According to federal law, every state is required to have traffic regulation laws in place.
Earlier this year, I wrote about motorcycle helmet laws on this website, which is a more lenient example.
However, when it comes to motorcycle licenses, all states take it very seriously, and Arizona is no exception.
Now you might be wondering how to get a motorcycle license in Arizona. Well, the answer mainly depends on your age. The age limit for anyone to have a motorcycle license is 18 years and above. Under 18, there is a learning period before the license is available.
If all you want to know is what the age threshold is around motorcycle licensing, this much information should be enough.
However, if you are looking for details on getting a motorcycle license in the state of Arizona, I recommend you finish reading this article.
Motorcycle License Requirements In Arizona
I will now proceed to explain the difference between the types of motorcycle licenses that can be obtained based on your age.
Arizona has multiple classes of driver’s licenses available. The ones for motorcycles come under class M. There are quite a few requirements for the class M license.
Knowing Your Age
The class M license can be made individually and can also be added as an endorsement to an already existing driver’s license.
I will discuss both of these in detail later in this article. For now, these are the requirements for getting the license based on the person’s age.
Age Under 18
Those who are under the age of 18 are required to have the following information presented:
- An application form is filled out.
- Identification of citizenship.
- Proof of having spent the learner period.
- Application and test fees.
- Proof of residency.
- Passed the knowledge test and the safety course.
Age 18 Above
Those who are above the age of 18 are required to have the following information presented:
- Proof of residency.
- An application form is filled out.
- Application and test fees.
- Identification of citizenship.
- Passed the knowledge test and the safety course.
Types Of Motorcycle Licenses
Now, I’ll talk about the license itself, and as I mentioned before. There is also a learner’s permit that needs to be talked about.
Everything is explained below:
Learner’s Permit
This permit is for those under the age of 18. This can be received by anyone who is at least 15 and half years old.
Once received, the person is supposed to drive under the supervision of someone over 18 and is a license holder.
There are also set times and locations for learners to drive legally. Learners cannot drive interstate or on highways, and they cannot drive between sunset and sunrise.
Class M Motorcycle License
This is the only type of motorcycle license that is available for both those who are under or over the age of 18.
For under 18 applicants, they must have completed their 6-month training period with a learner’s permit before they can apply.
After doing so, they can achieve their class M license in the same process as any adult.
Once received, the license is valid until the person is 65. During this time, you will have to give eyesight tests every 12 years.
How To Apply For Your Arizona Motorcycle License
I did mention this briefly before, but this is the main meat of the article. If you plan on applying for a motorcycle license in Arizona, then you will need this information.
Step1: Get A Driver’s License
- Firstly, if you are under 18, you need to apply for a learner’s permit before you can become eligible for a class M license.
- After this, you need to spend a learning period of 6 months driving under supervision.
- Once this period passes, you are eligible to apply for the class M license like anyone over 18.
- Note that if you turn 18 before the training period is over, you are automatically eligible.
- When applying, take your valid documents to the Arizona MVD (Motor Vehicle Department).
- When applying, under 18 applicants need to have written a statement from a parent or guardian confirming that they have completed the 6-month learner period.
- When your application is complete, you will be given dates for your tests.
- Upon passing these, you will receive a temporary receipt or a temporary license until your actual license is sent to you by mail.
Step 2: Testing For Your Motorcycle License
There are quite a few tests that the MVD will have to take before they can certify whether you can drive on the road.
These tests are important because they tell you which parts of your motorcycle driving or road knowledge you are weak in.
These are the tests that you will need to pass:
1. Written Motorcycle Knowledge Test
- This is a written test designed to test your knowledge of motorcycle driving and road sense.
- The test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions.
- These questions are all based on the Arizona Driver License Manual, so make sure that you read through it carefully.
- The medium of this test is digital, so instead of writing down or marking it on a bubble sheet, you give the test on a computer.
- To pass this test, you must score over 80%.
- Practice tests are available on the official website of the state of Arizona in case you want to get a taste of what the actual test looks like.
2. Vision Test
- The vision test, as is quite self-explanatory from the name, is a test designed to check your visibility on the road.
- This includes getting your eyes tested and getting prescription glasses if you need them.
- This test will also help you find your range of vision, which will benefit you on the road.
3. Verbal Knowledge Test
- The verbal knowledge test is an alternative to the written knowledge test.
- This is for those who are unable to read and write.
- That also includes people from a foreign country who are not proficient in the English language.
- This test is also an option for those who end up failing the written test a large number of times.
4. Motorcycle Road Test
- This is the main test to determine whether you are legally eligible to drive a motorcycle.
- You will be driving a motorcycle with a supervisor who will provide instructions.
- You will be made to drive in various scenarios you may need to experience on the road.
- Your reactions and responses to said instructions and situations will be observed.
- The supervisor will also look at your general motorcycle operation ability.
Step 3: Collecting Your Paperwork
- Generally, it is a good idea to only submit copies of your documents.
- If you did submit the originals, ensure you get them back before you leave.
- This is because you will need them in the future.
Step 4: Go To Your Local Driver’s License Office
- Once all your tests are complete, you must visit your local driver’s license office.
- Here you will pay the fee to receive your license.
- The temporary license you will hold until your actual license is mailed to you will also be given to you here.
Ways To Get A Motorcycle Endorsement IN AZ
If you already have a driver’s license, you do not need to get a separate one driving a motorcycle.
This is because the state of Arizona allows you to get a motorcycle endorsement on your already existing driver’s license.
For this, you will need to have a driver’s license that is valid in the state of Arizona. You will need to go to the MVD, but the process will not be as extensive as getting a stand-alone motorcycle license.
In Arizona, licenses are divided into classes. An operating license, which is the most common one as it allows for driving cars, is a class D license.
When you get an endorsement on any other class of license, that class is added to your license, making it valid for both of the classes.
Hence, for example, you are a class D license holder, and you received an endorsement to be able to drive motorcycles.
Your license would now be both a class D and class M license. This means that you are eligible to legally drive both a motorcycle and a car in the state of Arizona.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How Long Will It Take To Get A Motorcycle License In Arizona?
Getting certified to be able to drive a motorcycle will take only as long as it takes you to pass the required tests.
You will be able to drive with the temporary license provided to you. The actual license, however, could take about a week to be delivered to your door.
Q2. How Much Will It Cost To Get A Motorcycle License In Arizona?
Since a motorcycle license is seen as an endorsement in Arizona, the cost is quite inexpensive. The total cost for you to get a motorcycle license, as of march 2021, is just $7.
Q3. Should I Have A License To Ride A Motorcycle In Arizona?
Yes, driving a motorcycle without a valid license is illegal, so you should get one made before you hit the road in the state of Arizona. You could get into legal trouble if you do get caught driving without one.
Conclusion
A license is a certification showing that you are capable of operating something. This is also the case for motorcycles.
This is why you can see the government enforcing their use, as it keeps both you and your fellow drivers safe.
I hope that after reading this article, you know the process of how to get a motorcycle license in Arizona.
If you are of a valid age and plan on driving a motorcycle, do make sure that you get a motorcycle license. This will keep you from getting in trouble with local law enforcement as well.
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.
