How To Get A Motorcycle License In Connecticut

Motorcycles are a great way to get around—they’re fun, easy to park, and don’t require much maintenance. Plus, they look awesome!

But, to ride a motorcycle in most states, you need a motorcycle license. This license lets you identify yourself as someone who has taken the time to learn how to safely operate a motorcycle and identifies your skill level.

A motorcycle license is mandatory in most states, such as Connecticut. Many people still have not gotten a clear answer for how to get a motorcycle license in Connecticut.

In simple terms, you need a driver’s license to do so. Not only that, but you need to pass tests and pass a safety course. Only after that you can get your license endorsed for use with three or two-wheeled motorcycles.

I am aware of the fact that Connecticut’s license law is much tougher than in other states. That makes it all the way more important to read this article.

Missing out on any of the steps could lead to a delay for you in receiving your license. So, make sure you follow all steps listed here properly.

Let’s not waste any time and get straight into it!

Motorcycle License Requirements In Connecticut

This section will look at exactly what is needed to get a license in the state of Connecticut.

This is one of the more important sections of this article, so make sure you don’t skip out on any of the content.

Knowing Your Age

Yes, this is indeed true that the state has different license requirements according to which age group you belong to. Knowing your age is important, so you can know which category to apply into.

Let’s take a look!

Age Under 18

If you’re under 18 and looking to get your motorcycle license in Connecticut, there are a few things you need to know.

• First, you must be 16 or older to get a motorcycle license.
• If you are less than 18, you will also need a driver’s license to apply for your motorcycle license.
• Finally, you must also complete the non-commercial driver’s license form at the DMV.
• You also need parental consent, so make sure your parent or guardian signs the consent form in front of a notary.

Age 18 Above

• To get a motorcycle license in Connecticut, for an adult, you must be 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
• You can apply for a non-commercial driver’s license at any Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.
• It requires that you fill out an application, pay the fee, and pass the written test.
• The DMV will also administer a vision test, which you can take at any DMV office or a designated site in Connecticut.

Types Of Motorcycle Licenses

There are two types of license being offered by the state of Connecticut. I’ll discuss both of them below so you could understand them properly.

Type 1: M License

All motorcycle drivers must have an M license. You can apply for this license by passing the written test and riding skills training.

Type 2: M License With 3 Restrictions

This is a restricted M license that only allows you to drive two-wheeled motorcycles.

If you want to drive three-wheeled vehicles, or if you want to remove the restriction from your M license (if you already have one), then you can take a safety course approved by the DMV.

These are the only two licenses offered by the state of Connecticut to its residents. You must apply for the first one, as you may have to drive a three-wheeled vehicle in the future. So, why not prepare for the unknown now?

How To Apply For Your Connecticut Motorcycle License

The state of Connecticut does not offer a dedicated motorcycle license. They do give an endorsement on a person’s driver’s license.

So, instead of looking at how to get a motorcycle license, this section will look at how to get a driver’s license in the state.

Step 1: Apply For A Learner’s Permit

The first thing to do is to apply for a learner’s permit. This is mandatory for all people, regardless of their age group.

The minimum age for applying for a permit is 16 years. Let’s see what is in those tests, so you can prepare and study for them.

Step 2: Testing For Your Driver’s License

The steps to get a driver’s license issued are pretty simple. There are some tests that must be done. Read below to find out more about them.

1. Motorcycle Written Test

The written test is perhaps the most important one out of all. It assesses your road knowledge and allows DMV officials to determine if you are knowledgeable enough to be on the road.

It can include asking about road signs and other stuff too. Make sure you are fully prepared, as you need at least 21 of 25 correct answers to pass the test. There are no exceptions, and this test is not optional.

For those who want to know, the test is designed using the latest edition of Connecticut’s Driver Manual. This can be obtained from a local DMV office.

Although you can retake the knowledge test, it can only be taken after seven days. You will have to pay the test fee once again.

This is something to remember. So, make sure that you don’t come to the office empty-handed.

2. Motorcycle Vision Test

Unlike other states that test your skills and vision, Connecticut only tests you for vision.

This test should not be taken lightly as it assesses your capability to see things, which is extremely important while riding a motorcycle.

The minimal accepted vision for the test is 20/40 in one eye without glasses or contact lenses. Your peripheral vision must be 140 degrees.

For people with one eye only, it should be 100 degrees. This is important because peripheral vision allows your eyes to gather more data from the surroundings.

Step 3: Collecting Your Paperwork

After getting your permit, you can use it for up to two years. But it is recommended that you apply for a proper driver’s license after the appropriate time interval. There are a few more steps before you can get the license.

Step 4: Go To Your Local Driver’s License Office

Although the state of Connecticut does not take a skill test with other tests, it surely does at the time of creating your driver’s license.

If you do pass it, all you need to do is wait. You will receive your new driver’s license in the mail within a few weeks!

Ways To Get A Motorcycle Endorsement In CT

As you know, the state of Connecticut does not issue a separate motorcycle license. Instead, it is endorsed on your driver’s license. The steps for getting a license have already been shown above.

Let’s see how you can get a motorcycle endorsement!

Step 1: Provision Of Documents

The first thing, as expected, is to provide all proper documents. This means presenting your driver’s license, application for endorsement, and parental consent certificate if you are under 18 years old.

Step2 : Pass The Motorcycle Tests

The next thing to tackle is the motorcycle knowledge test. This one has less questions, with the total being 16. It is not too difficult, but you still need to ensure that you are prepared.

Step 3: Take A Safety Course

The final step is to complete a safety course. The course certificate that you receive will be valid for 24 months.
After completing the course, you can finally get a motorcycle license endorsement.

And that’s it. These were all the steps required to get a motorcycle license endorsement in Connecticut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How Long Will It Take To Get A Motorcycle License In Connecticut?

You can expect your license to arrive at your given address within 30 days.

Once you complete all the tests and submit all paperwork, you can expect the DMV to process your request and mail you your license within that time frame.

If it takes more time, you need to visit the nearest Connecticut DMV office as soon as possible.

Q2. How Much Will It Cost To Get A Motorcycle License In Connecticut?

The cost of getting a motorcycle license in Connecticut is $40 for the vision and knowledge tests and $30 for adding an endorsement to your license.

Moreover, it will cost you $16 for a learner’s permit if you are under 18 years old. If you fail your written test, you can retake it after paying a fee of $40.

Q3. Should I Have A License To Ride A Motorcycle In Connecticut?

If you’ve been considering getting a motorcycle license in Connecticut, you’re probably wondering if you need one.

The short answer is yes. You won’t get a separate motorcycle license, though—you’ll get endorsed on your driver’s license instead.

This is because it’s illegal to ride a motorcycle without being properly endorsed. If you do so, you could be in serious legal trouble.

Conclusion

You now know how to get a motorcycle license in Connecticut!

You’ve learned about the different steps and requirements you need to meet to get your license, but I also hope that you’ve gained a better understanding of what it means to drive a motorcycle.

Don’t forget to practice your skills in a safe environment before hitting the open road.

And don’t forget to always be aware of your surroundings, especially when on the roads with other drivers who may not be as familiar with motorcycles as you are.

What are you waiting for? Go and get your new license, so you can return to the road as soon as possible!