Originally Posted by Slow_Rolla

Driver Services: Obtaining a Motorcycle License

Class M Designation

If you already hold a valid Virginia driver's license without a motorcycle designation, you may add Class M that will allow you to also operate a motorcycle. To obtain this motorcycle designation, you must:

Pass the required vision screening
Pass the motorcycle knowledge exam
Pass the motorcycle road skills test
IF YOU ARE 19 OR OLDER, you must also:
Hold a motorcycle learner's permit for at least 30 DAYS
OR
Provide DMV with a certificate from the Virginia Rider Training Program indicating that you have successfully completed the state-approved motorcycle safety course.

NOTE: If you provide DMV with a valid motorcycle safety course certificate, you will be exempt from holding the motorcycle learner's permit for 30 days and from taking the motorcycle road skills test at DMV.
IF YOU ARE UNDER 19, you must also:
Hold a motorcycle learner's permit for at least 9 MONTHS (This requirement does not apply if you were age 18 and your motorcycle learner's permit was issued prior to July 1, 2002.)
AND
Provide DMV with a certificate from the Virginia Rider Training Program indicating that you have successfully completed the state-approved motorcycle safety course.

NOTE: You will be exempt from taking the motorcycle road skills test at DMV.
The motorcycle class costs $2.00 per year. It is valid for the same period of time as your driver's license. When you renew your driver's license, remember to renew your Class M designation also.
Driver's License Restricted to Operation of a Motorcycle

If you do not hold a driver's license, you may obtain a driver's license that allows you to operate ONLY a motorcycle.

In addition to the above requirements for adding a motorcycle designation to a driver's license, you must:

Pass the two-part driver's license knowledge exam
The motorcycle-only driver's license costs $6.00 per year and is valid for 5 years. Remember that this type of driver's license allows you to operate only a motorcycle. If you decide later that you want to operate another type of vehicle, you will have to pass the knowledge exam and road skills test for that vehicle type. For more information, refer to Applying for a License.