Arizona Motorcycle Endorsement Guide

What a motorcycle endorsement is, who needs one, and how to add it to your Arizona driver license.

What Is a Motorcycle Endorsement?

Arizona issues driver licences by class - Class M for motorcycle. A rider may hold a stand-alone Class M licence, or have Class M added to another licence such as a Class D operator licence, where it appears as a motorcycle 'endorsement' on the back of the licence.

A motorcycle licence or endorsement is required to operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle in Arizona. A Class D licence with a motorcycle endorsement lets you drive any vehicle that does not require a commercial licence, plus a motorcycle.

Endorsement vs. Motorcycle-Only License

	Endorsement	Motorcycle-Only License
Who it's for	Drivers who already hold an Arizona license	Riders without a regular driver license
Added to	Your existing license	Issued as its own license
Knowledge test	Motorcycle knowledge test	Motorcycle knowledge test
Lets you drive a car	Yes — keeps your car privileges	No — motorcycle only

How to Add the Endorsement — Steps

Confirm you are at least 16 years old, the minimum age for a motorcycle licence or endorsement.
Obtain a motorcycle instruction permit (available at 15 years 6 months) and practice under its restrictions.
If you are under 18, hold the permit at least 6 months and complete an MVD-approved motorcycle driver education program or have a parent certify 30 hours of motorcycle practice.
Pass the written motorcycle knowledge test based on the Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual, plus a vision screening.
Pass the on-cycle skills test on a closed track - or complete an MVD-authorized Motorcycle Rider Course to waive both the knowledge and skills tests.
Pay the applicable fees at an MVD office to receive your Class M licence or endorsement.

MSF Course Waiver

As an alternative to the MVD skills test, you may take a Motorcycle Rider Course offered by MVD-authorized schools at locations throughout Arizona.

The Certificate of Completion you receive when you successfully complete the course eliminates the requirement to take both the knowledge and skills tests at MVD - new riders can apply for the licence or endorsement without further testing. An applicant 16 or older who holds a valid out-of-state motorcycle licence or endorsement is also exempt from the driver-education, driving-practice and instruction-permit requirements.

Cost & Renewal

Motorcycle licence and test fees are set by the Arizona MVD; confirm current amounts on azdot.gov before you apply.

An Arizona driver licence does not expire until age 65, though the photo and vision test must be updated every 12 years; drivers 60 and over receive a 5-year licence. The motorcycle class is part of your Arizona licence and renews together with it.

Start With the Knowledge Test

Start the Arizona Practice Test →

Get Your Permit Study Guide Test Tips FAQ

Source: Sources differ on this state's test details; the most credible consensus is shown. Confirm with the state agency. The Arizona motorcycle knowledge test is 25 questions - 20 correct (80%) to pass. A 30-question test belongs to the standard Class G permit, not the motorcycle test, so confirm the current format with the Arizona MVD.