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Horizon Insight News

What CC requires a motorcycle license in Illinois?

Author

Mia Russell

Updated on February 06, 2026

Publish date: 2024-01-11

Answer

A Class L motorcycle licence is required for any motorcycle with a displacement of less than 150cc. A Class M motorcycle licence is required for any motorbike equipped with a motor-driven cycle. A moped, on the other hand, may not be required to get an Illinois motorcycle licence provided it fits specific requirements.

In addition, some people wonder if they need a motorcycle licence to operate a 150cc scooter in Illinois.

When operating a moped or scooter (unless it fits the above conditions), you’ll need to have a Class L driver’s licence with you at all times. The engine displacement must be less than 150 cubic centimetres to qualify. Obtaining a Class M licence is required if the displacement is greater than 150cc.

Furthermore, how many cubic centimetres (cc) do you need before you need a motorbike licence?

Some states only require a normal driver’s licence or learner’s permit if your moped or scooter has an engine that is 50 cubic centimetres (cc) or less in displacement.

In light of this, do I need a motorcycle licence in order to operate a 125cc scooter in Illinois?

In general, scooters and mopeds must be registered and insured, although powered bikes are exempt from this need. Scooters, on the other hand, require special licencing (Class M or L), whereas mopeds can be legally ridden in Illinois with any class of driver’s licence, and no licence is necessary to operate a motorised bike.

Is it necessary to get a motorbike licence to ride in Illinois?

Illinois Motorcycle License applicants must be at least 16 years old and pass both a written exam as well as an on-bike riding test (for which you must bring your own motorcycle and riding gear). Once you’ve obtained your Illinois motorcycle licence, you’ll be able to experience the thrills and spills of two-wheeled transportation.

There were 38 related questions and answers found.

What exactly is the distinction between a moped and a scooter?

Motors are used to propel mopeds and scooters, which are also compact vehicles. The motor of a moped, on the other hand, is meant to assist the rider when pedalling and only produces a percentage of the locomotive force. A scooter relies on its motor to supply all of the propulsion at all times, regardless of the terrain.

Is it necessary to have a motorcycle licence to operate a 125cc scooter?

Riders of 50cc and 125cc scooters are required to complete Compulsory Basic Training before they may get on the road. Even if you have a full driving licence, you will still be required to complete a CBT because your licence does not grant you the right to ride a motorcycle without training.

Is it legal to use a 150cc scooter without a valid driver’s licence?

A driver’s licence is required for 50cc scooters, however a motorcycle licence is not required. A driver’s licence and a motorbike licence are required for the 150cc. For example, the majority of states demand a motorcycle licence for scooters with engines larger than 150cc (and above), because they can reach speeds of more than 50mph and be driven on public roads.

How can I obtain a motorcycle licence in the state of Illinois?

The Procedures for Obtaining an Illinois Motorcycle License Bring identification with you to any SOS Driver Services facility. Provide documentation demonstrating successful completion of the Motorcycle Rider Education Course. Make an appointment to take the written and driving skills tests. Alternatively, you can waive the examinations if you can show confirmation of completion of an IDOT motorcycle safety course.

Is it legal to ride a scooter with a 150cc engine on the highway?

Consequently, any scooter with a displacement greater than or equal to 150cc is not motorway legal, even if a motorcycle licence is still required to operate a scooter in this category. At Vespa Motorsport, we have a large selection of scooters with displacements of 150cc or greater, which translates to a large number of freeway-legal scooters.

What is the maximum size of a scooter that is permissible on the road?

An automobile with two or three wheels and an engine with a displacement more than 150 cubic centimetres is referred to as a motorcycle. In addition, while motorised scooters are considered street-legal vehicles, they are not required to be registered with the DMV or to display licence plates on their vehicles.

What documentation is required for a motorbike licence?

criteria for a motorcycle licence Being at least 15–16 years old is required (exact age depends on state) Completing a drivers education course, which includes passing a test on traffic laws and signs (often not necessary if you already have a drivers license) Becoming successful in a written motorbike exam. Passing a vision screening test is important.

What is the top speed of a 150cc scooter?

150cc scooters have a top speed of 50 to 60 miles per hour, which is normal for the class (again heavier rides will likely experience a lower speed). If you anticipate having to go on a highway on a regular basis, a 150cc scooter will be a better fit for your needs than a 50cc scooter.

Is riding dirt motorcycles on the streets of Illinois legal?

It is not street legal, and the state of Illinois no longer permits dirt-bike to dual-sport conversions on public roads. Your only option is to purchase a dirt bike that has already been converted and has been “grandfathered” in (like my XR250R). Unfortunately, that BRP will not be able to obtain an Illinois street legal title.

Are electric bicycles permitted in the state of Illinois?

LAWS FOR ELECTRIC BICYCLES IN ILLINOIS. Electric bicycles are permissible on public roads, subject to specific conditions. The United States Congress issued Public Law 107-319 in 2001, which exempts electric bicycles with a power output of less than 750 watts from the definition of a motor vehicle. Electric bicycles are permitted on trains and buses in the same way as ordinary bicycles are permitted.

To be able to operate a scooter in Illinois, you must be at least 18 years old.

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Is it necessary to have a driver’s licence to operate a scooter?

There is no special category of driver’s licences for people who ride motor scooters. In order to operate a motor scooter, a person’s standard driver’s licence must be supplemented by an appropriate endorsement.

Where can I take my moped for a spin in the state of Illinois?

Passengers are also prohibited from riding on any moped, unless the vehicle is equipped with a large-sized seat or a “buddy seat.” Scooters with engines under 50cc are only permitted to operate in neighbourhood and side streets. On roads such as Lake Shore Drive, only scooters with engines of at least 150cc are permitted to operate.

Where can I go to receive my motorcycle licence?

As long as you are at least 16 years old, you can apply for a provisional moped licence. You can either apply in person at the DVLA or submit form D1 via the mail.

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