How to get a Motorcycle License
To get a motorcycle endorsement added to your driver's license, you must pass the motorcycle knowledge test and a motorcycle skills (driving) test as well as a vision screening. The skills test may be waived if you have successfully completed an Iowa-approved course in motorcycle education.
Motorcycle-Only License
To get a motorcycle-only license, you must pass the motorcycle knowledge test as well as the operator knowledge test, pass a skills (driving) test on your motorcycle, and complete a vision screening. The skills test may be waived if you have successfully completed an Iowa-approved course in motorcycle education.
Motorcycle Instruction Permit
To get a motorcycle instruction permit, you must pass the motorcycle knowledge exam and a vision screening. A motorcycle instruction permit will be issued for one four-year term with no renewal permitted.
The permit allows you to operate a motorcycle while accompanied by another person that has a license valid for motorcycles. The accompanying person must stay within sight and hearing distance and be on or in a different motor vehicle. Only one learner may be supervised by any one licensed driver.
Motorcycle & Moped Education
Learning to ride a motorcycle can be a little intimidating. Enrolling in a basic rider course can help.
Motorcycle & Moped Licenses and Fees
| License Type | Cost | Duration of License |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle endorsement (added to an existing license) | $2/year | Same expiration as existing license |
| Motorcycle license only - Class M | $6/year | 8 years* |
| Motorcycle instruction permit | $2/year when adding to an existing license, or $14 if you are obtaining a motorcycle instruction permit and do not currently have another type of license. | Same expiration as existing license when adding to an existing license, or 4 years if you are obtaining a motorcycle instruction permit only and do not have another type of license. A motorcycle instruction permit will be issued for one four-year term with no renewal permitted. |
| Moped (motorized bicycle) license only | $8 | 2 years |
* Licenses issued to persons 78 and over will be valid for two years.
Accepted Forms of Payment
- Cash (USD)
- Check
- MasterCard (debit and credit)*
- Visa Debit only (no Visa credit card) - Visa Debit is acceptable as long as you don't use Interlink or Shazam (specified on the back of the Visa card)
- Discover credit card*
* There will be a $1.50 credit card processing fee if using a credit card as a form of payment.
County locations may charge an additional convenience fee.
Back to topAutocycles
Legislation effective July 1, 2016, designated certain three-wheeled motor vehicles as autocycles when defining the title and registration, driver's license, and equipment requirements that apply to the owners and operators of these vehicles.
What is an Autocycle?
An autocycle is a three-wheeled motor vehicle that is originally designed with the following:
- Two front wheels and one rear wheel.
- A steering wheel rather than handlebars.
- No more than two permanent seats that do not require the operator or a passenger to straddle or sit astride the vehicle.
- Foot pedals that control the brakes, acceleration, and clutch, where applicable.
The following are examples of vehicles that meet the definition of an autocycle.
Seat Belt and Helmet Requirements for Autocycles
Autocycles have seat belts that are required for the operator and passenger. The standard vehicle requirements for child restraints also apply to children transported in autocycles.
Iowa law does not require helmets for autocycles or motorcycles. However, because these vehicles are manufactured to meet federal safety standards that apply to motorcycles rather than the more rigorous safety standards that apply to passenger vehicles, it is recommended that operators and passengers wear helmets for their own protection.
A helmet may be required when the autocycle is operated in a state that has a mandatory helmet law. Operators and passengers should check the helmet laws of the states in which they intend to travel.
License Plates and Registration for Autocycles
Although an autocycle will have a vehicle identification number (VIN) and manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO) that correspond to motorcycles, under Iowa law they are defined as a separate type of vehicle, autocycle, and will be registered as an autocycle rather than a motorcycle. However, an autocycle will be registered for the same flat registration fee as a motorcycle ($20 per year).
An autocycle will be issued one small license plate that will be displayed on the rear of the vehicle, the same as a motorcycle.
Prior to July 1, 2016, these types of vehicles were registered as motorcycles. After this date, they will be registered as autocycles. If you have registered an autocycle prior to July 1, 2016, you will not be required to change the registration. Instead, the county treasurer will amend the registration from motorcycle to autocycle at the next annual registration renewal.
Operator's License Requirements
Any license that is valid for the operation of a noncommercial passenger vehicle, including a Class C noncommercial license, may be used to operate an autocycle. A motorcycle license or endorsement is not required.
An autocycle cannot be used to take the motorcycle skills test because an autocycle does not require motorcycle skills to operate. Additionally, autocycles may not be used to complete a driving skills test as a passenger vehicle because autocycles are manufactured to motorcycle safety specifications. This avoids exposing Iowa DOT examiners to risk of crash without a helmet.
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