What Are Arkansas Motorcycle Permit Restrictions?

Arkansas motorcycle permit restrictions are simple in one important way: the state doesn’t issue a traditional motorcycle learner’s permit at all. There’s no supervised-practice credential to hold before you test. You either qualify for a Class M license at 16 or older, or, if you’re 14 or 15, a restricted Class MD license that caps you at engines of 250cc or less and expires on your 16th birthday.1Justia. Arkansas Code 27-20-106 – Operator’s License Required – Special License Either way, you take the written and road tests and receive a license directly on passing.

The Class MD Restrictions for Riders Under 16

A rider who is at least 14 but not yet 16 can apply for a Class MD special license. The restrictions attached to it are the closest thing Arkansas has to a motorcycle permit, and they are strict.

  • Engine size is capped at 250cc. Arkansas defines a “motor-driven cycle” as a motorcycle-style vehicle with an engine of 250cc or less, and that is the only kind of machine a Class MD holder may ride. Anything larger requires a Class M license, which means turning 16 first.2Justia. Arkansas Code 27-20-101 – Definitions
  • Testing is handled by the Division of Arkansas State Police, not a standard Driver Services office. The applicant takes the written and road exams with the State Police and receives a certificate.1Justia. Arkansas Code 27-20-106 – Operator’s License Required – Special License
  • That certificate is then presented to the Office of Driver Services, which issues the actual Class MD license.
  • The license fee is $2.
  • The license expires on the rider’s 16th birthday. To keep riding after that, the rider applies for a Class M license, which is also required to move up to a larger machine.

The engine cap is the restriction riders most often stumble over. A 14- or 15-year-old holding a Class MD license who rides a bike larger than 250cc is riding unlawfully, regardless of parental permission or experience.

Class M License at 16 and Older

Once you turn 16, the Class M license authorizes you to operate motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, and similarly classified vehicles on any public road in Arkansas.3Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Motorcycle License You complete three steps at a Driver Services office:

  • A 25-question written knowledge test on traffic laws, road signs, and safe riding. You need 20 correct (80%) to pass.
  • A vision screening. If you need corrective lenses, a restriction code is added to the license.
  • A road skills test on a motorcycle you provide yourself, covering turning, stopping, and traffic maneuvers.

The Class M license costs $40 and is valid for eight years, with renewal available up to 90 days before expiration.3Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Motorcycle License A standard Class D driver’s license does not cover motorcycles; the Class M is a separate credential.

Waiving the Road Test With a Safety Course

Arkansas accepts a completion card from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCourse in place of the road skills test, including cards earned in other states.4Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Basic RiderCourse 2 License Waiver Passing the course’s final skills evaluation satisfies the riding portion, so you only need to sit the written knowledge test at the Driver Services office.

Helmet and Eye Protection While Riding

Helmet rules split by age. Every rider 20 or younger must wear protective headgear meeting the standards set by the Office of Motor Vehicle. Riders 21 and older may legally ride without a helmet.5Justia. Arkansas Code 27-20-104 – Standard Equipment Required

Eye protection is not optional for anyone. Every operator and passenger on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle must wear protective glasses, goggles, or a transparent face shield, regardless of age.5Justia. Arkansas Code 27-20-104 – Standard Equipment Required That is the rule most often overlooked by riders who focus only on the helmet question.

Insurance Minimums

Motorcycle riders in Arkansas must carry liability insurance at the same minimums as other motor vehicle operators: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Those minimums include guest passenger liability, so your policy must cover injuries to anyone riding with you. Riding without proof of insurance can bring fines and license suspension.

Riding Without the Correct License

Operating a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle on public roads without the right license is unlawful in Arkansas.1Justia. Arkansas Code 27-20-106 – Operator’s License Required – Special License That covers a rider who never obtained any motorcycle credential and, just as importantly, a rider who holds only a standard Class D driver’s license. The Class D does not authorize you to ride a motorcycle. If you want to practice legally before testing, Arkansas offers no supervised-permit pathway; your options are the Basic RiderCourse or private land.