I Got My Pa Motorcycle Learner’s Permit!

Believe it or note, I got my Pa Motorcycle Learner’s permit. 😀

Have Pa Motorcycle Learner's Permit, will travel.

My Steps To a Pa Motorcycle Learner’s Permit:

Now, the process of me getting a Motorcycle Learner’s Permit was reasonably smooth, after I decided I Want To Ride Motorcycles.

The steps seemed more manageable than what is outlined on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation site: (PennDot Motorcycle License Page).

The PennDot site assumes the worse case, and you have no other license. I already have an automobile driver’s license, so the process of getting the learner’s permit was straightforward.

  • I studied for the exam by reading the Pa Motorcycle Driver’s Manual.
  • I went to a licensing DMV location, turned over my Pa motorcycle learner’s permit application with my payment.
  • I was directed to a computer, took the Pa motorcycle permit test, and after passing, was given a piece of paper saying I had a Motorcycle Learner’s permit.

I made it sound easy, but there were a few things I had to learn along the way to make it easier. Test-taking can be a challenge, especially when trying to learn a new skill from a book.

How I studied for the Pa Motorcycle Permit:

Our state’s services are in some condition of lock-down since March 2020, so it wasn’t hard to find the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator’s Manual online.

I read the manual and worked through the practice tests. I learned about test-taking; if the service providing the test gives practice tests, you take those practice tests. Those questions are likely to appear on the actual test.

To add to building my confidence, I did a few searches online and found ‘free’ practice tests. I didn’t pay/register for any complete services. I just looked at random material that allowed me to build my confidence. In hindsight, everything needed to pass the written motorcycle exam was in the manual.

Taking The Pa’s Motorcycle License Written Test.

I completed the Motorcycle Learner’s Permit application, DL-5, and had my check written out ahead of time to speed things up. I found a full-service Pa DMV location and visited it. I had to wait, of course, but with the continued lock-downs, the wait was surprisingly short.

Very few people seem to want to venture out of their houses, go figure. I turned over my application and check and was directed to a waiting computer.

I was directed to a computer, took a test, and after passing, was given a piece of paper saying I had a Motorcycle Learner’s permit.

The test was multiple choice and went smoothly. I was surprised by how easy the testing process was by how soon I was done.

Again, sometimes I’m not the best test taker. I returned to the window I started at, and I was handed a small piece of paper that functioned as my Motorcycle Learner’s Permit. I was ready to learn for real.

What Can I Do With A Pa Motorcycle Learner’s Permit?

As I read the rules, with a Motorcycle Learner’s Permit( How Do I Get A Motorcycle License In Pennsylvania? – FAQ ), I can operate a motorcycle, with no passenger, between the hours of sunrise and sunset as long as I was wearing a helmet and eye protection( My Beginner Motorcycle Protective Gear. ).

Now I only need a motorcycle to practice. Wish me luck!!!

I Used My Pa Motorcycle Learner’s Permit?

I took my motorcycle safety course ( My Motorcycle Safety Class Information ) and turned that Motorcycle Learner’s permit into a full fledged Pa Motorcycle License ( Last Day For Motorcycle Safety Course In Pa ).

The only actual motorcycle rider I did on my Learner’s Permit was on the closed course for the motorcycle safety class. Yes, I got my actual motorcycle license without experience other than riding regular bikes.

Thank you!


Note: my experiences are specific to me due to being already a licensed automobile driver, over 18, and a resident of Pennsylvania. Your motorcycle licensing experience, or requirements, might be different and if they are, please leave feedback.

Information Source: Pennsylvania Motorcycle Manual.

Thank you.

Picture of me, as a New Motorcyclist.
Just Me…Newly Licensed.

Hi I’m Tom, A New Motorcycle Rider and Blog Author.

I am a new rider(Pa Learners Permit at the end of 2020, and I received a Pa Motorcycle License in 2021 after passing a Motorcycle Safety Course).

I bought my first motorcycle, a TaoTao TBR7, at the beginning of 2021 and have been doing upgrades on that motorcycle since.

I added to my motorcycle collection by buying a Boom Vader Gen 2 in 2022, and that Grom-Clone motorcycle has been upgraded by me as well.

I continue to ride my Boom Vader Gen 2 motorcycle as well as my TaoTao TBR7 dual-sport bike.

Read more on my About Me page.

Fun Fact: I’ve only been on one group ride.

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