To get a motorcycle license in Boston, you have to be at least 16 years old. However, riders who are under the age of 18 must meet additional requirements, including completing a rider education course and holding a permit for a minimum of six months.
Before hitting the road, riders must follow a specific licensing process that is governed by Massachusetts state law. For more information about how old you have to be to get a motorcycle license, contact a Boston motorcycle accident lawyer for advice.
Minimum Age to Get a Motorcycle License in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, the minimum age to obtain a motorcycle license is 16 years old, but it is not as simple as walking into the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and leaving with a license. Riders under the age of 18 must meet additional requirements and obtain parental or guardian consent.
The full process consists of multiple steps that are intended to ensure rider safety and competence on the road. It’s also worth noting that there are two main types of motorcycle privileges in Massachusetts:
- Motorcycle Learner’s Permit
- Motorcycle Endorsement on a Class D (Standard) License
A rider must first obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit before being eligible for a license or endorsement.
Completing the Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP)
The Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP) is required for all applicants who are under the age of 18. It is also strongly recommended for all new motorcyclists.
MREP is approved by the Massachusetts RMV, and it is administered through private training schools across the state.
This is what you should know about MREP:
- Must be completed before scheduling the road test if under 18
- Includes classroom instruction and range practice
- Typically takes two to three days to complete
- Successful completion includes a skills evaluation
Upon passing, students will receive a certificate of completion. This is required for road test waivers if you are over the age of 18. Instructors are certified to ensure consistency in safety education, and many insurance companies offer discounts for riders who complete MREP.
Getting a Motorcycle License (Class M)
After fulfilling the permit requirements and completing both the MREP and the six-month permit period, you’ll apply for a Class M license. This allows for unrestricted motorcycle operation in Massachusetts.
These are the road test requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Meet all GDL requirements if you’re younger than 18 years old
- Provide a safe, legally registered, and insured motorcycle for the exam
- Schedule a road test through the RMV
- Pass the skills test administered by an RMV examiner
The Class M road test evaluates specific riding abilities, including:
- Starting and stopping safely
- Turning and cornering
- Making U-turns and lane changes
- Avoiding obstacles successfully
- Braking quickly in the face of mock emergencies
Applicants who are at least 18 years old when they complete the MREP course might have the road test waived. For minors, passing the road test is mandatory even after they complete the MREP.
Once you pass the road test, you will receive a new license with a Class M endorsement, which allows you to legally operate motorcycles, not only in Boston but throughout Massachusetts.
Motorcycle License for Applicants 18 and Older
For riders who are 18 years old or older, the process of obtaining a motorcycle license in Boston is simpler. They are still required to obtain a learner’s permit, but the following is also true:
- Do not need to complete MREP, though it is highly encouraged
- Are not subject to the six-month waiting period
- Able to schedule the road test immediately upon readiness
- Receive a waiver of the road test if they complete MREP
While optional for adults, MREP is beneficial for those preparing for the road test and interested in increasing their safety levels while on the road. Many new adult riders find the structured training invaluable, even if it is not legally required.
Motorcycle License vs. Motorcycle Endorsement
In Massachusetts, many motorcyclists obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their existing Class D license. This means they do not carry a separate license for motorcycle operation—instead, it’s added to the same plastic card as the standard driver’s license.
Those who do not already have a driver’s license might only receive a Class M license, which allows them to operate motorcycles but not passenger vehicles. However, this is less common, and it is generally pursued by individuals who do not drive cars.
Helmet and Equipment Laws in Massachusetts
If you want to ride motorcycles in Massachusetts, it’s important to understand the legalities regarding helmets and equipment. Regardless of your age or the type of license you obtain, helmet use is mandatory for all motorcyclists and passengers.
Your helmet must be DOT-approved, and riders must also wear shatterproof eye protection if the motorcycle is not equipped with a windshield. Massachusetts also requires you to equip your bike with:
- Proper registration and insurance for all motorcycles
- Inspection of motorcycles annually for safety
- License plate that is mounted in the correct location
- Working lights, signals, and horn
These requirements are enforced because they help to maintain safety and compliance with Massachusetts state laws.
Contact Our Boston Motorcycle Accident Law Firm for More Info
If you or someone you love was hurt in a motorcycle crash, the road to recovery often feels uncertain and isolating, but you don’t have to go through it all alone. Medical bills, insurance negotiations, and physical injuries all make it even more difficult to face on your own.
The good news is you don’t have to go through this by yourself. At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, we have 21–plus years of experience handling cases similar to yours. We’ve helped more than 15,000 people recover over $250 million in compensation.
When you reach out to us, you’ll be able to schedule a free consultation. We work on a contingency-fee basis, so you never need to reach into your pocket to pay us. There’s no obligation—just information®. That’s the Stone Cold Guarantee®.
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