Motorcycles and Three-Wheeled Vehicles

See also
blue motorcycle drawing side view


Getting a Motorcycle Driver License

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.

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.

If you are applying for your first Class M 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 a Course

    Take a Course

    You do not have to take the DMV written and skills tests if you complete a course certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

    Courses are available from many Nevada public colleges and motorcycle dealerships. A motorcycle is provided and no instruction permit is necessary.

    You may also call Nevada Rider at (800) 889-8779 or (775) 684-7480 for courses or with any question related to motorcycle safety.

    Get your License

    Upon completion, you may bring the Certificate of Completion (MSF card) and your existing Nevada license to a DMV office to have your new license issued. (Urban offices require an appointment)

    The DMV will accept courses up to one year after completion. The cost is $8.25.

  • Take the Tests

    Take the Tests

    If you choose to take the knowledge (written) and skills (driving) tests, you should apply in person and take the vision and knowledge tests at a DMV Office. You will have to take a Class C written test in addition to the Class M if you do not currently hold a Class C license.

    A $25 testing fee will apply in addition to the licensing fee. Be sure to bring your existing Nevada license or ID card.

    If you do not have a Nevada license or ID, you will need to bring proof of identity.

  • Instruction Permit

    Instruction Permit

    Riders age 18 and older who take an MSF course are not required to receive an instruction permit.

    If you are 18 or older and take the tests, it is your choice whether to obtain a 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.

    All riders under 18 must:

    • Obtain and hold a motorcycle instruction permit for a minimum of six months;
    • Complete 50 hours of supervised experience on a motorcycle while holding a motorcycle instruction permit and document this on the DMV drive log; and
    • Successfully complete a course in motorcycle safety.
      • If no course is offered within a 30-mile radius of your residence, you may complete an additional 50 hours of supervised experience.

    Time Limits

    • Age 18 or older - Your permit is valid for six months and may be renewed only once every five years.
    • Under 18 years old - Your permit is valid for one year and may be renewed multiple times. Permit will expire when the rider reaches 18 years of age.

    Riding

    A motorcycle instruction permit allows you to practice driving when you are accompanied by and in direct visual supervision of a licensed driver who:

    • Has a valid motorcycle license
    • Is at least 21 years old
    • Has at least one year of driving experience, and
    • Is also riding on a motorcycle at the time of supervision.

    The licensed driver supervising you while on a motorcycle may not be in a car or truck. When driving with a motorcycle instruction permit, you may drive during daylight hours only. You may not carry passengers or drive on freeways or other high-speed roadways.

  • Skills Test

    Skills Test

    You must pass the knowledge test before you schedule your skills test. Skills tests are administered by appointment. Larger offices also offer tests on a stand-by basis. Not all DMV locations offer all tests.

    Please have your instruction permit number ready when you schedule online (preferred) or call.

    • Online Scheduling
    • Las Vegas area - (702) 486-4368
    • Reno/Sparks/Carson City - (775) 684-4368

    See Motorcycle Skills Test for a preview of the course and test requirements. Upon successful completion of the skills test, you will have your picture taken and your new license will be mailed to you.

    Skills Test Failures

    Failing the motorcycle skills test administered by the DMV two or more times will result in a permanent denial of future motorcycle instruction permits. You will have to take a course to obtain a Class M license.

  • Class M Restrictions

    Class M Restrictions

    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 Q).

Registration

Motorcycle License Plate

Motorcycles and trimobiles are subject to the same registration requirements as other vehicles. You must have a properly signed-off title or Dealers Report of Sale and Nevada Evidence of Insurance. If you purchased a motorcycle from a Nevada dealer, you may register it online without visiting a DMV office.

See Vehicle Registration Requirements. Motorcycles are exempt from emission inspections and odometer reporting.

Motorcycle registrations are assessed an extra $6 fee to help fund Nevada Rider safety programs throughout the state. Registration fees and governmental services taxes are calculated in the same manner as other vehicles.

"Motorcycle” means every motor vehicle equipped with a seat or a saddle for the use of the driver and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, including a power cycle but excluding a tractor and a moped. (NRS 486.041)

Off-Road to On-Road Motorcycle Conversions

Motocross rider drawing

An off-road motorcycle may be converted for use on Nevada public roads and highways if it meets the definition of an off-highway, two-wheeled motorcycle, is properly equipped and has been certified as safe to operate on Nevada public roads and highways by a Nevada licensed motorcycle dealer or Nevada registered motorcycle repair shop. See the following forms:

Nevada Helmet Law

Yellow motorcycle helmet

Helmets are required for drivers and passengers on motorcycles, mopeds and trimobiles with handlebars and a saddle seat.

Helmets are not required on three-wheeled vehicles with an enclosed cab that are equipped with a steering wheel rather than handlebars.

Helmets must meet standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

See NRS 486.231 and the Comparison Chart below for more details.

Sharing the Road

Motorcyclists, moped riders and bicyclists 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.

Motorcycles

Motocross rider drawing
  • 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-canceling 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.

Mopeds

Motocross rider drawing
  • Mopeds must be given the use of a complete traffic lane. Do not pass a moped in the same lane.
  • Moped drivers must obey the same rules and regulations as other types of vehicles.
  • Mopeds must ride in the extreme right-hand lane of a multi-lane road unless preparing to make a left turn, if it is unsafe to do so or if otherwise directed by a police officer.
  • Helmet use is required. Mopeds must be registered but are not required to have liability insurance.

Vehicle Comparison and Legal Definitions

Comparison Table

NRS 482.070 “Motorcycle” defined. “Motorcycle” means every motor vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, except any such vehicle as may be included within the term “electric bicycle,” “tractor” or “moped” as defined in this chapter.

NRS 482.129 “Trimobile” defined. “Trimobile” means every motor vehicle equipped with handlebars and a saddle seat and designed to travel with three wheels in contact with the ground, at least one of which is power driven. The term does not include a motorcycle with a sidecar.
(Revised definition effective 10/1/19)

NRS 482.069 “Moped” defined. “Moped” means a motor-driven scooter, motor-driven cycle or similar vehicle that 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 or produces not more than 1500 watts final output, and:

  1. Is designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground but is not a tractor; and
  2. 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.

The term does not include an electric bicycle.

NRS 482.0287 “Electric bicycle” defined. “Electric bicycle” means a device upon which a person may ride, having two or three wheels, or every such device generally recognized as a bicycle that has fully operable pedals and is propelled by a small electric engine which produces not more than 1 gross brake horsepower and which produces not more than 750 watts final output, and:

  1. Is designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground but is not a tractor; and
  2. Powered solely by such a small electric engine, is capable of a maximum speed of not more than 20 miles per hour on a flat surface while carrying an operator who weighs 170 pounds.

The term does not include a moped.

Electric bicycles do not require helmet use, a driver's license, registration or insurance.

NRS 490.060 “Off-highway vehicle” defined.

  1. “Off-highway vehicle” means a motor vehicle that is designed primarily for off-highway and all-terrain use. The term includes, but is not limited to:
    1. An all-terrain vehicle, including, without limitation, a large all-terrain vehicle without regard to whether that large all-terrain vehicle is registered by the Department in accordance with NRS 490.0825 as a motor vehicle intended to be operated upon the highways of this State;
    2. An all-terrain motorcycle;
    3. A dune buggy;
    4. A snowmobile; and
    5. Any motor vehicle used on public lands for the purpose of recreation.
  2. The term does not include:
    1. A motor vehicle designed primarily for use in water;
    2. A motor vehicle that is registered by the Department in accordance with chapter 482 of NRS;
    3. A low-speed vehicle as defined in NRS 484B.637; or
    4. Special mobile equipment, as defined in NRS 482.123.

NRS 490.043 “Large all-terrain vehicle” defined. “Large all-terrain vehicle” means any all-terrain vehicle that includes seating capacity for at least two people abreast and:

  1. Total seating capacity for at least four people; or
  2. A truck bed.