Can I Get a Motorcycle License With a Scooter?

Many states require scooter riders to obtain a motorcycle license.

Some states allow you to use a scooter for a motorcycle license road test, while others do not. Many states require scooter riders to obtain a motorcycle license in order to drive their vehicle on the street. In those states, once you obtain a motorcycle license, it qualifies you to ride either a motorcycle or a scooter; therefore, it doesn't matter which you use to take the road skills test.

Required Tests

States that issue motorcycle licenses usually require a written skills test that addresses laws specific to motorcycles as well as road safety rules; a vision test; and sometimes an additional road signs test and medical test. Whether you are riding a scooter or motorcycle, if a license is required, these tests must be taken.

Power Restrictions

Some states differentiate between classes of motorcycles and scooters. For example, Alaska and Alabama classify scooters and motorcycles with engine displacement of 50cc or less as motor-driven cycles, not as motorcycles, and you cannot obtain a regular motorcycle license if using a motor-driven cycle for your road skills test. Other states, such as Arizona, give out restricted motorcycle licenses if you test with a motorcycle or scooter with engine displacement of 100cc or less. In most states, any scooter that has an engine larger than 50cc is considered a motorcycle.

Basic Rider Course

Most states waive the road skills test if a motorcyclist takes a basic rider course offered by the American Motorcycle Safety Foundation or other motorcycle safety groups. Some states, such as California, require riders under age 21 to take a rider course in order to obtain a license. Some rider courses, such as in Pennsylvania, allow participants to use their own equipment, and scooters are acceptable to use, while others require riders to use equipment supplied by the course holder.

States That Don't Allow Use of Scooters

California and Louisiana don't allow riders to use scooters when taking a motorcycle road skills test if the test taker plans to use the license to ride a motorcycle.

Vehicle Requirements

Most states, such as Connecticut, require test takers to use a motorcycle or scooter that is registered to them and properly insured. If you are using a scooter for your motorcycle road skills test in any state that allows it, the scooter must be more than 50cc (or higher if the state requires a higher engine displacement for the license).

References

• Motorcycle License Guide: Free DMV Sample Test
• Motorcycle Safety Foundation: Rider Course Info
• California Department of Motor Vehicles: Motorcycle Handbook Two Wheel Vehicle Operation
• Connecticut DMV: Requirements for Obtaining a Motorcycle Permit and License
• Louisiana: Office of Motor Vehicles: Motorcycle Operator's Manual