To operate a motorcycle in North Carolina, an individual must have a motorcycle learner permit or a motorcycle endorsement on their provisional, regular or commercial driver license.
The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles'
Motorcyclists' Handbook provides information applicants must know regarding safety and motorcycle operation.
Applying for a motorcycle learner permit
A motorcycle learner permit allows you to practice riding before obtaining a full endorsement, but it not required to obtain the endorsement.
Motorcycle learner permits are issued for 12 months and can only be renewed once for a period of six months.
Permit requirements
To apply for a motorcycle learner permit, you must have a full provisional, regular or commercial driver license and also pass a motorcycle knowledge test, road sign identification test and a vision test.
Age 18 or younger
Individuals ages 16-18 with a full provisional license must also have signed parental or guardian consent and successfully complete a motorcycle safety course offered by the
Motorcycle Safety Foundation or
North Carolina Motorcycle Safety Education Program.
Applying for a motorcycle endorsement
To add a motorcycle endorsement to your North Carolina driver license, you must hold a full provisional, regular or commercial license and complete both knowledge and skills requirements. These requirements may be met through DMV testing or through several approved alternatives.
Endorsement requirements
To obtain a motorcycle endorsement, you must:
- Pass a motorcycle knowledge test
- Either pass a motorcycle skills test at NCDMV, complete an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course, complete approved military motorcycle training, or present a valid out-of-state endorsement
Scheduling DMV tests
Motorcycle knowledge and skills tests are by appointment only through NCDMV. Skills tests are only offered Tuesday-Thursday, as the weather permits, at select driver license offices. Only one skills test attempt is allowed per day. If you do not pass, you must schedule a new appointment.
If you complete an approved safety course or provide an accepted waiver you will not need to take a skills test at NCDMV.
Make an appointment
Mopeds
In North Carolina, a moped is defined by statue as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with a motor under 50 cubic centimeters, no external shifter, and a top speed not exceeding 30 mph on a level surface.
Although a driver license is not required, operators must be at least 16 years old to operate on North Carolina highways or public areas.
North Carolina law requires operators to wear a motorcycle safety helmet when using a moped. Mopeds must also be registered.
Safety helmet law
Under North Carolina law,
all operators and passengers on motorcycles and mopeds must wear a motorcycle safety helmet of a type that complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218.
Thick inner liner
| A motorcycle helmet must have a firm inner liner of polystyrene foam that is about 1-inch thick. In some helmets this may be covered by a comfort liner, but an individual can feel the thickness. Non-compliant helmets generally have a thin soft foam padding or no liner.
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| DOT sticker | Compliant motorcycle safety helmets have the symbol "DOT" permanently installed by the manufacturer on the back of the helmet. Some "novelty type" helmets are supplied with a separate "DOT" sticker or one can be purchased separately and placed on the helmet. This does not make the helmet compliant. |
| Manufacturer's label | Permanently attached label inside the helmet with the manufacturers name or identification, precise model, size, date of manufacture, type of shell and liner construction materials and an instruction label for cleaning and care of the helmet.
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Motorcycle & moped safety
Motorcycles represent about 2 percent of all registered vehicles in North Carolina, but account for about 10 percent of all fatalities on the state's roads. Proper training and safety precautions are the most effective ways to reduce the chances of being involved in a motorcycle wreck.
Training
BikeSafe North Carolina offers free Rider Skills Days across the state. The training including skill assessment, classroom-based information and on-road ride-outs.
Safety guidelines
- Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and other protective gear, including eye protection
- Obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed
- Use hand and turn signals at every lane change or turn
- Wear brightly colored clothing, gear and reflective tape to increase visibility
- Obey the posted speed limit.
- Never ride distracted or impaired.
Guidelines for other drivers
- Share the road. Motorcyclists have the right to a full lane.
- Stay alert and be aware that motorcycles can be easily hidden in a car's blind spot, so take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic when changing lanes, especially at intersections.
- Always signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
- Keep a safe distance by allowing more following space – three to four seconds – behind motorcycles.
- Be cautious, as not all turn signals on a motorcycle are self-canceling, thus some riders sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. It is also common practice by motorcyclists to use hand signals to indicate turns.
- Obey the posted speed limit.
- Never drive distracted or impaired.
Fees
Fees are associated with motorcycle learner permits and endorsements and can be paid through a variety of
common payment methods.
View list of fees