Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. | June 12, 2025 | Motorcycle Accidents
If you’re thinking about riding a motorcycle in Wisconsin, it’s important to understand the applicable licensing requirements. Motorcycle licenses ensure that riders have the proper skills and knowledge to safely operate a bike on Wisconsin roads. While the state only offers one type of motorcycle license, it does offer an instruction permit to help riders learn the ropes.
In this blog post, we’ll go over how getting a motorcycle license or permit works in Wisconsin and how to get legal help after an accident.
In Wisconsin, a standard motorcycle license is known as a “Class M” license. Anyone planning to ride a motorcycle on public roads must hold this license. A Class M license shows you’ve passed the necessary tests and have the skills to ride safely.
To get a Class M license, you’ll typically need to:
There are additional requirements if you are under the age of 18, such as having a sponsor.
Before getting a full Class M license, you might wish to start with a Class M instruction permit, also called a learner’s permit. This permit lets you practice riding your motorcycle legally on Wisconsin roads under specific conditions.
With an instruction permit, you must:
An instruction permit gives you valuable practice before taking to the road as a fully-licensed motorcycle rider.
Wisconsin has a special endorsement if you plan to ride smaller vehicles like scooters or mopeds. Scooters and mopeds under 50cc often require a special endorsement on your regular driver’s license instead of a full Class M license.
These endorsements usually require a simple written test, but not a road skills test. You must get a full Class M license if your scooter or moped has an engine larger than 50cc.
Yes. If you move to Wisconsin and already have a valid motorcycle license from another state, you generally won’t need to take tests again. Instead, you can transfer your out-of-state motorcycle license directly to Wisconsin by visiting a DMV office.
You’ll typically need to show:
The DMV will then issue you a Wisconsin motorcycle license without requiring further testing.
Riding a motorcycle in Wisconsin without a valid Class M license or permit can lead to serious penalties. You could face fines, citations, and even license suspension. Additionally, if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident without the proper license, it could severely limit your ability to recover compensation.
Even if you have the proper motorcycle license, accidents still happen. If you’re injured in a motorcycle crash in Wisconsin, you should:
After taking these steps, speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer right away. Your lawyer can help ensure you get the compensation you deserve after an accident.
Eisenberg Law Offices S.C. is a trusted motorcycle accident law firm in Madison, WI, dedicated to fighting for your deserved compensation. Our experienced attorneys will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and ensure your rights are protected. Contact us today for a free consultation.
We proudly serve Dane County, Jefferson County, Sauk County, Rock County, Columbia County, and their surrounding areas.
Eisenberg Law Offices S.C. – Madison
308 E Washington Ave
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 256-8356
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