FAST TRACK Licensing
If you are riding a motorcycle on the street and you do not have a Class M motorcycle license here is your opportunity to get one FAST. Some riders say they are not properly licensed because they perceive the licensing process to be inconvenient and time consuming. With FAST TRACK Licensing we have removed some of the administrative barriers to the licensing process. FAST TRACK Licensing is available for both two and three-wheeled motorcycles*.
FAST TRACK Licensing is conducted from April through September at selected Motor Vehicle Administration branch offices. See the list of locations at the bottom of this page. It is facilitated by certified Motorcycle Safety Program Instructors who are also certified to administer the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) knowledge and rider skill tests.
A learner's permit is not required and there is no 14-day waiting period. An applicant is not required to have an accompanying rider but is still expected to transport his or her motorcycle to the MVA branch legally. The MVA is not responsible for any violation obtained by an individual who fails to operate their vehicle in accordance with Maryland law.
Applicants are expected to have already read and be familiar with the Motor Vehicle Administration Motorcycle Operators Manual, publication DL-001. The latest revision is 04/11. This manual is available at any MVA branch office, or can be downloaded here. Applicants will first participate in a Study Hall where we will review the Test Yourself questions located throughout the manual and the sample knowledge test on page 38. Applicants will also be able to ask questions about the information in the manual. After the review the knowledge test will be administered.
Applicants must answer 21 out of 25 questions correctly, or score 84%, to pass. Another feature of FAST TRACK Licensing is that if a rider fails the knowledge test he or she does not have to return the next day to retake the test. The applicant will be coached as to the correct answers for the questions missed and then a second, but different test, will be administered.
After passing the knowledge test applicants will then be administered the on-cycle Rider Skill Test. An applicant’s motorcycle must be street legal. That means it is insured, registered and tagged. The applicant must present the vehicles current registration card and if the motorcycle is not registered in the applicant’s name will have to show proof that they have permission from the registered owner to use the motorcycle. The Examiner will inspect an applicant’s motorcycle to be sure that all the lights work and that there are no obvious equipment violations. An applicant is required to use a DOT compliant helmet and approved eye protection. If the applicant fails the riding test they will receive coaching on what they were assessed points for from the Examiner and then will be permitted to take the test again.
After passing both tests an applicant will be given a FAST TRACK Completion Certificate. The applicant will present this certificate to an MVA licensing agent to get the Class M license added to his or her current license. The applicant will have to pay the appropriate fee. Applicants with a valid learner’s permit do not have to take the knowledge test and will not have to pay a fee to get the Class M license. If an applicant fails the riding test he or she will be issued a Class M learner’s permit.
For 2011 FAST TRACK Licensing will be conducted at the following MVA branch offices during regular business hours and is available only to Maryland licensed drivers over the age of 18. Click on the link to view a flyer for the event:
- April 21 – Bel Air (closed)
- May 4 – Hagerstown (closed)
- May 19 – Hagerstown (closed)
- June 15 – Annapolis (closed)
- July 14 – Frederick (closed)
- August 17 – Bel Air (closed)
- September 15 through 17 – Salisbury during Delmarva Bike Week
Due to program demand, it is strongly encouraged that participants schedule an appointment. Appointments may be made by contacting the motorcycle safety program via email at motorcyclesafety@mva.maryland.gov. Fast Track is conducted beginning at 8:30 AM and again at 12 noon. Please specify the time in your appointment request. Individuals who do not make an appointment prior to the event will not be guaranteed participation.
- Your full name as it appears on your driver’s license;
- Your driver’s license number;
- A contact phone number;
- The MVA location; and
- Whether you want an AM or PM appointment.
If you submitted your email properly you will get an auto-response from the Motorcycle Safety Program indicating that your appointment request has been received.
By requesting an appointment you acknowledge that you have read and understand the information on this page concerning the FAST TRACK Licensing process.
The Motorcycle Safety Program will contact you by email to confirm your appointment.
You can also make an appointment by called the Motorcycle Safety Program office at 800.638.1722. When calling say you want to make an appointment for FAST TRACK Licensing.
FAST TRACK Licensing is NOT a substitute for rider training and all participants are encouraged to enroll in a Basic Rider Course 2 after getting their license to update and refresh their riding skills. Applicants who cannot pass either the knowledge or the riding skills tests on the second attempt will be counseled to consider enrolling in a Basic Rider Course or an Alternate Basic Rider Course and will not be permitted to participate in another event during the current calendar year. Both courses will allow a rider to practice street riding skills and if they pass they will be issued a Motorcycle Safety Program Completion Certificate for the Class M license.