How to Get a Motorcycle License in Arizona

If the appeal of the open road is proving too much of a temptation, then it’s time for you to consider getting your license to ride. If you live in Arizona and are thinking of getting your license, then you’re in the right place to find out more. Stay tuned as we talk you through how to go about getting your Arizona motorcycle license, including acing the knowledge test, sitting the medical exams, and paying those all-important fees.

Applying for an Instruction Permit in Arizona

Operating any kind of vehicle without a valid permit isn’t just illegal, it could result in serious problems if you have a road accident and file an insurance claim. Fortunately, the process of obtaining a license in Arizona is easier than you might think. The first step in the process is applying for a permit. Once you get this, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a licensed rider. In Arizona, the minimum age for applying for an instruction permit is 15 and a half years old. If you don’t already hold a driving permit, you’ll be required to pass both a driver’s test and a riding test before the ADOT will issue a permit. Otherwise, passing the riding test is the only requirement.

The tests are based on manuals that can be obtained directly from the ADOT. As all the test questions are taken directly from the manuals, it’s worth cribbing up as much as possible. If needed, you can retake the test three times in any twelve-month period without repeating the application fee. If you’re under the age of 18 years old, you’ll need to hold onto your permit for at least 6 months before you can apply for your full license. Additionally, an approved riding education program will need to be passed before you can apply. Alternatively, you can provide a written statement from a parent confirming that you’ve completed a minimum of thirty hours of practice.

Once you receive your permit, you’re allowed to ride public roadways under certain conditions. As per the ADOT, these conditions include:

• Riding is only permitted between sunrise and sunset
• No riding on freeways and interstate highways
• No riding after dark in poor visibility
• No passengers should be carried

Make sure you don’t violate the conditions, or you could have your permit taken away.

The Next Steps

Now you’ve got your permit, you can move onto the next step. Applying for your license in Arizona is a multipart process that requires the successful completion of various written and practical tests. These include:

Knowledge Test

• If you don’t hold an existing license, a driver’s written test will need to be passed before progressing further.
• Regardless of whether you already drive or not, all applicants are required to sit a written test based on riding operating standards. This will test your basic knowledge of road safety and riding.
• For your application to be processed, expect a small fee to be charged. As per permit.bike says, the fees vary depending on your age. Currently, they stand as follows:
• $25: 16 – 39 years old
• $20: 40 – 44 years old
• $15: 45 – 49 years old
• $10: 50 and older

In addition, you should expect a further $7 fee just before your license is issued.

Skills Test

All applicants are required to complete a skills test to demonstrate their riding ability. The test is fairly basic, and will usually take no more than between 10 and 15 minutes from start to finish. You’ll be expected to demonstrate various riding capabilities, including street riding and riding in enclosed parking lots. The test isn’t there to trip you up, so don’t worry unnecessarily about the possibility of failing. Providing you know your stuff, you shouldn’t have too many difficulties in getting through it with flying colors.

Medical Test

Before you can get your freedom to ride, a completed questionnaire confirming whether you have any medical conditions that could comprise your driving ability or put other road users at risk will be requested. You will also be required to undergo a sight test. Your vision without lenses or glasses should be at least 20/40 to get an unrestricted license. If it’s less than this, you will be issued one with restrictions (i.e., it will only be valid if you’re wearing corrective lenses of the correct prescription).

The Types of Licenses Available in Arizona

Once you complete the written and evaluative elements of your test, hand your completion card into the ADOT. Once you have paid the $7 processing fee and passed the required vision test, they’ll issue your license. As sgplaw.com writes, Arizona issues various forms of permits depending on the type of vehicles you can legally operate. If you hold a license already, you can simply add a Class M endorsement onto it. If you’re not a current driver, you’ll get a full Class M license. Depending on which vehicles you’re able to drive, you’ll be issued with one of the following:

• Class A, B, or C with a Class M Endorsement – Adding an endorsement onto this kind of permit will allow the holder to operate both commercial vehicles and motorcycles. You must be at least 21 years old before applying.
• Class D with a Class M Endorsement – This is a standard license authorizing the holder to operate non-commercial vehicles. If you already hold a Class D, you can apply for a Class M endorsement on the provision you are at least 18 years old.
• Class G with a Class M Endorsement – This is an option for those aged between 16 and 18 years of age. Once issued, it authorizes the holder to operate any passenger vehicle. For your application to be successful, you must hold both an Arizona driver permit and an Arizona motorcycle permit for a minimum of 6 months. You will also need to successfully complete a skills test and a safety course, and provide confirmation that you’ve received 30 hours of accompanied instruction.
• Class M – If you don’t have a current driver’s permit, apply for a Class M. You must be at least 16 years old. If you’re under the age of 18, you must hold an instruction permit for at least 6 months. You should also complete an approved education program, along with a skills test and a training course.

Regardless of the type, your license will be valid until you’re 65 years old. Your eye test and photo will need to be updated once every 12 years. If you’re over the age of 60, you’ll receive a 5 years license and will need to re-apply once every 5 years for however long you intend to keep riding.