How To Get A Motorcycle License In Mississippi

Each state has its own rules when it comes to acquiring a license. This means that if a certain state requires you to carry out a set of tasks, it may not be the case that another state will ask for the same.

This can cause many issues, especially if you have just moved states. If you have recently moved to the state of Mississippi, you may not know the rules and ways you need to follow to acquire a license.

In this article, I will tell you how to get a motorcycle license in Mississippi and do so step by step. You can start by getting your license at the age of 17. All you need to do is get your driver’s license and apply for a motorcycle license, then take a few tests and pay a fee.

All of this should be relatively simple to understand and achieve, but if you have any issues with getting a license, this article should help clear things up.

Motorcycle License Requirements In Mississippi

The first requirement you will face on your path to getting a motorcycle license is getting to the right age. Along with this, you will need to know what type of license you will be applying for.

Both of these are linked, so I will talk about them side by side in this section of the article.

Knowing Your Age

In Mississippi, you cannot apply for a motorcycle license if you are below 17. That being said, you can take steps to get yourself on the path to a motorcycle license. It all starts by submitting specific documents.

Age 14 To 16

While you cannot apply for an actual license, you can use the following documents to get started on your journey to get a motorcycle license:

• Birth certificate.
• Proof of residency.
• A parent or guardian’s signature.
• Proof of identity.
• Proof of a finished motorcycle training program.
• Social security card.

Age 17 And Above

Once you are 17 and above, you will need to have the following documents to get yourself a motorcycle license:

• Birth certificate.
• Residency Proof.
• Proof of legal/marriage status.
• Proof of identity.
• Social security card.

Types Of Motorcycle Licenses

Depending on your age, you will have to apply for different licenses in Mississippi. While there is technically only one license, under-aged applicants can apply for a learner’s permit.

M Class Motorcycle License

This license allows you to drive your motorcycle without restrictions. While you must follow helmet rules, you will not be required to do anything else.

This means you will not be asked to ride a certain motorcycle or at a specific time.

Learner’s Permit

Using a learner’s permit, you can ride a motorcycle but must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 years old and has a valid motorcycle license.

This permit is mostly used for practice to get you on track to getting a motorcycle license.

How To Apply For Your Mississippi Motorcycle License

I gave a small and brief mention of the steps you need to follow to get yourself a motorcycle license in Mississippi but here, I will expand on all of those steps and more.

Step 1: Get A Driver’s License

Before you can start to apply for your motorcycle license, you should know that you are required to have a driving license first.

If you do not already have one, it is time that you apply for one.

Once you have applied for your driver’s license, you must submit the correct documentation to proceed forward.

Go to the office and fill out a form after giving all your documents. You will then be asked to carry out a series of tests.

The first test you will have to pass is the vision test. Once that is completed, you will move on to the knowledge test. This test can either be written or computerized.

Your final test will be a road test which you also have to pass.

Once all of the tests have been completed, you will have to pay the application and licensing fees, and then you will have your driver’s license within a week or so.

Step 2: Testing For Your Motorcycle License

I mentioned various tests you had to pass to get your driver’s license. I will explain all of these tests here. The same is true for the motorcycle license; all tests are similar.

1. Vision Test

The first test you will have to deal with is quite simple. A simple eye examination will check your ability to see far distances.

This integral test needs to be passed as you cannot drive a motorcycle without being able to see correctly for your safety.

If you fail this test, you must visit an eye specialist and get new glasses or lenses. You can then retake the test.

2. Motorcycle Written Test

Depending on the place where you are applying for the license, you may have to give this test on a computer, but for the most part, the contents of the test should be the same.

You will be assessed on your basic motorcycle knowledge and road rules.

To pass this test, you must correctly answer 80% of all the questions to proceed to the next test. If you fail this test, you can always apply later, but you will still have to pay for the test that you failed.

3. Motorcycle Road Test

The final test you will be asked to pass is the road test, which can be done on a set course or on public roads.

In this test, your prior knowledge will be put to practical use as you will be asked to demonstrate how well you can ride your motorcycle.

You will be asked to carry out how basic movements like accelerating, starting, and stopping the bike, along with swerving through obstacles and u-turns.

Lastly, if you fail this test, you can reapply for this as well, but you will be penalized with the test fee.

Step 3: Collecting Your Paperwork

Now that you have passed all your tests, all that is left is to get your paperwork from the office. You need to make sure that all your documents are well accounted for.

These documents often have your vital information, so make sure none of them are misplaced or lost. You should also fill out any forms you may be given.

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

With all the steps out of the way, your final task is to go back to the DMV office and collect your motorcycle license.

You will have to pay for all the tests and the license fee, but once you do that, you should be handed over your temporary motorcycle license.

You will have your permanent one sent to you via mail to your legal house of residence.

This process may take up to 3 weeks so you should be patient and make do with your temporary license.

Ways To Get A Motorcycle Endorsement In MS

If you are already unaware, the motorcycle license is separate from an endorsement. An endorsement is added to your existing driver’s license.

Here is how you can get one:

Step 1: Apply For One

Go to your local DMV and ask to apply for a motorcycle endorsement. You will have to provide the same documents listed above and be ready to pay the fees that come with an endorsement.

Step 2: Take The Exams

The same variety of tests I have discussed above will come in your path to your motorcycle endorsement and you will have to pass all of them without any major issues.

Step 3: Collect Your Reward

Once you pass all the tests, you can simply go back to the DMV office and collect your motorcycle endorsement. Just make sure to have all of your fees and payments ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The entire process of getting a motorcycle in Mississippi should not take longer than three weeks.

At a minimum, you can expect your motorcycle license to be delivered in under a week but generally, a 2 to 3 weeks wait time should be considered.

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

A motorcycle permit will cost you $1, while getting an endorsement will take you $5.

If you are getting a new license, you will have to pay $17 to have the license for four years or $33 for eight years, with the latter being cheaper in the long run.

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

Driving your motorcycle can be much less stressful if you do it legally. You need a license if you want to legally ride your motorcycle on public roads; otherwise, you can get pulled over by the police.

This will most likely lead to a fine you will have to pay.

Conclusion

In the end, things are quite simple in the state of Mississippi. Many of the steps that the state has you go through are similar to the ones that other states will have you go through.

All you mainly need to do is know the documents the state requires and what comes in the test. The rest is up to your knowledge and execution of the road test.

Having a good grip on all of this is the main thing you need to know if you do not know how to get a motorcycle license in Mississippi.