Motorcycle Endorsement
To be licensed to operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle in Oklahoma, you need to have an "L" endorsement on your current Oklahoma Driver License. If you do not have a current Oklahoma Driver License, you will have to apply for a Motorcycle Permit before receiving a motorcycle-only restricted license.
Eligibility
You must have a motorcycle “L” endorsement on your current Oklahoma Driver License if you drive any of the following:
Motorcycle:
- A seat or saddle for the use of each rider
- Not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding a tractor
- A combustion engine with a piston displacement of one hundred fifty or more cubic centimeters
Motor-Driven Cycle:
- If the power source is a combustion engine, vehicle has a piston displacement of greater than thirty-five cubic centimeters but less than one hundred fifty centimeters regardless of the number of chambers in the power source
- If the power source is electric, vehicle has a power output of greater than one thousand watts
- Not more than three wheels in contact with the ground
Endorsements vs. Permits
Motorcycle Endorsement
You are eligible for a motorcycle “L” endorsement without receiving a permit if you meet both of the following requirements:
- You currently have a valid Oklahoma Driver License
- You are over the age of 16 (if you are under 16 years old, you will have to apply for a motorcycle permit)
Note
If you are 18 and over, but have never held a Driver License, you will have to take the Class D general knowledge test, along with the Motorcycle knowledge test, in order to receive a motorcycle endorsement. Learn more about the Class D general knowledge test in the FAQ section below.
Motorcycle Permit
You are eligible for a motorcycle permit if:
- You are over 14 years old but under 18 years old
- You are over 18 years old, but desire to receive a motorcycle permit for additional practice
Depending on the eligibility requirements above, you may apply for either a Motorcycle Endorsement or a Motorcycle Permit.
- Endorsement
- Permit
The Process
Bring the following to your visit:
- Primary proof of Identity - see accepted documents
- Social Security Number
- Name Change Document (if applicable) - If the last name to be entered on the driver license is different from the name on the Primary ID, the applicant must bring in a document showing a legal name change.
- Valid proof of motorcycle liability insurance - Bring valid proof of motorcycle liability insurance if you are taking the driving test.
Visit a Service Oklahoma Licensing Office
Many Service Oklahoma Licensing Office locations provide walk-in services.
Pass a vision test - During your visit, you will be administered a vision test.
If you have completed a Motorcycle Safety Foundations course, you can stop here.
The written and drive tests will be waived if you bring in the Motorcycle Safety Foundation completion card.
If you have not completed a Motorcycle Safety Foundations course, continue with the steps below.
Schedule and pass a written test
If you have not completed a Motorcycle Safety Foundations course, then you will have to take a written general knowledge test. You can study the motorcycle manual for the written portion of your test here. Your vision and written tests will happen together.
Prepare for and pass a motorcycle drive test
Find a location near you to take your vision, written, and drive tests at an approved Service Oklahoma Exam location. Many Service Oklahoma locations provide walk-in services. However, most have limited walk-in availability.
If your motorcycle does not have a sufficient windshield, you will have to wear goggles that meet ANSI Z87.1 standards or have a face shield during your motorcycle drive test. Click here to see requirements.
Receive your Motorcycle Endorsement
Upon passing your vision, written, and drive tests, you will be given a temporary license that you can use until you receive the new Driver License with an "L" endorsement by mail.
The Process
Complete a Motorcycle Basic Rider Course
Anyone who is between the ages of 14 and 18 must successfully complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundations course. For more information on approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses, see the FAQ section below.
Please call the approved schools on the list to schedule a time to start your course.
Bring the following to your visit:
- Primary proof of Identity - see accepted documents
- Social Security Number
- Name Change Document (if applicable) - If the last name to be entered on the permit is different from the name on the Primary ID, the applicant must bring in a document showing a legal name change.
Visit a Service Oklahoma Licensing Office or Test Site
If you have never held a license or permit, you will have to take and pass the Class D general knowledge test before receiving your permit. You can prepare for the test by studying the Oklahoma Driver Manual.
During your visit, you will also be administered a vision test.
Many Service Oklahoma Licensing Office locations provide walk-in services. However, most have limited walk-in availability.
Additional requirements for under 18 applicants
If you are applying for a motorcycle learner permit and are under 18 years old, you must have a parent or legal guardian present at the time of vision and written test.
Receive and Hold a Motorcycle Learner Permit for 30 days
Upon successful completion of the required tests, you will be granted a motorcycle learner permit. You must hold a learner permit for 30 days, before being eligible for a motorcycle endorsement.
If you are under 16 years old, your learner permit will also include the following restrictions:
- You are only permitted to drive between the hours of 4:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
- You must wear approved protective headgear
- You must be accompanied by and receiving instruction from any person who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age and who is properly licensed pursuant to the laws of this state to operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle.
- Your piston displacement may not exceed 300 cubic centimeters
- You cannot drive a motorcycle on a highway which has a minimum speed limit established and posted
- You cannot exceed a speed of 35 mph, or the listed speed limit if less than 35 mph.
Visit a Service Oklahoma Licensing Office or a Licensed Operator to receive your full Motorcycle Endorsement
After holding your learner permit for 30 days, you are eligible to remove your restricted permit and receive a motorcycle endorsement.
You can take your skills test at an approved Service Oklahoma driver license test site. Be sure to check that the location provides motorcycle services before scheduling with a location.
Frequently Asked Questions
The four approved courses are the MSF Basic RiderCourse, MSF Basic RiderCourse 2 – License Waiver, MSF 3 Wheel Basic RiderCourse, and the MSF Returning Rider Basic RiderCourse.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) courses cannot be done online because it involves in-person training on how to ride a motorcycle properly.
For a full list of MSF Courses offered by approved Motorcycle schools, click here to find a location near you.
Yes. Liability insurance is required to operate a motorcycle in Oklahoma (including taking the motorcycle drive test).
Any motorcycle driver between the ages of 14 and 18 is required to wear DOT-approved head protection. Eye protection (windshield or DOT approved safety eyewear) is required for all motorcycle drivers.
Any combustion engine with a piston displacement of one hundred fifty or more cubic centimeters requires a motorcycle license.
To learn more about transferring an out-of-state motorcycle license to an Oklahoma motorcycle license, see the Out-of-State Driver License Transfers page.
To learn more about an Oklahoma motorcycle safety, see the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office.
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P.O. Box 11415
Oklahoma City, OK 73136
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