Motorcycle Licensing Requirements

Motorcycle Licensing Requirements

Pennsylvania has hundreds of thousands of licensed motorcyclists throughout the state. Many riders live and work in the Philadelphia, PA, area. You must obtain a motorcycle learner permit or a Class M license before you can legally operate a motorcycle in Pennsylvania.

The Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyers of Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers work with motorcyclists who have been injured in accidents. We understand the challenges and risks faced by riders each time they leave home. We also understand the devastation a motorcycle accident can cause. 

If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, contact our law firm or call (215) 875-7030 for a free consultation with a Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorney. Learn about your legal rights and how we can help you recover fair compensation for your motorcycle accident claim. 

Do You Need a Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Attorney to Handle Your Case?

Do You Need a Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Attorney to Handle Your Case?

You can, of course, represent yourself in a motorcycle accident case. However, you will be going up against a large insurance company that does not want to pay your claim. The company has vast resources and teams of investigators. Its insurance adjusters will use any means to undervalue your claim. 

You need legal representation to level the playing field. Hiring Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers has the resources, skills, and experience to go up against any opposing party. Our Philadelphia personal injury attorneys have over 80 years of combined legal experience and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients. We are dedicated to helping accident victims receive a fair settlement for their accident claims. 

When you hire our law firm, you can expect us to:

  • Gather evidence and investigate the cause of the motorcycle accident
  • Interview witnesses and review accident reports 
  • Identify the parties responsible for causing the motorcycle crash
  • File all insurance claims and monitor the progress of the claim
  • Work with you, your doctors, and experts (when needed) to document your injuries and damages
  • Aggressively negotiate a fair settlement for your claim

Our attorneys are experienced litigators. We do not shy away from a fight. If necessary, we will argue your case before a judge and jury.

Please contact our office to schedule your free consultation with one of our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers.

What are the Requirements for Operating a Motorcycle in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is a motorcycle-only license state. You must complete the requirements to obtain a valid motorcycle license – even if you have a Class C driver’s license.

Before purchasing a motorcycle, you may want to read the Motorcycle Operator Manual from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. It provides much of the information you need to apply for a motorcycle license.

To operate a motorcycle in Pennsylvania, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years of age
  • Purchase and maintain minimum motorcycle insurance 
  • Obtain a Class M learner’s permit or Class M license
  • Maintain valid vehicle registration

A motorcycle operator, regardless of experience, must pass all requirements to obtain a learner’s permit and then a motorcycle license.

How Do You Obtain a Motorcycle License in Pennsylvania?

First, you must apply for a motorcycle instruction permit. The Class M learner’s permit allows you to operate a motorcycle between sunrise to sunset. 

However, if you do not have another class of license, you can only operate the motorcycle under the supervision of someone holding a valid Class M license. Riders with a learner’s permit cannot carry passengers other than a licensed instructor. 

You must also:

  • Complete a Motorcycle Learner’s Permit Application
  • Pay a $10 fee 
  • Pass the DMV’s vision screening test
  • Successfully complete the motorcycle knowledge test

Riders under 18 years old cannot apply for a Class M motorcycle license until at least six months after the permit issue date. Before taking the road test, the rider must have at least 65 hours of supervised riding. Mandatory motorcycle training is required for riders under 18 years old. 

Riders over 18 years of age may schedule a skills test at a local driver’s license center. You can receive your Class M motorcycle license after completing the state motorcycle skills test.

Riders may also enroll in training through the Motorcycle Safety Program. Upon successful completion of the safety program, you will receive a certificate of completion and a course completion card. You should receive an official update to your license from PennDOT within 120 days.

What Should You Do if You Are Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Philly?

Unfortunately, motorcycle training may not prepare you for every situation you encounter on the road. Other drivers, road defects, and weather conditions can all cause motorcycle accidents. Riders have little protection in a crash, which means motorcycle accidents can result in catastrophic injuries.

If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries; the other driver could be liable for your:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Permanent impairments or disabilities
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Emotional suffering and mental anguish
  • Long-term personal care or nursing care

You should seek immediate medical attention after a motorcycle accident. When your condition is stable, contact our Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyers to discuss how we can help you.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Attorney

We are here to help you with your motorcycle accident claim. Call our law office to schedule your free consultation with one of our Philadelphia personal injury attorneys. Let us help you get the money you deserve.