What to do, what to bring, and what to expect at the ALEA office — start to finish.
In Alabama the path to riding a motorcycle on your own runs through the Class M license classification. The Alabama Motorcycle Manual does not describe a separate stand-alone motorcycle written permit — instead you pass a motorcycle knowledge test and an on-cycle skill test at an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) driver license examining office, and the "Class M" designation is added to your license.
The steps below follow what the Alabama Motorcycle Manual documents. Fees, the exact accepted-document list, and the learner's-license process for brand-new drivers are set by ALEA — confirm the current details with your local examining office or at alea.gov before you go.
You may be issued a Class M license to operate a motorcycle at age 16. If you are 14 or 15, you may instead apply for a restricted license to operate a motor-driven cycle only — a moped or cycle of 5 horsepower or less and no more than 150 cc, weighing under 200 pounds — which carries Restriction B until age 16.
The motorcycle knowledge test questions are based on the information, practices and ideas in the Alabama Motorcycle Manual. Use the free practice test, study guide and cheat sheet on this site to prepare from it.
Motorcycle testing is handled at ALEA examining offices. Find the local examining schedule and testing location through your local probate judge, license commissioner, or driver license examining office, or online at alea.gov.
Pass a vision screening and the motorcycle knowledge test. Major rider-education sources report the test is about 30 questions with an 80% passing score; ALEA does not publish the exact count, so confirm it at the office.
To earn the license you must also pass an on-cycle skill test. It checks basic vehicle control and crash-avoidance skills — accelerating, braking and turning safely, and completing normal and quick stops and turns or swerves — and is given in traffic or a controlled, off-street area.
Once you pass, the "Class M" classification is added to your license. It must appear on the license for you to legally operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle. Always carry your license when you ride and show it on demand.
Check the official ALEA page for current fees and accepted forms of payment.
Source: Test details reflect the consensus of major rider-education sources — confirm with the state agency before your visit. Question count is not published on the official ALEA page; about 30 questions and an 80% passing score is the consensus of major third-party study sites. The knowledge test is based on the Alabama Motorcycle Manual.