With stunning countryside views, countless well-paved and scenic roads, and pleasant riding weather all year round, the state of Georgia is a paradise for motorcyclists of all kinds. If you’ve been driving in the state almost all your life, then you’ve most likely daydreamed about taking a two-wheeler along your same routes and experiencing a different kind of thrill and adventure.

As any motorcyclist will tell you, riding a bike in Georgia is akin to heaven because of its gorgeous views and perfect weather conditions whether you cruise on a sportbike, adventure bike, cruiser, or moped.

Now that you’ve set your sights on turning your motorcycle riding dreams into reality, chances are you already have plans to put things in motion. From picking out the right metal steed to letting your buddies know that you’re joining in on the fun, there are all sorts of items on your list that need to be sorted out.

But there’s one particular step that you’ll need to focus on before your excitement gets the best of you: getting your Georgia DDS Motorcycle License.

Getting a Motorcycle License in Georgia

Georgia requires its riders to hold licenses before they set out on the road. Fortunately, the process is relatively straightforward and easy to follow. We’ve outlined all the factors, steps, and best practices that you’ll need to take into consideration:

Learning the Ropes

As they say in life: “before you run, you must learn how to walk, and before you walk, you must learn how to crawl”—the same applies to motorcycle riding.

Riding a motorcycle is best classified as a skill, and it’s essential that you first learn its various principles. These lessons ensure that you’re equipped to roam free while keeping safe. To learn how to ride, the state of Georgia requires interested riders to first secure a Motorcycle Instructional Permit (or the class MP permit).

To secure an MP permit, here are the various requirements that you must meet:

  • You must be at least 16 years of age.
  • If you’re under 17 years of age, you must complete a certified 30 hour Georgia Driver Training/Driver Education Course.
  • You must pass a vision exam.
  • You must pass the Georgia DDS Knowledge Exam.
  • If you’re under 18 years of age, then a parent/guardian, responsible adult, or authorized Driver Training Instructor is required to sign the application for the driver’s license. (The responsible adult right only applies to emancipated applicants with court-ordered documentation.)

When you secure your permit, you’ll be granted the right to ride or operate a motor-driven cycle, including scooters, minibikes, and mopeds. To access this right, however, you must comply with the following:

  1. You can ride during daylight hours only.
  2. No passengers allowed.
  3. You may not drive on limited access roadways.
  4. You must wear safety equipment as prescribed by law—helmets are mandatory.


Getting Your License

For those that took the state’s basic motorcycle course (mainly students over the age of 17), the DMV will issue a 90-day license waiver. This document waives the written and riding test portions of your Georgia motorcycle license application for 90 days following your graduation date.


If you don’t want to or cannot take the course, there is a separate set of requirements that you need to meet:

  1. You must be at least 17 years of age.
  2. You must pass the DDS Knowledge Exam.
  3. You must pass the DDS Motorcycle Road Skills Test.
  4. You must pass a vision exam.
  5. If you’re under 18 years of age, then a parent/guardian or responsible adult is required to sign the application for your Class M license. The participating signatories also have the authority to request that your license be revoked at any time before your 18th birthday.


Conclusion

The experience of riding a motorcycle on Georgia’s roads is unlike any other because of how unique it is compared to any other way of getting around. Before you can ride, you must get a license. Through the help of this guide, you can ensure a smooth license experience so that you can start riding ASAP!

If you’re looking for guides on the best beginner motorcycles or motorcycle license application processes in Canada and the US, we’ve got you covered. Feel free to check out our blog today for more!