How to get a motorcycle license in Illinois comes down to passing a written knowledge test, practicing with a motorcycle permit, and then passing a road test or completing a safety course. Chicago riders should also remember to carry proper insurance before hitting the road. If you have questions or need coverage, call Insure on the Spot in Chicago at 773-202-5060. Our local experts will guide you through the steps so you can ride legally and confidently.
What Are the Requirements for a Motorcycle License in Illinois?
To be eligible for a motorcycle license in Illinois, you must meet several requirements. Age is a key factor: you need to be at least 16 years old to apply for a motorcycle license. Riders aged 16 or 17 must have a parent or guardian’s consent and must complete a standard driver education course. Illinois also offers two license classes – Class M for motorcycles (150cc and above) and Class L for motor-driven cycles (under 150cc). The process to get licensed is similar for both, though younger riders face a few extra steps.
All new Illinois motorcyclists are required to first obtain a motorcycle instruction permit. To get this permit, you’ll visit an Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility, present proper identification (proof of identity, residency, etc.), pass a vision screening, and take a written motorcycle knowledge exam. There is a small fee (around $10) for the permit application. If you don’t already have a regular Illinois driver’s license, you will also need to pass the general Rules of the Road written test in addition to the motorcycle exam.
Once you have your motorcycle instruction permit, you can start practicing your riding skills. Permit holders in Illinois must follow strict restrictions while learning:
- Ride only during daylight hours (no night riding allowed).
- No passengers are permitted on your motorcycle while you have a learner’s permit.
- Avoid highways and interstates (permit riding is limited to local roads).
- You must be under the supervision of a licensed motorcycle rider who is at least 21 years old and has one or more years of riding experience.
These permit restrictions are designed to keep new riders safe while they gain experience. An instruction permit is valid for 12 months for adults (and up to 24 months for riders under 18), giving you plenty of time to practice before taking the road test.
How Do I Get a Motorcycle License in Illinois?
Once you meet the basic requirements, follow these steps to obtain your Illinois motorcycle license:
- Obtain a Motorcycle Instruction Permit: Visit a Secretary of State facility in Chicago (or anywhere in Illinois) to take the written motorcycle knowledge test. Bring your ID and necessary documents, pass the multiple-choice exam, and complete a vision test. Upon passing and paying the fee, you’ll receive your motorcycle learner’s permit, which you must have before you can legally practice or take the road test.
- Practice Riding (or Complete a Safety Course): Use your permit period to practice riding your motorcycle under the permit restrictions. It’s a good idea to start in parking lots or low-traffic streets to build your skills. Optional: Enroll in an Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) approved motorcycle safety course. Illinois offers free Motorcycle Safety Courses (Cycle Rider Safety Training Program) for new riders. Completing an approved safety course provides professional training and can waive your road test at the DMV if you’re 18 or older. Whether you practice independently or through a course, focus on mastering turning, braking, signaling, and defensive riding techniques.
- Pass the Illinois Motorcycle Road Test: When you feel prepared (and have held your permit the required minimum time, if applicable), schedule your motorcycle road skills test at an SOS Driver Services facility. If you did not take the safety course, you’ll need to pass this road test to get your license. Bring a street-legal motorcycle for the test (with current registration and insurance) and wear the required safety gear (DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, over-the-ankle footwear, long sleeves, and pants). An examiner will evaluate your ability to handle the bike safely – you’ll be tested on tasks like starting, stopping, turning, swerving to avoid obstacles, and obeying traffic rules. If you completed a safety course and you’re 18+, you usually do not have to take the road test – you can present your course completion certificate instead.
- Receive Your Motorcycle License: After passing the road test (or presenting your safety course completion card), you will return to the counter to finalize your Class M or Class L license. You’ll pay the motorcycle license endorsement fee (approximately $10) and have the motorcycle classification added to your Illinois driver’s license. If you don’t have a regular driver’s license, you will receive a standalone Class M license. Congratulations – now you are fully licensed to ride a motorcycle in Illinois! Before you hit Chicago’s roads, double-check that your bike is registered and insured, and always follow state traffic laws and safety guidelines.
How Does a Motorcycle License Affect Insurance Rates in Chicago?
Getting your motorcycle license is an exciting milestone, but you should be aware of how it can impact your insurance. Newly licensed riders in Chicago (and everywhere in Illinois) often face higher insurance premiums initially. Insurance companies consider motorcycle riding to carry more risk, especially for beginners with less experience. Chicago’s busy traffic and accident statistics can also influence rates – urban riders might pay a bit more due to the higher chances of collisions or theft in the city. The good news is that as you gain experience and riding years without incidents, your insurance rates are likely to improve. Additionally, completing a motorcycle safety course isn’t just good for skipping the road test; many insurers offer a discount for riders who have an approved safety course under their belt.
Illinois law requires all motorcyclists to carry liability insurance, just like car drivers. The state minimum coverage is 25/50/20, meaning at least $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage. Riding without insurance in Illinois is illegal – if you’re caught without coverage, you could face fines, license suspension, and hefty out-of-pocket costs in case of an accident. Chicago riders should be especially diligent about insurance, since enforcement is strict and the financial risks are high in a metropolitan area. The moment you have your motorcycle and license, make sure you have an active insurance policy. Insure on the Spot specializes in helping new riders in Chicago find affordable motorcycle insurance that meets state requirements. With the right coverage in place, you can enjoy your rides knowing you’re protected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the minimum motorcycle insurance required in Illinois?
A: Illinois requires motorcycle riders to have liability insurance of at least 25/50/20. This means $25,000 in coverage for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injuries, and $20,000 for property damage. This minimum coverage is mandatory to ride legally in the state.
Q: Do I need to take a motorcycle safety course to get a license in Illinois?
A: If you’re 16 or 17 years old, Illinois requires you to take an approved motorcycle safety course as part of the licensing process. For riders 18 or older, a safety course is not required, but it’s highly recommended – it can even waive your DMV road test. Completing a course will sharpen your skills and may also earn you discounts on motorcycle insurance.
Q: How old do I have to be to get a motorcycle license in Illinois?
A: You must be at least 16 years old to obtain a motorcycle license in Illinois. Riders at 16 or 17 need a parent’s consent and must complete a driver education class and an IDOT motorcycle safety course before getting licensed. If you’re 18 or older, you can get your motorcycle license by passing the required vision, written, and road tests (or by taking a safety course to waive the road test), without needing parental permission.
Q: Can I ride a scooter or moped without a motorcycle license in Illinois?
A: It depends on the scooter/moped’s engine size and speed. If your scooter or moped has a very small engine (under 50cc) and a top speed around 30 mph, you can legally ride it with a regular Illinois driver’s license – no motorcycle license needed. Illinois treats those low-speed scooters more like bicycles. However, for anything larger or faster (most mopeds and scooters), you will need a Class L or Class M motorcycle license to operate it on the road.
Q: Do I need my own motorcycle for the road test in Illinois?
A: Yes, you have to provide a motorcycle for your DMV road test. The bike you use for the test must be street-legal, properly registered, and insured. If you don’t own a motorcycle yet, you might consider taking the Illinois safety course – the course provides training on motorcycles and, once you pass, you can skip the DMV road exam if you’re 18 or older.
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Insure on the Spot is Chicago’s trusted insurance expert, helping riders find affordable motorcycle coverage that meets all Illinois requirements. Call 773-202-5060 or get a Free Quote Online Today to start your ride with confidence.