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Iowa · Permit test

The Iowa motorcycle license test

You start with the motorcycle knowledge test and a vision screening, which get you a motorcycle instruction permit. Then comes a skills test, unless you finish an Iowa-approved rider education course, which can waive it. Riders under 18 must take that course before they're licensed. The motorcycle license test in Iowa has its own manual, the Motorcycle Manual, separate from the car one.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

The motorcycle instruction permit

  • You pass the motorcycle knowledge exam and a vision screening.
  • It's issued once, for four years, with no renewal.
  • You ride only with someone licensed for motorcycles, who stays within sight and hearing on a different vehicle. Each licensed rider can supervise just one learner.
  • It costs $14 on its own, or $2 a year added to a license you already hold.

How does the motorcycle license test in Iowa work?

To add a motorcycle endorsement to your license, you pass the motorcycle knowledge test, a motorcycle skills test and a vision screening. For a motorcycle-only Class M license, you also pass the operator knowledge test, the same one as the car permit.

Iowa's rules split the riding part in two: an off-street skills test of standard maneuvers, and an on-street driving test that's only needed if you don't already have a license that lets you drive alone. Testing on a three-wheeled motorcycle restricts the license to three wheels.

Rider education courses

Iowa's Motorcycle Rider Education Program uses Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses, taught by Iowa-licensed, MSF-certified coaches. Anyone 14 or older can take one, licensed or not. Finishing one can waive the licensing skills test.

As of October 2026, the DOT lists out-of-pocket costs of $150 to $349 for the Basic course and $75 to $125 for Basic II, depending on the sponsor. Courses usually run from early April to mid-October. Sponsors include community colleges such as DMACC and Kirkwood, and ABATE of Iowa.

Iowa DOT: Motorcycle and moped education ↗

Studying for the motorcycle knowledge test

Study the DOT's Motorcycle Manual, which the DOT currently marks as archived. The DOT's online practice test is built for the car knowledge test, so it helps with the operator test a Class M applicant also takes, not the motorcycle one.

Iowa DOT: Motorcycle Manual (PDF) ↗

Motorcycle fees

Fees as of October 2026. Autocycles, three-wheelers with a steering wheel and pedals, don't need a motorcycle license. Any license for a passenger car, such as Class C, covers them.

ItemFeeLasts
Motorcycle permit, no other license$144 years
Motorcycle permit added to a license$2 a yearSame as your license
Motorcycle endorsement$2 a yearSame as your license
Class M, motorcycle only$6 a year8 years
Sources: Iowa DOT · Iowa Administrative Code 761, Chapter 604 and 2 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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