The Kentucky Motorcycle Program promotes safety by establishing rider training courses throughout the state; increasing awareness of a motorcyclist's knowledge of the effects of alcohol and drugs; developing driver improvement efforts; conducting program promotion activities; enhancing the public's awareness of motorcycles; and promoting motorcycle safety through education.

KMP is operated and maintained by the Traffic Safety Institute at Eastern Kentucky University. KMP is funded by the Transportation Cabinet's Division of Driver Licensing from motorcyclist fees, motorcycle licenses, permits and registrations.

KMP rider education and training courses follow nationally-established guidelines and are accredited by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).

Visit MSF at http://www.msf-usa.org

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is a national, not-for-profit organization promoting the safety of motorcyclists with programs in rider training, operator licensing, and public information. The Kentucky Motorcycle Rider Education Program is Free to Motorcyclists under the age of 18.

MOTORCYCLE PERMIT/LICENSE

Motorcycle permits and licenses are issued in the circuit clerk's office in the Kentucky County of residence.

To apply for a motorcycle permit, you must be at least 18, or you must hold a valid operator license. Applicants for a motorcycle license permit who are under 18 years old, however, must have a parent or legal guardian who is willing to assume the responsibility imposed by KRS 186.590 sign the application for a license. This is true even if the parent or guardian has already signed the application allowing the minor to drive a moped or automobile.

Motorcycle Safety Education Course

Kentucky's Motorcycle Safety Education (MSE) course is administered by the Transportation Cabinet and Eastern Kentucky University's Traffic Safety Institute. If a driver is interested in the course, they should call (859) 622-1153.

There are two types of safety courses offered: Motorcycle Rider Course: Riding Street Skills (MRC:RSS) and Experienced Rider Course (ERC)

1. MRC:RSS
A basic 16-18 hour course where basic motorcycle skills are taught. Approximately one half of this course is class instruction.

2. ERC
This course is geared toward enhancing the skills of experienced drivers. The entire course is conducted on the riding range.

After graduating from the MSE course, the motorcycle skills test may be waived per KRS 186.875.

If a driver completes an approved motorcycle safety course, a motorcycle license can be issued without the applicant having to complete a skills test. In all cases, however, the applicant must have the motorcycle permit for at least one calendar month before a motorcycle license can be issued.

MOPED LICENSE

Moped licenses are issued in the circuit clerk's office in the Kentucky County of residence.

You must be at least 16 years old and have a permit to ride a moped in Kentucky.

A 'moped' is defined as having: "No more than two (2) brake horsepower, a cylinder capacity not exceeding fifty (50) cubic centimeters, an automatic transmission not requiring clutching or shifting by the operator after the drive system is engaged, and capable of a maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour." KRS 189.285. If not sure about the vehicle, contact the County Clerk's office to find out if the vehicle needs to be licensed.

First time applicants for a moped license that do not have either an operator or motorcycle license must complete a driver license application. They will only be required to complete the general knowledge and vision tests---neither a skills test or permit is required. Upon successful completion of the required tests, a license can be issued. Applicants who already have any form of valid motor vehicle operator's license or permit (Class D, M or a CDL) do not have to apply for a moped license. A driver with a moped license who later requests an operator or motorcycle license must surrender the moped license after the operator or motorcycle license is obtained.

Applicants for a moped license who are under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian who is willing to assume responsibility imposed by KRS 186.590 sign the application for a license. If a parent or legal guardian has already signed the application allowing the minor to drive a motorcycle or automobile, they must also sign the application for the moped.

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