From the Grand Canyon to Tombstone, Arizona is home to some of the best motorcycle rides in the Southwest. But in order to hit the open road and experience these beautiful landscapes for yourself, you’ll need to get an Arizona motorcycle license. Find out how to obtain a motorcycle license or endorsement with this guide from the Arizona motorcycle accident lawyer at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys.
How to Get Your Arizona Motorcycle License or Endorsement
Under Arizona law, operating a motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle requires a motorcycle license or endorsement. Arizona Revised Statute § 28-101 defines a motorcycle as any motor vehicle with a seat or saddle for the rider that is designed to travel on three or fewer wheels in contact with the ground.
A motor-driven cycle refers to all motorcycles with a motor of five horsepower or less. Tractors, electric bicycles, electric scooters , and mopeds are excepted from these definitions and do not require a motorcycle license or endorsement to operate.
1. Pass the Motorcycle Operator Written Test
You can get an Arizona motorcycle license at the age of 16 after passing the motorcycle operator written exam. If you are a first-time driver, meaning you do not have a driver’s permit or driver’s license, you will also need to pass the driver’s license written test. All testing material can be found in the Arizona Driver License Manual, the Motorcycle Operator Manual, and the Motorcycle Safety Presentation.
2. Get a Motorcycle Instruction Permit (Under 18 Only)
Arizona residents are eligible to obtain a motorcycle instruction permit at the age of 15 years, 6 months with a parent or guardian consent. After passing the written exam, an Arizona motorcycle instruction permit allows limited riding. Those with an instruction permit are prohibited from:
- Riding with passengers
- Riding a motorcycle on freeways or highways
- Riding between sunset and sunrise
- Riding between sunset and sunrise or in low-visibility conditions (less than 500 feet)
Motorcycle instruction permits are valid for seven months. You can renew your permit once within a 24-month period. Additionally, you must hold the motorcycle instruction permit for at least six months before applying for a motorcycle license.
3. Complete a Motorcycle Driver Education Program
After obtaining a permit, the next step to obtain an Arizona motorcycle license is to complete a motorcycle driver education program that has been approved by the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD). You can find a list of approved motorcycle training schools on the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) website. Those under 18 may opt to complete 30 hours or more of motorcycle riding practice. A parent or guardian must certify these practice hours.
4. Pass the Motorcycle Skills Test
The final step to getting your motorcycle license or endorsement in Arizona is to pass the motorcycle skills test. Road tests are by appointment only. You can schedule your motorcycle skills test by calling 602-255-0072 or make an appointment online.
The exam is a simple 10- to 15-minute off-street demonstration of your riding skills, including weaving, non-skidding stops, U-turns, and swerving to avoid obstacles.
If you pass the exam, your motorcycle license will not expire until age 65. If you are 60 years old or older at the time your motorcycle license or endorsement is issued, you will receive a five-year license. Please note that regardless of age, you will still need to update your ID photo and take an eye exam every 12 years.
Related: Do You Have to Wear a Motorcycle Helmet in Arizona?
What to Do After Getting a Motorcycle License?
Getting your Arizona motorcycle license opens the door to enjoying the open road on two or three wheels. Here are some steps you can take after acquiring your license:
- Invest in proper safety gear, including a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet.
- Take your time to practice your riding skills in a safe environment, such as an empty parking lot.
- Consider additional training to develop more advanced skills and techniques.
- Familiarize yourself with Arizona’s motorcycle laws and regulations, such as rules related to lane splitting. Knowing the rules of the road will help you stay safe and avoid getting tickets.
- Regularly maintain your motorcycle by checking tire pressure and tread depth, and inspecting fluid levels and brakes.
Related: Is It Illegal To Wear Headphones While Driving a Motorcycle in Arizona?
Contact an Arizona Personal Injury Attorney
Getting your Arizona motorcycle license is an exciting event for motorcycle enthusiasts. Remember to always ride responsibly for your safety and the safety of others. Unfortunately, even the most skilled riders are sometimes injured in motorcycle accidents through no fault of their own. If that happens, the Arizona personal injury lawyers from Lerner and Rowe can help you get the compensation they deserve after being injured due to someone else’s negligence.
Representatives are available to help you 24/7. Just call 602-977-1900, connect online with a LiveChat agent, or fill out this form to request your free, no obligation legal consultation. The call is free, the consultation is free, and we charge no fees until we’ve made a recovery on your behalf. Our legal team gets results. Contact us today to learn what we can do for you.