Can You Test Drive a Motorcycle Without a Motorcycle License?

A motorbike license not only helps to ride the motorbike on highways but also more than that. And for the beginner, the question arises, can you test drive a motorcycle without a motorcycle license? 

You can’t test drive the motorcycle without a motorcycle license because a motorbike license gives you a permit to ride the motorbike on the roads. And without it, you can’t ride the motorbike, even if it’s for test driving. A Motorbike license establishes that you’re a responsible rider and know road safety. 

Let’s consider what it means and what you can do about it. 

While writing this post, I leave no stone unturned so you can know everything about test driving a motorbike without a license. 

Can You Test Drive a Motorcycle Without a Motorcycle License? 

A Motorbike license not only gives you a permit for riding the motorbike on highways but also more than that. And that’s why the question arises, can you test drive a motorcycle without a motorcycle license? 

You can’t test drive the motorcycle without a motorcycle license because a motorbike license gives you a permit to ride the motorbike on the roads. And without it, you can’t ride the motorbike, even if it’s for test driving. A Motorbike license establishes that you’re a responsible rider and know road safety. 

Without a motorbike license, you’ll be considered an irresponsible rider who doesn’t know much about road safety. Thus dealers won’t give their new motorbike in your hands for a test drive. 

Can You Buy a Motorcycle Without a Motorcycle License? 

Indeed you can’t test drive a motorbike without a motorbike license; now the question arises, can you buy a motorcycle without a license? 

Most dealers around the country have the goal or target to sell the motorbike even if the riders don’t have a license. After handing over or selling the motorbike to the rider, all responsibility held by the rider and dealer will have nothing to do with the rider’s safety. 

However, some dealers don’t sell motorbikes as long as riders have the proper permit or license and good road safety knowledge for their brand image. 

When Dealer Allows Test Drive Without a Motorbike License? 

So far, you understand that with some dealers, you can buy a motorbike without a license. Now the question arises when a dealer allows a test drive without a motorbike license. 

Some big dealers don’t demand your motorbike license if you’re keen enough to test ride the motorbike, but they always allow test riding the motorbike in their own facility with expert guidance and recommendations only. 

However, these dealers who own huge facilities for only test riding are rarely found. 

What If You Are Caught Without a Motorcycle License on Test Drive? 

Indeed some dealers can allow test rides without your motorbike license in their facility. Now the question arises, what if you were caught without a motorbike license in a test drive? 

In California, if cops caught you riding the motorbike without a license, you’re liable for a fine of up to $1,000 and six months in jail. And if you’re under 21 years, you must have the motorbike riding course certificate within a valid month and date. 

The motorbike brand image could be ruined even if caught without a license in a test drive. 

Do You Need a Motorbike License for Every CC Motorbike? 

So far, you understand that you can be liable for a fine if caught in the middle of the road without a motorbike license. Now the question arises, do you need a motorbike license for every CC motorbike? 

You don’t need a motorbike license for every motorbike, for a low CC two-wheeler like a moped scooter doesn’t require a license as long as you have a permit to ride it on roads. And the same applies when you’re taking a test drive of your moped scooter and buying it from a dealer. 

However, it doesn’t mean you won’t follow all road safety regulations while riding the moped scooter on the highways.

Also, read my previous post where I discussed whether dealer buy used motorbike or not, CLICK HERE to read.  

Do You Need a License to Test Driving an Electric Motorcycle? 

Indeed you need a motorbike license to ride and test driving the motorbike. Now the question arises, do you need a permit to try driving an electric motorcycle? 

Electric motorbikes come with the same power as traditional gas motorbikes. They don’t require any additional rules and regulations other than gas motorbikes. You may need an electric motorbike license to test drive or ride on highways. 

You may be liable for the same fine and punishment if you’re caught riding the electric motorbike without a motorbike license. 

Do You Require a Special License for Test Driving? 

So far, you understand that you require a motorbike license even if you own an electric vehicle, as it possesses the same power as gas motorbikes. Now, do you need a special permit for test driving? 

You don’t require any additional paperwork or permit if you want to test drive any motorbike. However, for test drives, some rare dealers will demand to submit your non-criminal record before riding their best motorbike. And for the rest of the dealers, your existing motorbike license would be enough.

Some dealers don’t provide an opportunity for test riding, so it would not be very worth it for you to show your records, better is to ask them whether they’ll give you a test drive. 

What Motorcycle Can You Ride Without a License? 

Our parents and teachers always taught us that we must carry a motorbike license, but did you know you can ride some motorbikes without a permit?

You can ride a low CC motorbike, like a below 50 CC motorbike, without a license. But you’ll need a motorbike license if you ride above 50 CC. 

However, each state may have its own rules for motorbike licenses, I recommend you carefully read your state’s transport rules and regulations for more information. 

Do You Need a Motorcycle License for a Scooter? 

Indeed you don’t need a motorcycle license for a low CC motorbike, but do you own a scooter? Then the question arises, do you need a motorcycle license for a scooter? 

Although every state has its rules, most of the scooters in the US come with more than 50 CC engines which quickly highlight you on the road and declare you as a responsible rider owning a high CC two-wheeler. 

Again, I recommend reading your state transportation rules for more accurate information. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Verdict: 

Can you test drive a motorcycle without a motorcycle license?

You can’t test drive the motorcycle without a motorcycle license because a motorbike license gives you a permit to ride the motorbike on the roads. 

And without it, you can’t ride the motorbike, even if it’s for test driving. A Motorbike license establishes that you’re a responsible rider and know road safety. 

Suppose you want to test drive an electric motorbike. In that case, you also require the same motorbike license and have to do all formalities, like with gas motorbikes.