How to Get a Motorcycle License in Virginia Beach

There are three different types of motorcycle designations: M, M2, and M3, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
  • M – drivers are authorized to operate both two and three-wheeled motorcycles
  • M2 – drivers are restricted to the operation of two-wheeled motorcycles
  • M3 – drivers are restricted to the operation of three-wheeled motorcycles
Class

To operate a motorcycle, any Virginia driver must have one of these designations listed under “Class” on the front of their driver’s license.
M, M2, M3
RESTRICTION: 6

Drivers are allowed to operate motorcycles ONLY if their license lists an M, M2, or M3 designation AND a “6” listed under “Restriction” on the back of their license.
NO RESTRICTION

If the driver does not have a 6 restriction listed along with their designation, then they are allowed to operate a standard motor vehicle.

Adding a Class M, M2, or M3 Designation to a Standard Motor Vehicle License

If you are 18 or older, you must:
  • Pass the required vision screening
  • Pass the motorcycle knowledge exam
  • Have a motorcycle learner’s permit for 30 days
  • Pass the motorcycle road skills test
If you are younger than 18, you must:
  • Pass the required vision screening
  • Pass the motorcycle knowledge exam
  • Have a motorcycle learner’s permit for 9 months
  • Pass the motorcycle road skills test

The Virginia Rider Training Program

12 - 20 hours

Virginia Rider Training Program courses range from 12 hours to 20 hours, depending on where they are administered.

exam and skill test

If you have successfully completed the training program, you can be exempt from taking the motorcycle knowledge exam and the road skills test.

1 year validity

A provisional license expires 1 year from the date it is issued.

plastic license

Students age 19 and older will be given a Virginia DMV provisional license, which is a temporary class M2 or M3 license that can be used to operate a motorcycle for 30 days. After 30 days, students must go to the DMV to exchange the provisional license for an updated plastic license.

provisional license

Students age 18 will not be allowed to operate a motorcycle with their provisional license. Instead, they must take their provisional license to the DMV to have their plastic license updated.

temporary license

Students aged 17 and younger will be given a provisional license. However, they must still wait 9 months, and will not have a 30-day class M2 or M3 temporary license to operate a motorcycle.

Obtaining a License Restricted to Operating Motorcycles Only

  • Drivers are allowed to operate motorcycles ONLY if their license lists an M, M2, or M3 designation AND a “6” listed under “Restriction” on the back of their license.
  • To obtain this kind of license, you must complete all required expectations as if you were adding an M, M2, or M3 designation to a standard motor vehicle license.
  • Additionally, you must pass the two-part driver’s license knowledge exam.
  • If you are under 18, you must show proof that you have successfully completed an approved driver education program before being issued any Virginia driver’s license.

757-671-6000

317 30th Street

Virginia Beach, VA 23451