Get a Motorcycle License in Nevada
There are currently a number of ways to obtain a motorcycle license in the state of Nevada depending on your unique situation. If you are new to driving motorcycles, you must either pass a knowledge and skills test at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or pass a course offered by a third-party organization that has been approved by the DMV. If you are a new resident moving to Nevada from another state, you can most likely have your motorcycle endorsement (known as a class M license in Nevada) transferred. Continue reading to learn how you can get a motorcycle license in the state of Nevada.
Contents
Steps
Take an Approved Motorcycle Course by a Third-Party
- Contact one of the approved organizations closest to your city to sign up for a course and to learn about driving a motorcycle within guidelines for Nevada's Office of Traffic Safety.
- Las Vegas residents should call the College of Southern Nevada at 702-651-5790 to sign up for a course or visit the main campus located at 6375 West Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada 89146.
- Carson City residents can contact the Western Nevada College at 775-445-4268 or visit the campus at 2201 West College Parkway, Carson City, Nevada 89703.
- Reno residents should contact the Truckee Meadows Community College at 775-829-9010 or visit the campus at 7000 Dandini Boulevard, Reno, Nevada 89512.
- All other Nevada residents living in rural parts of Nevada can contact Nevada Rider at 800-889-8779 or 775-684-7480 to find an office nearest to their location.
- If you have Internet access, you may contact any of the above organizations by visiting their websites, which are linked to the Nevada DMV website found in the Sources section of this article.
- You are not required to bring a motorcycle or instructional driving permit with you to the course.
- Take your Certificate of Completion for the course and your current Nevada drivers license to the nearest DMV office to obtain an updated license with class M added to your driving profile.
- Bring a parent or guardian with you to the DMV if you are under the age of 18 because they will need to sign the financial responsibility statement on the application in person.
Take a Knowledge and Skills Test at the Nevada DMV
- Study the Motorcycle Operator Manual issued by the Nevada DMV before visiting a local office to take your knowledge test.
- Obtain a copy of the manual at a local Nevada DMV office or download a copy of the manual online by visiting the Nevada DMV Motorcycle Book website located in the Sources section of this article.
- Visit your nearest full-service Nevada DMV office to complete the application for a motorcycle license and to take the knowledge test.
- Bring your current Nevada drivers license and the applicable licensing and testing fees. The knowledge testing fee will cost 25 dollars and standard licensing fees will vary on an individual basis.
- Obtain a Motorcycle Instruction Permit if you plan on driving a motorcycle before you have taken and passed the skills test.
- If you obtain a permit, you must adhere to specific rules; such as riding the motorcycle during daylight hours only, no freeway driving, and driving under the visual supervision of a licensed motorcycle operator.
- Make an appointment with the DMV to take the skills test after completing the knowledge test.
- Visit the Online Scheduling section of the DMV website listed in the Sources section of this article or call to schedule an appointment. Las Vegas residents can call 702-486-4368, Reno, Sparks, and Carson City residents can call 775-684-4368, and all other Nevada residents can call 877-368-7828.
- Attend your appointment for the skills test with a motorcycle to complete the licensing process.
- Bring a motorcycle with an engine size you want to be licensed for to avoid restrictions. For example, if you bring a moped with an engine size of 50cc, you will only be licensed to ride motorcycles with engines sized at 50cc or less.
- The skills test will require you to demonstrate your working knowledge of the motorcycle and its controls. You will also complete an on-road test that includes changing lanes, stopping, and turning.
- An examiner present at the skills test will inspect your motorcycle for safety and verify that the motorcycle is registered and insured with the state of Nevada.
- Go into the DMV office after you have completed the skills test to have your picture taken for your license, which will be mailed to you within 10 days.
Transfer your Motorcycle License as a New Resident
- Take your current out-of-state drivers license, motorcycle endorsement if applicable, and additional proof of identity to your nearest Nevada DMV office to receive a new license.
- Bring your United States birth certificate or Social Security Card as proof of identity or contact the DMV directly to learn about other forms of identity you can bring.
- Pay the applicable fees to obtain a Nevada motorcycle license.
- A drivers license with a motorcycle class or endorsement will cost 27 dollars for residents aged 64 and under. The fee will cost 22 dollars for residents aged 65 and older.
- Receive your new drivers license with the motorcycle class M added within 10 days of visiting your local DMV office.
Tips
- To locate your nearest Nevada DMV office, call the Nevada State DMV switchboard at 800-992-0900 or visit the Nevada DMV website found in the Sources section of this article.
