Eligibility Requirements for Missouri Motorcycle License

A person holding a Missouri motorcycle license application form, with a motorcycle and helmet in the background

To obtain a motorcycle license in Missouri, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements vary depending on the age of the applicant and their previous driving experience.

Age Requirements

In Missouri, individuals as young as 15 and a half years old can obtain a motorcycle permit. However, applicants under the age of 16 must complete a motorcycle driving course before the permit can be issued. Additionally, riders under 16 are restricted to riding only during daylight hours and cannot travel more than 50 miles from home.

To obtain a Class M motorcycle endorsement, riders must be at least 18 years old. Riders between the ages of 16 and 18 can obtain a motorcycle permit, but must hold this permit until they turn 18.

Driving Experience Requirements

Applicants for a motorcycle license in Missouri must have a valid driver’s license or permit. Additionally, they must pass a vision screening and a road sign test.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation requirements for a motorcycle permit in Missouri include proof of name, date of birth, and citizenship or lawful presence within the U.S. Proof of Social Security Number and residential address is also required.

Applicants under the age of 16 must also provide proof of completion of a Motorcycle Rider Training Course.

Fees

Applicants for a motorcycle license in Missouri must pay the applicable fees. The fees vary depending on the type of license and the applicant’s age. For a full list of fees, refer to the Missouri Driver’s Guide.

Overall, the eligibility requirements for obtaining a motorcycle license in Missouri are straightforward and designed to ensure the safety of riders and other motorists on the road.

Motorcycle License Application Process

A person filling out a motorcycle license application form at a Missouri DMV office

To obtain a motorcycle license in Missouri, an individual must follow a specific application process. The process involves passing a written test, a road skills exam, and a vision screening.

Written Test

The written test is a multiple-choice exam that assesses the individual’s knowledge of Missouri traffic laws and safe driving practices. The test covers topics such as traffic signals, road signs, and defensive driving techniques. The Missouri Department of Revenue provides a motorcycle operator manual that covers all the information needed to pass the written test. The manual can be downloaded from the official website of the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Road Skills Exam

The road skills exam assesses the individual’s ability to operate a motorcycle safely and effectively. The exam includes a range of maneuvers, such as starting, stopping, turning, and swerving. The individual must demonstrate their ability to control the motorcycle and follow traffic laws during the exam. If the individual has completed an approved motorcycle rider training course, they may be exempt from taking the road skills exam.

Vision Screening

The vision screening assesses the individual’s ability to see clearly while operating a motorcycle. The individual must have a visual acuity of at least 20/40 in one or both eyes and a horizontal visual field of at least 110 degrees. If the individual wears glasses or contact lenses, they must wear them during the screening.

It is important to note that the application process may vary depending on the individual’s age and previous driving experience. For instance, individuals under the age of 16 must complete an approved motorcycle rider training course before obtaining a motorcycle permit. Additionally, individuals with an out-of-state motorcycle license may be exempt from taking the road skills exam.

Motorcycle Safety Course Information

Obtaining a motorcycle license in Missouri requires completing a motorcycle safety course. The Missouri Motorcycle Safety Program (MMSP) offers courses at 31 training sites around the state [1]. These courses are designed to teach everything from the ground up, including risk awareness, protective gear, motorcycle controls, riding skills, and street strategies [2].

The Basic RiderCourse (BRC) is the most popular course offered by the MMSP and is required to obtain a motorcycle license in Missouri [3]. This hands-on, learner-centered, step-by-step course is taught by MSF-certified instructors in the classroom and on a dedicated range [2]. It includes four hours of classroom instruction and outdoor range exercises [3].

In addition to the BRC, the MMSP offers an Advanced RiderCourse (ARC) for experienced riders looking to improve their riding skills and a Three Wheeled Basic RiderCourse (3WBRC) for riders who currently own and operate a 3-wheeled trike [1].

Completing a motorcycle safety course not only teaches riders valuable skills and knowledge but may also result in insurance discounts from certain insurance providers [4].

Overall, completing a motorcycle safety course through the MMSP is an essential step towards obtaining a motorcycle license in Missouri and improving riding skills and safety.

Sources:

  1. https://mmsp2.msi5.com/
  2. http://mmsp2.msi5.com/course/BRC.php
  3. http://mmsp2.msi5.com/courses.php
  4. https://www.dmv.org/mo-missouri/motorcycle-license.php

License Fees and Renewal Procedures

Obtaining a motorcycle license in Missouri requires the payment of fees, which vary depending on the type of license and the duration of validity. The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) sets the fees for motorcycle licenses, which can be paid at any Missouri license office. The fees for a three-year Class M license is $13.50, while the fee for a six-year Class M license is $27.

To renew a motorcycle license, the DOR sends out reminder notices at least 15 days prior to the expiration date. The license renewal process can be done online, in person at a Missouri license office, or by mail. The renewal process requires the submission of a renewal application, payment of the appropriate fees, and passing a vision test. If the license has been expired for more than six months, the applicant must also pass a written and driving test.

It is important to note that Missouri does not offer grace periods for expired licenses, and driving with an expired license can result in fines and penalties. Therefore, it is recommended that motorcycle license holders renew their license in a timely manner to avoid any issues.

Motorcycle Endorsement for Existing License Holders

Missouri drivers who already have a Class A, B, or C license can add a motorcycle endorsement to their license by passing the required tests. If they do not currently hold a regular license, they can apply for a separate motorcycle driver’s license.

To add a motorcycle endorsement to an existing license, the driver must pass a written test and a motorcycle skills test. The written test covers Missouri traffic laws and safe motorcycle operation. The skills test includes a pre-trip inspection, a test of basic vehicle control, and a road test.

It is important to note that the motorcycle endorsement is not automatic and must be requested by the driver. The driver must also pay a fee for the endorsement.

Once the endorsement is added to the license, the driver can legally operate a motorcycle on public roadways. It is important to follow all Missouri traffic laws and regulations while operating a motorcycle.

Overall, adding a motorcycle endorsement to an existing license is a straightforward process that requires passing the necessary tests and paying the required fee.

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