Motorcycle Licensing Requirements in Madison, WI

Wisconsin is a beautiful place to ride a motorcycle, and there is nothing quite like the thrill of feeling the wind in your face. Before you give in to the urge to buy a motorcycle to cruise around the streets of Madison, WI, you need to become familiar with the motorcycle licensing requirements. Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about these requirements and how to obtain your motorcycle license in Wisconsin.

What Is a Motorcycle?

Before diving into the motorcycle licensing requirements, it helps first to know what the law in Wisconsin classifies as a motorcycle. This might seem obvious, but the law has a specific definition for a motorcycle. 

According to Wisconsin law, a motorcycle can travel at speeds of 30 miles per hour or more and has:

• An engine or battery
• No more than three wheels
• A seat or saddle requiring the rider to sit astride (with one leg on each side)
• Steering controlled by handlebars
• Acceleration and braking controlled by handlebars and foot controls

Keep in mind that the motorcycle licensing requirements in Wisconsin apply to vehicles that meet the definition above. Mopeds and scooters do not follow the same rules as motorcycles.

Wisconsin Motorcycle Licensing Requirements

Two types of motorcycle licenses may be obtained in Wisconsin. Those are the Class M motorcycle license and the Class M instruction permit. The requirements for obtaining a motorcycle license vary, depending on your age. 

Licensing Requirements for Those 18 Years or Older

For riders who are 18 or older, the requirements are as follows:

• Pass a knowledge test
• Vision screening
• Complete a Basic Rider Course OR hold a motorcycle instruction permit and pass a motorcycle road test

Meeting these requirements ensures that riders 18 and older are properly trained, tested, and licensed to operate a motorcycle safely and legally in Florida.

Licensing Requirements for Those Under 18 Years Old

For riders who are under 18, the rules are somewhat different. 

For those riders to obtain a motorcycle, they must:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Meet the same requirements mentioned above
• Complete a driver education course
• Obtain sponsorship

By meeting these requirements, riders under 18 gain the training and preparation needed to operate a motorcycle safely while following Florida’s licensing laws.

Requirements for a Permit

The requirements for obtaining a motorcycle instruction permit are not quite as extensive. The instruction permit has some additional regulations that must be followed. 

Those who hold an instruction permit must:

• Wear eye protection
• Wear an approved helmet
• After dark, be accompanied by an experienced motorcycle license holder at least 25 years old

Upon meeting all the requirements, your motorcycle license will be issued. You can then ride your motorcycle and enjoy all the benefits that go along with it.

Documentation Required to Obtain Your Motorcycle License

In addition to the testing requirements mentioned above, you must also provide documents proving your identity and other information. 

When you apply for your motorcycle license, you will need to provide:

• Proof of name and date of birth
• Proof of identity
• Proof of citizenship or legal status in the United States
• Proof of Wisconsin residency
• Social Security number
• Proof of name change (if your name varies from your birth certificate or Social Security card)
• Real ID information

If you have any questions about the specific documents required to get your motorcycle license, you should always contact the Wisconsin DMV for more information.

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

Even experienced riders may be involved in a motorcycle accident at some point. If you are injured, knowing the right steps to take can protect both your health and your legal rights.

After a crash, you should:

• Seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries don’t show symptoms until hours later, so it’s important to be examined by a doctor right away.
• Gather evidence at the scene if possible. Take photos of the accident site, all vehicles involved, and any visible injuries.
• Collect witness information. Write down names and contact details of anyone who saw the crash.
• Report the accident to your insurance company. Notify them promptly, but avoid giving recorded statements until you’ve spoken to a lawyer.
• Consult a motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney can investigate liability, assess available insurance coverage, and handle communications with insurers.

Remember: never provide a statement to the other driver’s insurance company without legal guidance. Once you hire an attorney, they will handle all insurer communications on your behalf.

Contact the Madison Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. for Help Today

If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Madison, WI, contact the experienced team at Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. today. We have 140 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $100 million in compensation for injury victims.

We will go to work immediately investigating your accident to determine exactly what happened. Our team will help you pursue maximum compensation for both your economic damages and non-economic damages. Call us today at (608) 256-8356 to schedule a free consultation with a Madison motorcycle accident attorney and let us put our experience to work for you.