The Department of Public Safety (DPS) can issue a motorcycle license in Utah to drivers who already possess a regular driver’s license and meet the state’s additional qualification criteria. For all new bike drivers, getting approved for a motorbike license begins with applying for a learner’s permit to be able to gain real practice on a motorcycle before taking the state’s qualification exams. All applicants requesting permission to drive a motorcycle must be able to pass Utah’s vision test, road skills exam and written knowledge exam (if not waived).

The DPS requires both adult and minor drivers to pass a motorcycle permit test to be eligible for a full license. While all motorcycle operators are encouraged to enroll in a state-approved education program before applying for a license as well, neither adults nor minors are obligated to take a course before they can apply for a permit or license. Keep reading to find out how to get your new license in Utah.

What is a Utah motorcycle endorsement?

Utah drivers will receive a motorcycle endorsement on their current licenses, instead of a separate license, upon successful submission of the necessary application material. The M endorsement adds motorcycle operation privileges to the applicant’s existing driving privileges, combining the qualifications into a single document. Because all UT drivers must already possess a regular driver’s license to be eligible to operate motorcycles, the DPS does not offer separate licenses only for motorcycle use.

Motorcycle Permit Requirements in Utah

The motorcycle permit age in Utah is the same as the driver’s license age, since all drivers must first possess a regular license to be eligible for motorcycle privileges. Other requirements for a motorcycle permit include being able to provide your current license when submitting the application. Drivers who complete an accredited education program before applying for the permit can waive the knowledge exam, while all other drivers must pass the exam to receive a permit. Once received, UT drivers who are under 19 years of age must keep the permit for a minimum of two months before they can apply for a full license.

Required Documents

All requests for a DMV motorcycle permit in Utah must include certain required documentation. This includes the follow:

  • A current and valid Utah driver’s license (proof of identity and driving privileges)
  • A Utah Driver’s License Application form, completed and signed
  • Proof of Utah residency with the driver’s name and address (only if the driver’s address has changed)

Utah Motorcycle Permit Rules and Restrictions

Earning a motorcycle permit in Utah is the first step toward receiving full motorcycle privileges for all drivers. As an instructional tool, the DMV motorcycle permit restricts how UT drivers can safely practice operating a motorcycle in the state. However, these permit restrictions are only applicable during the first two months of having the permit.

What does a motorcycle permit allow you to do during the first two months of possession in Utah? According to the DPS, permit holders can only drive between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Drivers cannot transport passengers of any age, or ride on highways with speed limits over 60 mph. After two months, the permit allows for unlimited driving.

How to Get a Motorcycle Permit in Utah

Applying for a motorcycle learners permit in Utah must be done in person, at a DPS licensing office. The application process varies somewhat when an applicant completes motorcycle classes or meets some other specific conditions. To request a motorcycle permit in Utah, take the required steps, which include:

  1. Earn your Class C or commercial driver’s license from the Utah DPS.
  2. Consider enrolling in a state-approved education program to learn the basics of safe driving techniques and waive the written exam.
  3. Print or pick up a copy of the Utah Driver’s License Application form. Complete and sign it.
  4. Gather your current license application form and proof of residency (if applicable).
  5. Prepare the necessary application fee.
  6. Head to your nearest DPS licensing office. Minors may be asked for parent authorization.
  7. Pass the state’s knowledge-based written exam, when applicable. If you took an approved course, provide a course completion certificate with your application to waive the exam.
  8. Take your permit photo.
  9. Keep your application submission receipt to use as a temporary permit. Your new permit will arrive in the mail about eight weeks after application.

Utah Motorcycle License Requirements

Like the permit minimum, the motorcycle license age is 16 years of age in Utah. Other requirements for a motorcycle license for Utah minors include possessing the learners permit for a minimum of two months before they can request the upgrade to the full license. All UT drivers applying for motorcycle privileges must already possess a Utah Class C or commercial driver’s license in order to qualify. After a driver has completed the necessary steps to earn a permit, he or she must only pass the road skills exam to receive motorcycle privileges.

How to Get a Motorcycle License in Utah

To get a motorcycle license in Utah, drivers must first earn a DPS learner’s permit through the application process previously outlined. Once a driver has held his or her motorcycle permit for the necessary period of time, the DPS asks that he or she schedule an appointment with his or her nearest licensing agency to take the road skills exam. Applicants can usually schedule an appointment by phone or online. This is the final step in the license application process for motorcycle drivers.

How long does it take to get a motorcycle license once the driving exam has been completed? If the Utah driver has passed the test, he or she will immediately receive an application receipt that can be used as a temporary license. The driver’s permanent new license with the new endorsement will arrive in the mail within six to eight weeks. Drivers whose regular driver’s license will expire in the next six months can also renew their regular driving privileges during this process.

Getting a Utah Motorcycle License as a New Resident

To get a motorcycle license as a new resident of Utah, drivers must submit an application, and follow the same basic steps as drivers applying for a new license or permit. The DPS only accepts bike license application transfer requests in person, at licensing agencies, by walk-in or scheduled appointments. Transfer applicants must complete a Utah Driver’s License Application form, and provide two acceptable proofs of Utah residency, proof of identification and Social Security Number with their application packets. They may be asked to provide proof of passing an accredited driver’s education program, as well.

Getting a transfer DMV motorcycle license is Utah also often requires drivers to take all of the state’s qualification exams. This includes the vision screening, written knowledge-based exam and road skills test. All drivers will have to surrender their previous licenses and take new photos for their Utah licenses.

Required Motorcycle Classes in Utah

Enrolling in a motorcycle safety course in Utah is not generally required to receive motorcycle privileges from the DPS. However, the DPS encourages motorcycle training for all new motorcycle drivers and minor applicants. Standard, state-approved Utah Rider Education courses last a minimum of 15 hours, 10 of which must be spent on the bike. During these courses, the school provides both the motorcycle and required helmet. Most schools also offer an Experienced Rider Course (ERC) to veteran motorcycle drivers.

Upon completing an accredited motorcycle license class in Utah, drivers will receive a certificate of completion. This certificate can be used to waive the state’s requirement of passing the written knowledge-based exam – if presented to the DPS within six months of completion. Utah drivers can enroll in state-approved programs in South Jordan, Ogden, Park City and St. George through Salt Lake Community College and Dixie State University.

Utah DMV Motorcycle Test Details

In Utah, the only DMV motorcycle test that is required for all applicants of a full license is the road skills exam. The written motorcycle license test is only required by those drivers who did not enroll in an accredited education program and receive a course completion certificate. Completion certificates have a validity of six months in Utah. All drivers are also subject to the vision screening.

Motorcycle Written Test

The Utah motorcycle written test is composed of 50 multiple-choice questions. The test covers important safety and operation topics that are reviewed, in detail, in the state’s Motorcycle Operator Manual. If required, this exam must be completed at the DPS when submitting the application packet.

Motorcycle Skills Test

The motorcycle road test is required of all applicants. It can be conducted by a DPS examiner in traffic or a closed environment. Drivers should be familiar with the normal operation of their motorcycles, and how to complete a number of maneuvers and defensive driving techniques.

Do you need a motorcycle license to drive a scooter in Utah?

Do you need a license to drive a motorcycle that is powered by a small motor, like a scooter? In Utah, drivers of almost any type of motor vehicle must be licensed by the DPS in some way. Scooters, however, are the exception to this rule. Scooters are considered self-propelled devices with at least two wheels, a braking system and a motor no larger than 40cc. Drivers under 15 years of age must be under direct supervision to operate a scooter.

Other Vehicles

A Utah M license must be requested by drivers of most types of motorized bi- and tri-wheeled vehicles, such as mopeds, electric bicycles and scooters with motors over 40cc. To operate these vehicles, drivers must possess and regular driver’s license with some form of motorcycle designation.

The DPS offers various restricted endorsement options for different types of motorized bikes.

Utah Motorcycle License Costs

How much does it cost to get a motorcycle license in Utah? The base motorcycle license cost for existing drivers is:

  • New M endorsement: $11
  • Renewal of current or expired M endorsement: $11
  • Motorcycle learner’s permit: $19
  • Transfer of out-of-state license with endorsement, adults 21 years of age or older: $32
  • Transfer of out-of-state license with endorsement, drivers under 21 years of age: $39
Last updated on Wednesday, March 4 2020.