How To Get A Motorcycle License In Illinois [Ultimate Guide]


How to Get a Motorcycle License in Illinois

Illinois is one of the best places where you can enjoy riding a motorcycle. You’ll have many roads to visit and enjoy, such as the Rock River Run, the Scenic Ridge Route, and many more.

Nevertheless, before you think about hitting the road, you have to know precisely how to get a motorcycle license in Illinois. That’s where we come in to guide you on the steps to ride the roads on your bucket list successfully.

Equipment Requirements

To qualify for the required courses to obtain your license, make sure you fulfill all the requirements, including gear and protection.

Firstly, you have to wear an anti-scratch, anti-abrasion suit. Additionally, protect your joints through thick-padded gloves that won’t restrict your fingers and high-quality leather shoes/boots. Lastly, don’t forget a high-quality helmet and eye protection.

Steps to Obtain a Motorcycle License in Illinois

Before you jump to the license, you need to start by obtaining a learners’ permit, and that’s grounded by several rules to ensure your and other drivers’ safety.

Next, you’ll have to follow some steps to upgrade to a license. Motorcycle licenses are divided into two types: Class M and Class L.

Step One: Learner’s Permit

A learner’s permit is issued to Illinois’ citizens aged 16 to 18, and it allows them to drive only in daylight and with the company of a Class M motorcyclist with experience for at least a year. Without question, those with a learner’s permit aren’t allowed to drive with passengers on board.

To get the learner’s permit, you need to undertake a driver education course, and a motorcycle training program followed by a written Rules of the Road test and complete them successfully. Once you do, the permit lasts for 24 months.

On the other hand, if you’re 18 and above, you have one of two choices; either you’ll undergo both a written and practical driving examination or take a rider education course. Then, you’ll get your permit, which will last for 12 months only.

Step Two: Obtaining the License 

After your learner’s permit expires and you wish to obtain your class M/L license, the very first thing you need to do is to make sure to gather your documents. Prepare legal forms that have your full name on them, in addition to four other original forms of identification. You’ll find that the state of Illinois has provided a list of what’s accepted in the form of identification papers. 

Next, you have two routes that you can take. First, you can take a written test gauging your knowledge of the road rules, laws, and safety precautions. Following that, you take a practical driving test where the Secretary of the State’s Office judges your ability to handle and maneuver your motorcycle in all situations. 

All of that must be accompanied by your proof of completion of the Motorcycle Rider Education Course. The other route to go about it is to forgo the exams and take the IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation) motorcycle safety course or present proof of its completion. Then, you take a vision exam and pay a $10 fee. The last two steps are mandatory, no matter which route you decide to take.

Class M

A Class M motorcycle license is the most common, as it allows you to drive any motorcycle that you would like, no matter the brand or the motor. 

Class L

On the other hand, a Class L license is bound by the engine capacity, which maxes out at 150 CCS, quite restricting. 

Other Available Courses:

IDOT isn’t the only motorcycle safety course offered by Illinois; many other courses cover the same topics. For instance, undertaking the basic rider course and the intermediate rider course will give you the same results as taking the IDOT, and will equip you for the written exam.

There are also courses to hone your existing skills and develop new ones for you to be the best version of your motorcyclist self:

  • Basic Rider Course
  • Intermediate Rider Course
  • Basic Rider Course 2
  • Advanced Rider Courses

Final Thoughts 

As you can see, there’s hardly anything as simple as how to get a motorcycle license in Illinois. The steps are easy and straightforward. Moreover, there are various routes that you can take to reach your goal!

Oliver Nolan

Being a biking fanatic, I decided to be your source for all things motorcycling, with a specialty in motorcycle gear. Let’s navigate the motorcycle gear world!

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