Find information about what classifies as a motorcycle and motorized bicycle/scooter, requirements for driving one, licensing requirements and restrictions for age levels, and more. You can also find out what you need to study in order to obtain a motorcycle permit or license.
Licensing Requirements and Restrictions by Age
Restrictions on a Motorcycle Permit
- Restricted to daylight driving only
- Restricted to 510 CC motorcycles and under
- Must wear a helmet
- No passengers
You must visit a ND Driver License Site in person to become licensed. You must hold a valid motorcycle permit for two months prior to applying for a license. With a Basic Rider Course completion card from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation dated within one year, the road test will be waived. Submit the appropriate license fee.
Restrictions on a Motorcycle License
- Restricted to 510 CC motorcycles and under
- Must wear a helmet
Restrictions on a Motorcycle Permit
- Restricted to daylight driving only
- Must wear a helmet
- No passengers
Restrictions on a Motorcycle License
- Must wear a helmet
You must visit a ND Driver License Site in person to become licensed. With a Basic Rider Course completion card from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation dated within one year, the road test will be waived. To schedule your motorcycle skills test, please call our Scheduling Desk at 855-633-6835.
Restrictions on a Motorcycle Permit
- Restricted to daylight driving only
- No passengers
You must visit a ND Driver License Site in person to become licensed. With a Basic Rider Course completion card from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation dated within one year, the road test will be waived. Submit the appropriate license fee.
Motorcycle License FAQs
- Equipped with two or three wheels, no more than 32 inches wide
- Equipped with foot pedals or footrests
- Equipped with an automatic drive system (no clutch)
- With a maximum of two-brake horsepower
- With a maximum piston or rotor displacement of 49.98 cc (3.05 cubic inches enabling a speed not to exceed 30 mph on a level surface
- Valid permit or license of any class
- Must be at least 14 years of age or older
- Equipped with a seat or saddle for the use of the rider
- Designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground
- Excluding implements of husbandry
- With a minimum piston or rotor displacement of 49.99 cc or greater enabling a speed greater than 30 mph
Note: To operate a motorcycle, you must have a valid motorcycle permit or motorcycle license. If you do not have a valid permit/license, or if your permit/license is suspended, revoked or cancelled for any reason, you are not legal to operate a motorcycle.
- Apply in person at a ND Driver License Site.
- In order to obtain a North Dakota ID card, you must be a resident of North Dakota and provide proper proof of identity and lawful presence. Proof of identification is required.
- You must surrender all licenses issued from all other states or countries.
- Complete an application. All North Dakota applications require you to provide your physical North Dakota address.
- All applications for permit, license or identification card must contain a Social Security number. Social Security numbers will be verified with the Social Security Administration. Social Security numbers, however, will not be used as the driver license or identification card number.
- You must already have a valid learner's permit/driver license or have successfully completed the Rules of the Road knowledge test.
- Must successfully complete the Motorcycle knowledge test. The Motorcycle Operator Manual may help in successfully completing the test. We also offer the Motorcycle Operator Manual in audio format.
- Note: Anyone under 16 must provide proof of enrollment in a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course prior to testing. Either the Internet confirmation printout or a completion card will work. The North Dakota Motorcycle Safety Program site contains additional reference material.
- Successfully complete a vision screening.
In order to obtain a North Dakota Learner’s Permit, you will be required to successfully complete the motorcycle knowledge test. You can pick up a copy of the Motorcycle Operator Manual at any ND Driver License Site.
- Per attempt to pass permit test (one attempt allowed per day): $5
- Motorcycle permit fee: $8
- Road test: $5
Yes, North Dakota requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear an approved motorcycle helmet when operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle. Also, if the operator is under the age of 18, then any passenger regardless of age must also wear a helmet.