanent one within 30 days via mail.
Step 2: Testing For Your Motorcycle License
Now that you have your driver’s license, you will need to go apply for the motorcycle license and pass the two main tests required to get the license.
1. Motorcycle Written Test
- The written test will test your knowledge of safe riding practices and road rules.
- This information is based on the DMV motorcycle operator manual.
- The test consists of 30 questions. To pass; you must receive a total rating of 80% or correctly guess 24 questions.
2. Motorcycle Road Test
- Along with the written exam, you will also have to do an on-cycle test to receive your license.
- The department of Public Safety must schedule this test.
- You must have all the required documents listed in this article when you go for this test and present it to your examiner.
- The test itself is designed for you to show your basic abilities and perform basic maneuvers.
- You must also display proper hand signals for stopping and turning your motorcycle.
- Along with showing safety while accelerating, you will also have to show that you can brake safely.
- This involves braking on inclined surfaces and sudden stops.
- Practicing for this test is recommended so you can ace it first try.
Step 3: Collecting Your Paperwork
- Now that you have successfully given your motorcycle driving test, you need to collect all of the documents you gave to the examiner.
- These documents should include all of the ones that have been listed above, including your learner’s permits, school enrollments, and identification documents
- If you have given copies or were required to permanently give your documents, you do not have to collect them.
- If you have successfully passed the driving and written tests, you should be eligible for a driving license.
Step 4: Go To Your Local Driver’s License Office
- Once you have passed the tests, you can return to the office to collect your temporary license.
- Before receiving your license, you will have to pay the fee for the test along with the license fee as well.
- The permanent license should be delivered to you by mail within 30 days.
- From this point onwards, the only reason you should likely visit the office is to get a motorcycle endorsement.
Ways To Get A Motorcycle Endorsement In AL
As hinted above, your new motorcycle license will not last forever and must be renewed. Instead of doing all of the tests again, you can simply get a motorcycle endorsement.
Here is how you can get one:
Step 1: Provision Of Documents
When you visit your department of Public Safety Office, you will need to provide all of the documents you have been told to bring again and again.
These include documents related to your residency and identification, along with ones related to citizenship. You must have a completed endorsement application and school enrollment form if that applies to you.
Make sure you have all of these documents when you visit the office. If you cannot provide all of these documents, you will not be able to get your motorcycle endorsement.
Step 2: Pass A Motorcycle Knowledge Test
This written test will be similar to the previous written test and test all of your knowledge on the basics of driving a motorcycle.
While previously, you had to take both a knowledge test as well as a course test and also had to take a vision test for the driver’s license.
Now you can choose between a knowledge test or a safety course.
Step 3: Take A Safety Course
The Alabama Motorcycle Safety Program also offers a safety test that you can opt to complete if you feel as if your written knowledge is not up to par.
This will enable you to take a safety course that will equally benefit you and fulfill all the requirements you need to get an endorsement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How Long Will It Take To Get A Motorcycle License In Alabama?
The time it will take to get your motorcycle license will generally depend on how long it takes to pass all of your tests.
If you fail a test, you will have to wait a day, increasing your time. You will be issued your unrestricted M-class driver’s license if all goes well.
Q2. How Much Will It Cost To Get A Motorcycle License In Alabama?
Starting with the written exam, you will have to pay a $5 fee. Moving along, once you finally get your license, you will have to pay an additional cost of $36.25.
If you want to add an endorsement to an already existing license, then that will cost you around $5 less, putting the price to $31.2
Q3. Should I Have A License To Ride A Motorcycle In Alabama?
You need an M-class license to drive your motorcycle in Alabama. This was, however, not always the case, and it was only recently implemented.
Conclusion
Having a license is an important factor in determining whether you are fit to drive your motorcycle on open roads or not.
If you do not have a license, you risk getting pulled over by the police. This is because you have not proven capable enough to drive a motorcycle to the state.
This could be either because you failed your motorcycle license test or didn’t know how to get a motorcycle license in Alabama.
Luckily, now you do and should be able to do all the necessary steps to get that license.
I am a passionate blogger who wants to spread my interest in motorcycles. Fueled by my love for motorcycles, I provide readers with valuable insights and updates on motorcycles’ informative and engaging topics and document the latest happenings in the biking community. Despite my hectic schedule, I can provide these blogs, which involve regular trips to the gym and sports like mountain biking and BMX. I am usually available most of the time, so be sure to join me on my journey of motorcycles and bikes! I appreciate a quiet and simple life and am always eager to interact with my readers to provide helpful information on my blog site.
