Maryland Motorcycle Manual Online 2025

What could be better than cruising down the road on your very own motorcycle?

While motorcycling can be tempting, and offers an exhilarating experience, it’s also a potentially dangerous activity. This can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your perspective.

The state of Maryland would like the next generation of motorcyclists to be safe and responsible riders. For this reason, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) has published its MD Motorcycle Operator Manual. The Manual is designed to provide novice riders with the information they need to obtain a motorcycle license and obtain the necessary motorcycle operating techniques and knowledge.

Maryland Licensing Requirements

Maryland traffic law requires all operators of motor vehicles to have a valid license. Those without the appropriate licenses are more likely to be involved in traffic accidents. In order to legally operate a motorcycle in the state, you’ll need a valid Class M license. Without this, you may be required to pay a fine, points will be added to your driving record and your motorcycle may be towed away.

In order to apply for the Motorcycle Instructional Learner’s Permit, you need to be at least 15 years and 9 months of age. For the license, you will need to pass the following tests:

1. Vision test – Do you have the minimum visual acuity?

2. Road signs test – Can you read and explain all highway signs?

3. Written exam – Do you have thorough knowledge of traffic laws, rules of the road, motor vehicle law and safe driving practices?

4. Driving test – Can you demonstrate safe operation of a motorcycle?

The Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual

The Maryland MVA Motorcycle Operator Manual is an essential resource for novice motorcyclists. Careful study of the MD Manual will ensure your success on the road signs test, written exam and on-cycle driving test.

Some major topics that are discussed in the Manual include:

• Selecting the right gear
• Vehicle control techniques
• Positioning the motorcycle on the road
• Approaching and navigating through intersections
• Increasing conspicuity
• Avoiding collisions
• Handing hazardous road conditions (e.g. dangerous surfaces, animals, flying objects, etc.)
• Carrying passengers and cargo
• Riding with a group
• Effects of drugs/alcohol on judgment
• Fatigue

After reading the Maryland Motorcycle Manual, you should be able to answer questions including:

• What are the five checks you need to perform BEFORE getting on your motorcycle?
• Where are the blind spots of a larger vehicle?
• How can a rider reduce his/her reaction time?

The MD Motorcycle Operator Manual is readily available from your local Motor Vehicle Office, or as a free online download below. Get one step closer to your riding down Maryland roads! Good luck!