Kentucky Motorcycle License Laws

August 2023 - As part of our Wheel Epic Adventures, we wanted to drop in and try to share with you some interesting changes in the Kentucky Motorcycle Laws that just MIGHT be of interest to you.

Effective July 15, 2023 Kentucky Motorcycle Licensing Laws have changed DRASTICALLY! Before we get into the details of these changes, let's assume you are here because you are considering this process. It's a big decision to make and it is not a decision to make overnight. So, allow us to help you.

What is your reason for considering this adventure? Are you a teenager (under 18 as defined by law) and cannot afford a 'first car'? Are you a college student without a car? Are you just starting out and trying to win the battle of high fuel prices? Maybe you are more "mature" and the appeal of riding a motorcycle has been boiling in your soul? Maybe you are even more "mature" and this passion has been in your soul for years, the kids are grown and you are ready? Maybe, just maybe, you have no other reason regardless of your stage of life, you just want to feel the freedom and experience this lifestyle. Maybe you have some physical challenges that have kept you from trying?

Regardless of your reasoning we want to welcome you to this lifestyle. First, we would like to advise you to consider a trial. Yes...a trial. Think of it as a 'try before you buy'. Have you heard of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, or MSF for short? They offer classes that will give you an opportunity to learn to ride -- safely. Of course, we HIGHLY recommend that you look into these classes. Don't worry! If you don't want to jump on 2 wheels, consider 3 wheels. There's something for EVERYONE and you just have to decide what is for you.

Now, on that note...let's break down the license changes that recently took place. The need for a written test to obtain a permit is no longer required. Even bigger, you can get an endorsement for 3 wheels only. How? Simple. Just take a safety course at an authorized training center. --- After July 15, 2023, if you take the MSF Basic Rider Course (BRC), or an approved 3-Wheel Basic Rider Course (3WBRC), successful completion of either of these courses will qualify you for your full motorcycle endorsement. It will waive BOTH the written and skills tests with no waiting period. [This information and more is available on the Ride Smart KY website]. Once you complete the course, you will get a waiver card. These waiver cards are good for one (1) year from issue date, which is usually the last day of class. They are to be used by the KY Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) licensing branch office for the purpose of a waiving the written and/or skills portion of the motorcycle endorsement process. ​Click here for a list of offices around the state.

As a bonus, some insurance companies will give a discount if the course was taken within the past 3-5 years, check with your insurance provider. Note...if you successfully complete the 3-Wheel Basic Rider Course the waiver card will act the same as if you take the 2-Wheel Basic Rider Course with one exception - you will ONLY be legally licensed for 3-Wheel machines, like Harley trikes or Can Am Spyders/Rykers. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO 3WHEEL MACHINES SUCH AS THE POLARIS SLINGSHOT.

What does all of this this mean? It means that there may be more riders out there soon and one of them COULD BE YOU!??

REMEMBER, we are both MSF and Harley-Davidson Riding Academy RiderCoaches...so, if you would like to speak to us before you enroll, please drop us an e-mail. We will be glad to help you decide what to do next.