April 23, 2026 | Motorcycle Accidents
You must be at least 16 years old to ride a motorcycle in Pennsylvania. Even after you turn 16, you must satisfy all the motorcycle permit and license requirements in the state. Before you purchase that motorcycle and hop on the road, make sure you are familiar with all the license requirements in Pennsylvania.
Keep reading below to learn all the details.
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Learner’s Permit Requirements
For an individual under 18 to obtain a motorcycle license, they must first obtain a learner’s permit. To get a motorcycle learner’s permit, you will need to:
- Complete the application for a motorcycle learner’s permit
- Pass a vision screening test
- Pass the motorcycle knowledge exam
Once you complete these steps, you will be issued a learner’s permit. Applicants under 18 must also have a parent or guardian present at the driver’s license center when obtaining the permit.
Pennsylvania Class M Motorcycle License Requirements
To obtain a full Class M motorcycle license in Pennsylvania, you must meet several additional requirements. Before upgrading your license, you must:
- Complete a Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program Basic Rider Course
- Log at least 65 hours of riding experience (the course may count toward a portion of these hours)
- Either complete the Motorcycle Safety Program or pass a motorcycle skills test at a driver’s license center
- Hold your learner’s permit for at least six months
Meeting these requirements is necessary to upgrade your learner’s permit and obtain your full Class M motorcycle license in Pennsylvania.
Motorcycle Learner’s Permit Restrictions
Even though you can operate a motorcycle on public roadways with a learner’s permit, it comes with several important restrictions. With a motorcycle learner’s permit in Pennsylvania, you must:
- Ride only between sunrise and sunset, and not operate a motorcycle at night
- Not carry passengers and ride solo at all times
- Follow any additional supervision or training requirements if you are under 18, depending on your licensing status
- Wear a helmet if you are under 21
- Wear eye protection at all times
The motorcycle learner’s permit is an important step toward obtaining your full Pennsylvania motorcycle license, so it is essential to understand and follow these restrictions before you hit the road.
Why Does a Motorcycle Require a Special License?
Operating a motorcycle requires specific skills and knowledge that are very different from those required to operate a typical passenger vehicle. Motorcycles are fun to drive, but they can also be very dangerous. Pennsylvania (and other states) have special motorcycle licensing requirements to help protect the safety of their citizens.
Motorcycle accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns and road rash
- Head and neck injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Wrongful death
Operating a motorcycle without the proper skills and experience increases the chances of an accident much higher. By going through the necessary steps to obtain your motorcycle license, you should be much more prepared to handle different situations that may arise while you are riding.
This can lower your chances of an accident and help keep you safe.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Even with all the proper skills and experience, accidents still happen. This is especially true when someone else is at fault. If you do find yourself in a motorcycle accident, make sure you follow these steps:
- Get immediate medical treatment for your injuries
- Call the police so that they can create an accident report
- Gather as much evidence from the scene as possible
- Document all your injuries and expenses related to the accident
- Do not talk to the insurance company without getting help from a lawyer
- Seek advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you get the compensation you deserve
Motorcycle accidents can involve significant injuries, and having a lawyer on your side can help ensure you are properly compensated for all your damages.
Contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Scranton Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
In Pennsylvania, you can start riding a motorcycle at 16, but you must complete the required permit, training, and licensing steps. Following these rules helps keep you safe—and if you’re injured in an accident caused by someone else, a personal injury lawyer can help you explore your options for compensation.
If you need help, contact the team at Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC for a free consultation with a Scranton motorcycle accident attorney and let us handle every detail of your claim while you focus on your recovery.
For more information, contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC to schedule a free consultation with our experienced personal injury attorneys. We proudly serve clients in Scranton, Kingston, Berwick, PA, and Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne Counties. We’re here to fight for your rights with trusted, experienced legal support. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Scranton
148 Adams Ave, Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 714-4878
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Kingston
183 Market St #200, Kingston, PA 18704
(570) 714-4878
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Berwick
120 W Front St, Berwick, PA 18603
(570) 714-4878