Motorcycle Licensing Requirements in Wisconsin

If you plan to ride a motorcycle on public roads in Milwaukee, WI, you generally need a Class M motorcycle license or a valid motorcycle instruction permit. Learning about how to obtain the proper endorsement is an important first step toward riding legally and safely. PKSD can also help you determine your legal rights and options if you are ever injured while riding.

Our Milwaukee motorcycle accident lawyers have more than 150 years of combined experience and have secured over $500 million for our clients to date. If another driver’s negligence leaves you hurt on the road, we have the resources to fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.

Contact our law office today at (414) 333-3333 for a free consultation. 

How PKSD Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Wisconsin

 

PKSD is a vastly experienced personal injury law firm. Our legal team in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, knows how insurers try to minimize motorcycle accident claims and won’t let the opposing party get away with their negligence.

When you hire our Milwaukee motorcycle accident lawyers, we can:

• Investigate the crash and gather the evidence needed to prove liability
• Calculate the full value of your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
• Handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies
• Consult with accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts
• File a lawsuit on your behalf if needed
• Keep you informed and involved at every step of your case

Reach out to our Milwaukee personal injury lawyers today to arrange a free consultation.

How Do I Obtain a Class M Motorcycle License in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin gives riders two routes to earn a full Class M motorcycle license. Riders who already hold a valid motorcycle license from another state may also qualify by transferring their credentials.

The first option is to complete an approved Basic Rider Course (BRC). This course is offered through training providers authorized by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Once you successfully finish the BRC, you receive a course completion waiver that allows you to skip the on-cycle road test at the DMV. You simply bring your waiver to a DMV service center and apply for your Class M endorsement.

The second option is to obtain a motorcycle instruction permit first and then pass a road test administered by the DMV. There is no minimum amount of time you are required to hold the instruction permit before scheduling your road test. However, the permit comes with restrictions on when and how you can ride while practicing.

Regardless of which option you choose, you must be at least 16 years old to apply. Applicants under 18 are also required to have completed driver education before they can receive an instruction permit.

What Are the Requirements for a Wisconsin Motorcycle Instruction Permit?

Before you can practice riding on public roads, you need a motorcycle instruction permit. To get one, you must visit a DMV service center and pass three tests: a knowledge exam covering motorcycle operation and safety rules, a vision screening, and a road signs test.

Once you receive your permit, there are a few restrictions to keep in mind:

• After dark, you must be accompanied by a licensed rider who is at least 25 years old with a minimum of two years of riding experience.
• You are required to wear a helmet while riding on an instruction permit, regardless of your age.
• The permit can be renewed if more than six months pass before you earn your full Class M license.

The instruction permit is a temporary credential designed to give you time to build your riding skills before you attempt the road test or complete a rider course.

Does Completing the Basic Rider Course Waive the Road Test?

Yes. One of the biggest advantages of completing an approved Basic Rider Course is that it waives the on-cycle road test at the DMV. The BRC covers both classroom instruction and hands-on riding exercises that teach you how to handle a motorcycle safely in a variety of conditions.

Here are a few additional details about the licensing process:

• The Basic Rider Course (BRC) typically costs between $200 and $350, depending on the training provider, and is offered at locations throughout Wisconsin.
• The Class M license fee is $22, with renewals every eight years at a cost of $18
• Completing a three-wheel version of the BRC restricts your Class M license to three-wheel motorcycles only.
• A Class D driver’s license is not required to obtain a Class M license, though most riders hold both.

Many riders prefer the BRC route because it combines formal education with the convenience of bypassing the DMV road test entirely.

Contact PKSD for a Free Consultation After a Motorcycle Accident in Wisconsin

Motorcycle accidents can result in devastating injuries even for the most experienced and properly licensed riders. If someone else’s actions caused your crash, you should not have to pay the price for their mistakes.

Our Milwaukee motorcycle accident attorneys with PKSD have recovered more than $500 million for injured clients across Wisconsin. Reach out to our law office today to schedule a free case review and learn all about how we can help.