There is no greater feeling than riding around town on your motorcycle. They offer mobility and freedom that other vehicles cannot reach, all while being extremely fun to use.
That being said, they have a much different process regarding getting a license. Getting a license in Maryland is pretty straightforward once you know what to do and how to do it.
The first step is always to get all of your documents ready and apply for the license, while the next one is to pass all the tests and pay all the fees.
Depending on your age, you may be asked to take a safety course, so you should be ready to do that. That is the crux of how to get a motorcycle license in Maryland.
Each of these steps has its own smaller requirements that may not seem visible at first but, upon some explanation, become much more obvious.
I will talk about all the things you need to be aware of when applying for a motorcycle license in Maryland.
Motorcycle License Requirements In Maryland
Before starting your application, you must know which license type you can apply for. This will require you to have a firm grip on your age’s rules and regulations.
Knowing Your Age
Depending on your age, you will have to provide different documents. This can also impact which type of license you can get depending on the state’s rules and whether or not that particular state has multiple licenses.
Ages Below 18
If you are below 18, along with doing a motorcycle safety program, you will have to submit the following documents:
- Your driver’s license.
- Your social security number.
- Your legal house of residence.
- A permission slip signed and written by your parents.
- Identity card.
Age 18 And Above
Being above 18 will allow you to skip taking the basic safety program, but you will have to bring the following documents:
- Identity card.
- Driver’s L¥license.
- Your social security number.
- Your marriage status (if any).
- Your legal house of residence.
Types Of Motorcycle Licenses
Each state has the authority to provide a different number of licenses, and you will have to apply for a specific one deepening on your age and other circumstances.
Luckily for you, the state of Maryland has simplified this process by simply having you apply for only one license.
M Class Motorcycle License
This license allows you to drive on public roads without the supervision of your parents. You will not be restricted to a particular type of motorcycle and not be held back by any timing restrictions either.
Learner’s Permit
If you are not as experienced in driving a motorcycle, you can apply for a learner’s permit, which has a few restrictions.
You cannot use a cell phone while riding your motorcycle and you can only drive with a person who is 21 years or above that has had his/her license for at least three years.
How To Apply For Your Maryland Motorcycle License
Now that you have a general idea of how you can get a motorcycle license in Maryland, I will tell you how you can go about getting it.
Step 1: Get A Driver’s License
- The first step is to get a normal driving license. This license shows that you are well aware of the rules of the road and can manage other vehicles.
- To get a normal driving license, you will first need to apply for one via the DMV/OMW.
- They will ask you similar steps to getting a motorcycle license which will help you get familiar with the process for your next license.
- After providing all of your documents, most if not all of them are the ones mentioned above; you will be asked to do a series of tests.
- The first test you will need to do is a vision test.
- There are three stages to getting a driver’s license. The first begins with the learner’s permit, while the next stage is the provisional license.
- Once you have stuck with your provisional license, simply carry out further tests, and you should get your full driver’s license.
Step 2: Testing For Your Motorcycle License
At this stage, you should have your permanent license. You can now apply for a motorcycle test which will have you do a series of tests.
I have listed all these tests below and will explain what you need to do to ace them.
1. Vision Test
A vision test is exactly what you would expect it to be. You will need to get your eyes checked, and to pass; you will need to have 20/40 vision.
If you somehow fail this test, you can simply go to an eye specialist and get some glasses or contact lenses. You can then retake the test.
2. Motorcycle Written Test
The written test is a bit stricter regarding Maryland but is similar. You will be tested on the rules of the road and basic motorcycle safety.
This test will have 25 multiple-choice questions; you must answer 22 correctly if you want to pass.
3. Motorcycle Road Test
In the Motorcycle road test, you will have to apply all the knowledge and skills you have learned up until now. You will be asked to do this test in a controlled environment or on public roads with a supervisor.
Moreover, you’d have to carry out simple tasks such as braking, accelerating and swerving through objects. You must do this as efficiently and safely as possible to maximize your chances of passing.
Step 3: Collecting Your Paperwork
Once you have completed all the tests, head back to the office and collect all the specific documents that they are willing to return.
You can also be asked to fill out other documents and forums, which you are recommended to do. Make sure all of your documents are accounted for.
Step 4: Go To Your Local Driver’s License Office
Now all that is left is for you to return to the office and collect your motorcycle license.
You should get a temporary license if you have passed all the tests. Whether or not you pass, you will have to pay the tests and the motorcycle license fees.
Once all the fees have been paid, you will be given a temporary license. You will have to make do with it until you get your permanent license.
Your permanent license will be sent to your house in around a week.
Ways To Get A Motorcycle Endorsement In MD
If you already have a motorcycle license, but it has since expired, you do not need to get another license. Instead, you can apply for a motorcycle endorsement. Luckily, the process is nearly identical.
Step 1: Apply For The Endorsement
Your first step should be to go to your local DMV and apply for the motorcycle endorsement. You will need to carry the same documents mentioned above and submit them to the office.
Step 2: Carry Out The Tests
Similar to the motorcycle license tests, you will be asked to pass the motorcycle written test and the road test. Since you already have a motorcycle license, this should be easy for you to do.
Step 3: Pay The Fees And Collect
Now all that’s left is for you to return to the office and pay all the fees. They should give you a motorcycle endorsement as a temporary card, with the main endorsement coming in the mail within a week or so.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How Long Will It Take To Get A Motorcycle License In Maryland?
Once you have completed all the tests and paid the fees, you will be given a temporary license.
If you are on the wait for your permanent license, you will have to wait at least 7 to 10 days before it is mailed directly to your house of residence.
Q2. How Much Will It Cost To Get A Motorcycle License In Maryland?
The fee for applying for an M Class Motorcycle License is $72. This fee does not include any money you may have to pay for tests or courses.
You will also be asked to pay an annual fee of $9. This means you can look for around $100 if you get your motorcycle license for the first time.
Q3. Should I Have A License To Ride A Motorcycle In Maryland?
Maryland has a strict requirement to have a motorcycle license if you want to drive your motorcycle publicly.
You will be subject to a fine if you are caught driving your motorcycle without one. Any damages or accidents you cause may also lead to losing your insurance.
Conclusion
What is the point of having a motorcycle if you cannot take it out for a spin on public roads?
Without a license, you are legally not allowed to drive your motorcycle and have to get one. Otherwise, you risk fines and getting the vehicle impounded.
Many people put off getting a motorcycle license simply because of how convoluted it can get.
Now that you have read this article, you should know how to get a motorcycle license in Maryland and what steps you need to take.
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.
