Riding a motorcycle requires different skills than driving a passenger car, which is why Alabama now requires all motorcycle riders to have a specific motorcycle license. For many years, a standard driver’s license was sufficient, but no longer. Make sure you know and follow the rules to avoid any legal issues while riding.
Understanding Alabama’s Motorcycle License Requirements
There are multiple classes of driver’s licenses in Alabama. The one you need to operate a motorcycle is a Class M license. According to the state’s Motorcycle Operator Manual, anyone 16 or older can apply for a motorcycle license even if they don’t have a regular driver’s license. People 14 and older can apply for a motorcycle permit but can’t get their full license until they turn 16.
How to Get a Motorcycle License in Alabama
You must pass a written exam and an on-road skills test to get an Alabama motorcycle license. The written knowledge test covers things like the rules of the road, proper hand signals while riding, and so on. The on-road skills test covers basic riding abilities, such as turning, braking, etc.
The state recommends that you take a rider safety course before applying for a motorcycle license, but it’s not mandatory. You’ll also need proof of your identity and Alabama residency when you apply, and you might have to pay a small fee.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive a Motorcycle in Alabama?
You must be 16 to drive a full-powered motorcycle in Alabama. People 14 and older can operate motor-driven cycles, which are smaller and less powerful, while they wait to apply for their Class M license.
People Also Asked:
Here are the answers to some common questions we get about motorcycle licenses and accidents in Alabama:
Can you drive a motorcycle in Alabama without a license? No. Riding a motorcycle without a valid license is illegal.
What is the penalty for riding without a motorcycle license in Alabama? Section 32-6-18 of the Code of Alabama states that anyone riding a motorcycle without a valid Class M motorcycle license could face a fine of up to $150.
How long does it take to get a motorcycle license in Alabama? Once you turn 16, you can apply for a motorcycle license whenever you want. You must schedule an appointment at the DMV to take your knowledge and skills tests, but there’s nothing keeping you from getting your license once you pass the tests. It will take longer to get your license if you need to take the test multiple times.
Do you have to take a motorcycle safety course in Alabama? Alabama law doesn’t require you to take a safety course to get a motorcycle license, but we strongly recommend an Alabama motorcycle safety program. Not only can the skills you learn in a safety course save your life, but passing the course can also reduce your motorcycle insurance premiums.
Contact a Birmingham Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Help
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident in Birmingham, Alabama? If so, you could be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party. Contact Collins Law, LLC today for a free consultation with a Birmingham motorcycle accident lawyer, and let us demand justice on your behalf.
