Virginia’s Two-Wheel Motorcycle Skills Test - Enroll in a Training Course - Motorcycle Endorsement Applicants

Sep 29, 2026

Virginia motorcycle endorsement applicants must pass a knowledge test and a DMV two-wheel skills test to operate a motorcycle in the state. The skills test evaluates starting, accelerating, turning, braking, and swerving through four timed exercises scored objectively with error points for boundary violations. Preparation requirements include bringing a properly inspected motorcycle, wearing a lawful helmet and eye protection, and following exercise guidance from the DMV representative. Virginia law also requires a licensed rider training course if the skills test is failed twice.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Two-Wheel Motorcycle Skills Test

Ways to Get a Motorcycle Endorsement

What to Expect When You Arrive

Test Exercises and Scoring Criteria

Virginia’s Two-Wheel Motorcycle Skills Test Getting Licensed to Operate a Motorcycle in Virgina To operate a motorcycle in Virginia, you must have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license or a motorcycle-only driver’s license. The type of endorsement you receive depends on the type of bike you planto operate – two-wheeled (M2), threewheeled (M3) or both (M)– and the training or testing you’ve completed. There are three ways to obtain your motorcycle endorsement in Virginia: 1. Pass the Virginia Rider Training Program course which requires no additional DMV testing, or 2. Pass the DMV motorcycle knowledge exam, hold a learner’s permit for 30 days, and pass the motorcycle road skills test, or 3. Transfer in your out-of-state motorcycle endorsement when you move to Virginia About the... Two-Wheel Motorcycle Skills Test The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers a skills test for motorcycle endorsement applicants. The test consists of four exercises that measure your ability to handle a motorcycle including starting, accelerating, turning, and braking and swerving. Studies have shown that riders with less than one year of riding experience have more crashes than more experienced riders. The skills test ensures that you have the critical skills you’ll need to safely operate a motorcycle on the road and to avoid crashes. It’s important to be fully prepared to take your motorcycle skills test when you visit DMV. Virginia law requires anyone who fails the DMV Motorcycle Skills Test twice to successfully complete a Virginialicensed Motorcycle Rider Training Course before obtaining a motorcycle license. What to Expect... When You Arrive for Your Test To receive a motorcycle endorsement on your license, you must pass the motorcycle knowledge test and the motorcycle skills test. Refer to the Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual and the Virginia Driver’s Manual to prepare for the knowledge test. Bring your motorcycle to a DMV customer service center for the skills test. Your motorcycle must have a valid license plate, a current state inspection sticker and bein good working condition. You must wear a lawful motorcycle helmet and eye protection, and you should wear proper protective clothing, including boots or shoes that cover the ankles, a long-sleeved jacket or shirt, full-length pants and gloves. The DMV representative will explain each test exercise and scoring criteria before you begin the test. None of the exercises are difficult or dangerous for a person with basic riding skills. Most of the exercises involve speeds of about 15 mph or less. If you feel that an exercise is beyond your skill level, tell the DMV representative. You must successfully complete all the exercises to pass the skills test. The entire test takes about 15 minutes. Your performance is scored objectively. For example, you will receive error points for going outside the lines or putting your foot down during an exercise. Test Exercises and Scoring Criteria Exercise one tests your ability to control the motorcycle while turning and to perform a precise stop. You will be evaluated on your ability to stay within the path of the turn and stop in the painted box without skidding the motorcycle. Exercise two tests your ability to control the motorcycle at low speed while weaving through cones and to make a U-turn in a designated area. You will be evaluated on your ability to stay within the path of travel without touching lines or cones and without putting your foot down. Exercise three tests your ability to brake quickly and safely in the shortest possible distance. You will be evaluated on stopping distance in relation to speed of travel. Exercise four tests your ability to swerve the motorcycle quickly to avoid an obstacle in your path. You will be evaluated on your ability to stay within the path of travel and swerve quickly without touching a boundary line. | Enroll in a Training Course
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FAQs

What do I need to get a two-wheel motorcycle endorsement in Virginia?

You must have the appropriate motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license and pass the motorcycle knowledge test and the motorcycle skills test (or complete an approved alternative pathway such as the Virginia Rider Training Program).

How long is the DMV two-wheel motorcycle skills test, and how is it scored?

The entire test takes about 15 minutes and is scored objectively. You receive error points for actions such as going outside the lines or putting your foot down during an exercise.

What equipment and protective gear must I bring or wear for the skills test?

Bring a motorcycle that has a valid license plate, current inspection sticker, and is in good working condition. Wear a lawful motorcycle helmet and eye protection, and use protective clothing including ankle-covering boots or shoes, long-sleeved top, full-length pants, and gloves.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Taylor Morgan