MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR MANUAL - Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles Motorcycle Operator Manual

Sep 18, 2026

The Nevada Motorcycle Operator Manual explains the knowledge, skills, and rules required to safely operate a motorcycle on Nevada highways. It outlines how Nevada administers both knowledge and skills tests for a Class M driver’s license, and highlights how completion of an approved Basic Rider Course can waive further testing. The manual defines key vehicle types such as motorcycle, trimobile, and moped, describes license and instruction permit application requirements, and details permit restrictions and traffic-law expectations for motorcyclists.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages68

Reading Time2 h 51 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Motorcycle safety course and license testing

Definitions: motorcycle, trimobile, and moped

Motorcycle instruction permit requirements

Motorcycle traffic laws

MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR MANUAL STATE OF NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES Nevada Information updated January 2020 NEVADA MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR MANUAL DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES 555 WRIGHT WAY CARSON CITY, NEVADA 89711-0900 This manual gives you information on the special knowledge and skills you need to safely operate your motorcycle on Nevada highways. Nevada administers both knowledge and skills tests before issuing a motorcycle driver’s license. Those tests are based upon this manual. i INTRODUCTION Riding a motorcycle is an enjoyable and challenging pastime. The safest thing you can do for your family and your own safety is to take a motorcycle safety course and get a Class M driver’s license. “The More You Know, the Better It Gets.” Classes are available for both new and experienced riders. Successful completion of a Basic Rider Course will waive any further testing at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Visit [www.NevadaRider.com](www.NevadaRider.com) or call the Nevada Rider Motorcycle Safety Program at (800) 889-8779 to find a motorcycle safety course in your area. A “motorcycle” is defined as a motor vehicle equipped with a seat or saddle designed to travel with no more than three wheels in contact with the ground. A “trimobile” is defined as every motor vehicle designed to travel with three wheels in contact with the ground, at least one of which is power-driven. This does not include a motorcycle with a sidecar. A “moped” is defined as a motordriven scooter or cycle propelled by a small engine which produces no more than 2 gross brake horsepower and has a displacement of no more than 50 cubic centimeters or no more than 1500 watts of final output. It also cannot be designed to travel with more than three wheels in contact with the ground and cannot reach a maximum speed of more than 30 miles per hour. Moped owners must register their mopeds with the DMV. Moped registration is a one-time fee to help prevent against theft. You need a Nevada Class M driver’s license if you live in Nevada and want to operate a motorcycle on Nevada streets and highways. To get your motorcycle license or instruction permit, you need to complete a DMV-002 Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card or CDL-002 Application for Commercial Driving Privileges at any DMV office. You may also need to present documents as described in"Documents You Will Need" section of the Class C Nevada Driver's Handbook. NOTE: A Class M license is not required when operating a vehicle that meets the definition of atrimobile. You may operate atrimobile while holding any class of license without any endorsements or restrictions. You need to know and understand your motorcycle’s controls and equipment such as choke, gearshift, brakes, starter, throttle, ignition and clutch. INTRODUCTION ii You may take your motorcycle skills test on any motorcycle – you do not need to use your own. The test will include normal starts and stops, quick turns, and other maneuvers. You are required to wear a helmet when riding your motorcycle or moped. If your motorcycle does not have a windshield or screen, you need to wear a protective face shield or goggles. NOTE: If you have a valid motorcycle license or endorsement from another state and are switching to a Nevada license, the skills test may be waived. The motorcycle endorsement may be added to your Nevada license if you have a certificate of completion from an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course that has not been expired for more than one year. Motorcycle Instruction Permit Requirements If you have failed the DMVadministered motorcycle skills test two (2) or more times, you will be permanently denied future motorcycle instruction permit privileges. When you use your instruction permit, you must: 􀁸 Be in direct visual supervision of a licensed driver who: 􀁒 Has a valid motorcycle license 􀁒 Is at least 21 years old 􀁒 Has held a motorcycle license for at lea

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Nevada Motorcycle Operator Manual?

It provides the knowledge and skills needed to safely operate a motorcycle on Nevada highways. It also forms the basis for Nevada’s knowledge and skills tests for a Class M license.

Do you need a Class M license to operate a trimobile?

No. A Class M license is not required when operating a vehicle that meets the trimobile definition, and it may be operated with any class of license without endorsements or restrictions.

What restrictions apply when using a motorcycle instruction permit?

Instruction permit holders must be under direct visual supervision of a licensed driver meeting specific criteria. They must ride only in daylight hours, may not carry passengers, and may not drive on freeways or other high-speed roads.

Sep 18, 2026

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