Step 1: Begin the process

Before getting an endorsement to drive a motorcycle, you’ll need to get a motorcycle learner’s permit. Note that the motorcycle novice safety course is not required in order to obtain a learner’s permit.

• To get a motorcycle learner’s permit, you need to:
• Possess a valid Connecticut driver's license
• Complete an application for non-commercial driver's license (Form R-229)
• Present a notarized certificate of parental consent (Form 2-D) if you’re under age 18

Note: Military personnel may be eligible for a waiver of the endorsement test. Find out more about this process.

Step 2: Make an appointment

An in-person appointment is required for the motorcycle knowledge and vision test at a DMV office.

Make an appointment

The 16-question knowledge test is based on information from the Connecticut Motorcycle Operator’s Manual and the Connecticut Driver’s Manual. Once you pass both tests, you’ll qualify for a motorcycle learner’s permit.

Step 3: Get your permit in the mail

Your motorcycle learner’s permit will arrive through the mail within 20 business days. See Central Issuance for more information on this process.

Track the delivery of your new card to see when it will arrive.

Renew your permit within the same calendar year

Your permit can be renewed once, for an additional 60 days, during the same calendar year which it was issued.

Step 1: Make an appointment

An in-person appointment at a DMV office is required to renew your current motorcycle learner’s permit.

Make an appointment

Step 2: Gather what you’ll need

Your current motorcycle learner’s permit and driver’s license

Step 3: Get your permit in the mail

Your permit will arrive through the mail within 20 business days. For more information about this process, please see Central Issuance.

Track the delivery of your new card to see when it will arrive.

Renew your permit from the previous calendar year

Step 1: Make an appointment

An in-person appointment at a DMV office is required to renew your current motorcycle learner’s permit.

Make an appointment

Step 2: Gather what you’ll need

Your current motorcycle learner’s permit and driver’s license

Another completed application for non-commercial driver's license (form R-229)

Pay the testing fee and pass another eye examination and motorcycle knowledge test

Step 3: Get your permit in the mail

Your renewed motorcycle learner’s permit will arrive through the mail within 20 business days. For more information about this process, please see Central Issuance.

Track the delivery of your new card to see when it will arrive.

Your motorcycle learner’s permit will be valid for 60 days.

The associated fees are:

• $40 for the motorcycle knowledge and vision test
• $16 for the motorcycle learner's permit

Please review acceptable forms of payment.

$16 to extend your motorcycle learner’s permit an additional 60 days

• $40 fee to take another motorcycle knowledge and vision test
• $16 fee to renew within six months of the previous calendar year

You need an endorsement to drive a motorcycle on certain public highways. With the motorcycle endorsement “M,” you can operate a two- or three-wheel motorcycle on public highways. Learn more about different types of endorsements. To get a motorcycle endorsement, follow these steps: 

Step 1: Gather what you need:

• Valid Connecticut driver’s license
• Completed application for a non-commercial driver’s license (Form R-229)
• If you’re under 18, present a notarized Certificate of Parental Consent (Form 2-D) at your appointment.

Step 2:

Make an appointment for your knowledge and vision tests. Once you successfully complete your tests, you can get a motorcycle learner’s permit.

Make an appointment

Step 3:

Complete a novice motorcycle safety course approved by the DMV. The course is valid for two years from the date of completion. This course includes classroom and skills training on a motorcycle. View all approved Connecticut Rider Education Program (CONREP) motorcycle safety course providers.

Step 4:

Once you successfully complete a motorcycle safety course, visit a DMV hub or branch office to have an “M” endorsement or an “M” endorsement with a “3” restriction added to your Connecticut driver’s license.

Once you earn a motorcycle endorsement, you’re subject to these restrictions:

• Drivers age 18 and older may not transport passengers for the first 90 days after they get a motorcycle endorsement.
• Drivers age 16 and 17 may not transport any passenger on a motorcycle for a period of six months after getting a motorcycle endorsement.
• Connecticut applies specific motor vehicle operation laws to drivers age 16 and 17, which also include driving a motorcycle. Learn more about safety tips and laws for teen drivers. their parents, and their passengers.

• Knowledge and vision testing fee: $40
• Add the “M” endorsement or the “M” endorsement with “3” restriction to your license: $30
• Motorcycle learner’s permit fee: $16

See acceptable forms of payment.

Any active-duty military personnel, who holds a Connecticut driver's license, is currently stationed out of state or country, and has successfully completed an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Course or Connecticut Rider Education Program (CONREP) motorcycle safety course may be waived for the motorcycle endorsement examination.

Military personnel waivers

To apply for a military personnel waiver, please send the following by mail or email to the address(es) below:

• A photocopy of your military ID
• A completed and signed application for duplicate driver license or non-driver ID by mail (Form B-350)
• A completed and signed application for non-commercial driver license (Form R-229)
• MSF Basic Rider Education course certificate as proof of successful completion
• Fee of $30 made payable to DMV by check or money order

Mailing address: 

Department of Motor Vehicles
Mail-in License Transaction Unit, Room 331
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Fax: 860-263-5591

Email: dmv.ciu@ct.gov

Note: Please allow two weeks for the DMV to process your endorsement. A duplicate license with an “M” endorsement or an “M” endorsement with a "3" restriction will be sent directly to the address you provide.