Riding a motorcycle comes with an enhanced risk of injury in a traffic accident. For this reason, the State of Nevada requires individuals to pass certain tests and requirements before permitting them to operate motorcycles. The process of obtaining a motorcycle license is meant to prepare an individual to ride safely and in accordance with state traffic laws.
What Are the Motorcycle Licensing Requirements in Nevada?
Nevada Revised Statutes § 486.061 states that no person shall drive a motorcycle upon a highway unless that person holds a valid motorcycle driver’s license issued pursuant to NRS 486.011 to 486.381. Violations of this law can result in a fine or a mandatory motorcycle safety course in lieu of a fine.
Eligibility Requirements
To obtain a motorcycle license in Nevada (known as a Class M driver’s license), an individual must meet all of the state’s eligibility requirements. They are as follows:
- The applicant must be at least 16 years of age.
- If the applicant is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian’s written consent is needed.
- The applicant must have a valid Nevada driver’s license, a state-issued identification card or another form of identification.
Once these eligibility requirements are met, the individual must pass a series of tests and other obligations to be issued a Class M license by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
How to Get a Motorcycle License in Nevada
A “motorcycle” is defined in NRS 486.041 as “any 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.” If someone wishes to legally operate a motorcycle in the State of Nevada, he or she must complete the following steps.
Get a Motorcycle Learner’s Permit
An instruction permit is necessary before a rider can obtain a full license. This requires the completion of an approved course or the DMV’s motorcycle written and skills tests. These tests can be taken at a DMV office after applying for a Class M license and paying a $25 testing fee. A passing score is 80 percent. Motorcycle riders under the age of 18 must also comply with all of the requirements for teen drivers.
Complete a Motorcycle Safety Course
If a rider is under the age of 18, he or she must have an instruction permit for at least six months, complete 50 hours of supervised experience riding a motorcycle (documented on a DMV drive log) and complete a motorcycle safety course. If the rider is over the age of 18, he or she can either take the safety course and obtain an instruction permit or go directly to the skills test.
Apply for a Full License
The final step for obtaining a motorcycle license in Nevada is passing the motorcycle skills test. This test requires the operator to know how to use the motorcycle’s controls and equipment. The test includes starts and stops, quick turns, and general movements. Wearing a helmet is required during the skills test.
Can You Still Recover Compensation for an Accident While Riding Without a Motorcycle License?
If you get involved in a motorcycle accident while riding without a valid license, this can hurt your personal injury claim. Even if the motor vehicle driver is at fault, his or her car insurance company may use the fact that you are unlicensed against you. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorney to help you with the claims process. Your lawyer can take steps to prove that a driver is at fault and seek maximum compensation for your losses.