What a motorcycle endorsement is, who needs one, and how to add it to your Maryland driver license.
In Maryland, motorcycle authority is its own Class M license — NOT an endorsement on the standard Class C driver's license. Operating a motorcycle without a valid Class M license can mean a fine, suspension of your driver's license or privilege, and points on your driving record, with the motorcycle being towed.
Maryland offers a fast-track path through the Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program: successful completion of the Basic Rider Course (BRC) or Alternate Basic Rider Course (ABRC) issues a licensing completion certificate that waives the MVA on-cycle skills test.
| Endorsement | Motorcycle-Only License | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Drivers who already hold a Maryland 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 |
Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program courses are conducted at training centers throughout the state. The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is for new riders — seven hours of classroom plus about ten hours on a motorcycle, with training motorcycles provided. The Alternate Basic Rider Course (ABRC) is a seven-hour course for riders with some experience, optionally on their own motorcycle.
Students who meet the knowledge and skill licensing standards in either BRC or ABRC receive a licensing completion certificate. Presented at any full-service MVA office, the certificate lets you obtain a Class M license without taking the on-cycle skills test at the MVA.
For more information, visit mva.maryland.gov/MVA-Programs/moto/default.htm or call the Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program Office at 443-572-8236. Applicants under 18 must complete an approved motorcycle safety course before earning a Class M license.
Maryland uses standard MVA fees for licensing — confirm the current Class M knowledge-test and license-issuance fees on mva.maryland.gov before applying. The Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program charges a separate course registration fee that is not refundable.
A Class M license renews together with your other MVA-issued driving credentials; there is no separate motorcycle renewal. The universal helmet and eye-protection rules apply for the life of the license — there is no first-year clause or age sunset.
Source: Test details are confirmed on the official agency page. The motorcycle knowledge test requires 84% to pass — 21 of 25 correct. The 88% threshold (22 correct) applies to the standard Class C learner's permit, not the motorcycle test. Maryland adopts FMVSS 218 as the helmet standard and also requires approved eye protection unless the motorcycle has an approved windscreen at the proper height. The Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program Basic Rider Course (BRC) or Alternate Basic Rider Course (ABRC) waives the on-cycle skills test at the MVA. Lane sharing is prohibited.