The state of Illinois mandates that you obtain an Illinois motorcycle license if you intend to ride any type of motorized bicycle, from a dirt bike up to a 1800cc Hog. All riders must possess a valid motorcycle license in Illinois in order to legally operate their motorcycles. You’ll be breaking the law every time you get on your bike if you don’t get a license. You run the risk of facing legal issues when you break the law, which could result in steep fines or even jail time.
Depending on the displacement of the motorcycle you want to drive, you can get one of two types of licenses for motorcycles. Please take the time to carefully read this article if you want to learn how to obtain a motorcycle license in Illinois.
Do I Need A License To Drive A Motorcycle In Illinois?
A Class L or Class M license is required in Illinois before a driver is allowed to operate a motorcycle. While Class M licenses allow for the operation of any motor-driven cycle, Class L licenses allow for the operation of any motorcycle with a displacement of up to 150cc. Regardless of whether it is a Class L or Class M license, drivers of mopeds are only required to have a valid driver’s license.
It’s crucial to obtain these appropriate certifications. Being behind the wheel of a motorcycle without a license is dangerous as well as illegal. In contrast, you don’t need a specific license to ride an electric scooter. You may be interested in how to get a motorcycle license in Texas, Florida, Ohio, Arizona, and California.
How Can I Get A Motorcycle License In Illinois?
To qualify for a Class L or Class M motorcycle permit, you must:
- Be 18 years old and able to present a current state license or ID
- Complete the written Rules of the Road exam
- Pass a vision test
- Pay a permit fee, or show successful completion of an IDOT motorcycle training course and be enrolled in a motorcycle training program if you are 16 or 17 years old
For individuals under 18, a Class L or M permit is valid for 12 months, and for younger individuals, for 24 months.
Steps For Getting A Motorcycle License In Illinois
Take A Motorcycle Rider Course
The Illinois Department of Transportation offers courses for all motorcycle riders covering the fundamentals of safety if you want to learn how to ride more safely. Remember that you are much more likely to have an accident if you don’t have the fundamental knowledge of safe bike riding.
The state of Illinois strongly advises all prospective motorcycle riders to enroll in safety courses so they can learn what it takes to ride safely. You must complete these courses before you can apply for a motorcycle license, whether or not you believe you need the safety instruction they offer.
When you enroll in the Basic Rider Course you will learn about:
- Basic riding skills
- Mental skills required to ride safely
- How to follow road safety rules
- Street riding skills that will allow you to operate your motorcycle safely
The conclusion is uncomplicated. Without first learning how to ride a motorcycle safely, it is impossible to get your motorcycle license in Illinois. Therefore, you should seriously consider enrolling in this course to give yourself the best chance of receiving your license.
An IDOT-approved Safety Course Is The Best Option
Taking a safety course that has been approved by the IDOT should be at the top of your list of priorities if you want to give yourself the best chance of getting your motorcycle license. All riders should prioritize motorcycle safety, and you can learn all you need to know about riding safely by taking a course that has been approved by the IDOT.
You’ll be able to ride your motorcycle safely after completing this course, lowering your risk of an accident.
Furthermore, the quickest way to start down the road to getting your motorcycle license is to decide to enroll in a course that has been approved by the IDOT. If you enroll in and successfully complete this course, you’ll be able to skip some of the other steps that are typically required to obtain your license.
Did you know that you won’t need to take a written or driving test to get your license if you successfully complete this course? The key idea here is that taking this course will actually make getting your license simpler for you. In order to protect yourself, enroll in a motorcycle safety course that has been approved by the IDOT.
Make Sure That You Are Prepared For A Written Exam And Road Test
The next step in the procedure is to apply for your motorcycle license after you have finished your training. Never forget that if you want to ride a motorcycle in the state of Illinois, you are legally required to have a motorcycle license.
A written and driving test must be passed before you can get your license. This will demonstrate to a relevant authority that you are competent to ride your motorcycle safely. It will also decide if you will be given a license or not.
There is no assurance that you will pass your exams, so you must prioritize studying as much as you can before sitting for them. Your license will not be granted if you fail your tests. So, make a wise decision. Take whatever preparation measures you deem necessary to be fully ready for your written and road tests for motorcycles.
Illinois Motorcycle License Preparation Tips
You must commit to memory a number of laws and rules as you study for your motorcycle license test. These components include the basic traffic laws that apply to motorized bicycles, though there are some exceptions to these rules when compared to a typical driver’s license.
The following are some things to consider while studying for the motorcycle licensing test:
- Understand traffic signs
- Undergo a medical screening
- Prove you will follow an inspection routine
- Show safe signaling and lane-changing requirements
- Show you understand riding procedures at intersections, speed limits, and when to yield
- Pass a vision screening test
Riders are required to pass a practical riding test once they have memorized the questions for the general driving test and have finished the exam. This test confirms that you are comfortable riding a motorcycle and are fully informed about the equipment’s safety features for riders.
Final Thoughts
In the state of Illinois, you must have a license in order to ride a motorcycle. You cannot simply ignore this because it is a legal requirement. This is a legal requirement, and disobeying it could result in serious penalties.
You’ll be able to take pleasure in two-wheeled riding once you have obtained your Illinois motorcycle license. It’s crucial to stay safe whether you’re on or off the road. It is strongly advised that you wear the appropriate riding attire, including a helmet, jacket, gloves, and boots, even though Illinois does not currently have any laws requiring that you do so.
