Motorcycles, Mopeds & Bicycles

• Getting a Motorcycle Driver License
• Motorcycle Registration
• Mopeds
• ATVs and Off-Road Vehicles
• Sharing The Road
  • Motorcycles
  • Bicycles

• Nevada Rider
• Motorcycle Safety Foundation
• NRS Chapter 486 - Motorcycle Laws
• NRS Chapter 484 Sec. 501 - Bicycles
• NRS Chapter 490 - Off-Highway Vehicles
• Motorcycle Equipment Tip Sheet (PDF)
• Motorcycle Safety Quick Tip (PDF)
• Bicycle Safety Quick Tip (PDF)
• Nevada Office of Traffic Safety Bicycle/Pedestrian Information

Motorcyclists and passengers are required to wear helmets in Nevada. The only exception is for mopeds 50 cc or under with less than 2 horsepower and capable of no more than 30 mph.

Nevada transfers motorcycle endorsements and Class M licenses from most other states. If you are moving to Nevada and are currently licensed in the U.S., see our New Resident Guide.

Nevada issues a Class M driver license rather than an endorsement. Both your Class A, B or C and Class M are listed on one license. See License Classes.

How To Add Class M to Your Existing Nevada License.
You may either complete an approved course or take the DMV motorcycle written and skills tests.

Riders under 18 must also comply with all of the Nevada Teen Driving requirements on age, holding a permit, etc.

Take The Course -  Courses in Nevada are sponsored by the Nevada Rider program of the Office of Traffic Safety. A motorcycle is provided and no instruction permit is necessary.

Upon completion, you may bring the Certification of Completion and your existing Nevada license to a DMV Full Service Office to have your new license issued. You may wish to complete a Driver License Application (DLD-1) in advance. If you are under 18, you must have a parent or guardian sign the financial responsibility statement on the application in person at the DMV.

Courses must meet the Motorcycle Operator Skills Test (MOST) standard from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Take The Tests - If you choose to take the knowledge (written) and skills (driving) tests, you should first apply in person and take the knowledge test at a DMV Full Service Office. Be sure to bring your existing Nevada license. See our Forms Room for a Driver License Application.  

It is your choice whether to obtain a Motorcycle Instruction Permit. If you do not, you may not ride a motorcycle until you have completed the skills test. A licensed motorcycle operator will have to ride the cycle to the DMV for your skills test.  

If you obtain an instruction permit, you may ride a motorcycle only under the direct visual supervision of a licensed motorcycle operator who is on a motorcycle, is at least 21 years old and has held a motorcycle license for at least one year. You may ride in daylight hours only. You may not carry passengers or drive on freeways or other high-speed roads.

You must pass the knowledge test before you may schedule a skills test. Knowledge tests are administered on a walk-in basis. Skills tests are given by appointment. Not all DMV offices offer motorcycle skills tests. Please ask about locations after you have completed the knowledge test. Use our online scheduling or call to schedule a skills test:

The examiner will perform a safety inspection on your motorcycle and check the registration and insurance. You do not have to use your own motorcycle. 

Note: If you take the test on a motorcycle of less than 90cc, your license will be restricted to 90cc or less (Restriction U). If you take the test on a moped of less than 50cc, your license will be restricted to 50cc or less (Restriction Z). 

Upon successful completion of the skills test, you will have your picture taken and your new license will be processed.

A moped is a vehicle which looks and handles essentially like a bicycle and is propelled by a small engine which produces not more than 2 gross brake horsepower, has a displacement of not more than 50 cubic centimeters and is capable of a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on a flat surface with not more than 1 percent grade in any direction when the motor is engaged. (NRS 486.038)

You must have a Class C or higher driver license to drive a moped or motorized bicycle on a public street. You do not need a Class M license. Mopeds do not require insurance or vehicle registration. If the moped produces more than 2 gross brake horsepower, or has a displacement of more than 50 cubic centimeters (50 cc), or is capable of exceeding thirty miles per hour (30 mph) on a flat grade, it is considered a motorcycle and you must have a Class M license, registration and insurance.

Mopeds must have the same safety equipment (lights, mirrors, etc.) as a motorcycle in order to be driven on any public street. See the Motorcycle Equipment Tip Sheet. Other vehicles with a small engine are considered off-road motor vehicles and may not be operated on public streets.

See our DMV Quick Tips on Motorcycle Safety and Bicycle Safety.

Motorcycles - Motorcyclists have the same rights and the same responsibilities as other drivers. However, there are special situations and conditions we all need to be aware of so we can safely share the road with them.

• Motorcycle operators have the right to use a complete traffic lane. Two motorcycles may share a lane.
• Because of their smaller size, motorcycles are less visible and may appear to be farther away than they really are.
• It is difficult for other drivers to judge how fast a motorcycle is going.
• Motorcycles may be forced from their position on the road by strong winds or a rough road surface.
• Turn signals are not self-cancelling on most motorcycles. Before you make a lane change or turn that depends on what a motorcycle’s path is, be sure you know what a motorcyclist is doing. Watch for clues such as operators or passengers turning their heads to look behind, or operators beginning to lean or  tilt their motorcycles.
• If you are coming up behind a motorcycle, slow down sooner than you would for another vehicle. Leave plenty of space.
• Always dim your headlights when approaching a motorcycle. Because motorcyclists balance as well as steer their vehicles, the blinding effect of your high beams can be far more dangerous to them than to drivers of cars or trucks.
• Bad weather and slippery roads can be real problems for motorcyclists. Allow even more following distance when it is raining or the road is slippery.

Bicycles - When bicycles are ridden with other traffic, cyclists must obey the same rules and regulations as other types of vehicles. The safe interaction between bicyclists and motorists is the responsibility of both parties. Motorists are not allowed to intentionally interfere with the movement of a person lawfully operating a bicycle; bicyclists may not intentionally interfere with the movement of a motor vehicle.

• Cyclists ride in a traffic lane, staying to the far right as practicable unless preparing to turn or overtake another vehicle.
• A cyclist is required to ride on the right side of the roadway.
• Cyclists must obey all traffic signs and signals and use hand signals to let others know what they plan to do.
• At intersections, motorists must yield to cyclists as they would for other vehicles and pedestrians.
• When passing a cyclist, a motorist or other cyclist may do so only when it does not endanger the cyclist.
• Motorists must yield the right-of-way to a cyclist on a bicycle path or in a bike lane.
• Motorists may not stop, park or drive on a designated bicycle path or lane unless they are entering or leaving an alley or driveway, performing official duties, directed by a police officer, or an emergency situation exists.
• Inexperienced riders, especially children, require special courtesy and care. They may not always follow traffic rules. Be especially careful around these riders and expect the unexpected.