For years many riders in Lebanon rode without a licence and nobody checked. That has changed. Since early 2026, checkpoints, seizures and stricter rules for dealers have made a motorcycle license Lebanon's riders can show at a stop a practical necessity, not a formality. This guide explains who needs one, how the process works and what it costs, using only verified, recent information.
Quick answer: To get a motorcycle license in Lebanon you must be 18 or older and obtain the dedicated motorcycle category (commonly called class 6). The process is a theory course, a computerised theory test and a practical riding test. As of July 2026, exam, licence and registration total roughly $400, plus about $125 to $270 for driving school training.
Rules and fees change. Always confirm the latest requirements with the ISF, the Ministry of Interior or the TMO before you apply.
Motorcycle License Lebanon Basics: Who Needs One?
Anyone riding a motorcycle or scooter on public roads. Lebanese Traffic Law No. 243 (2012) requires a dedicated motorcycle licence, separate from a car licence, and riders must be at least 18 years old, as An-Nahar reported in June 2026.
The motorcycle category is commonly referred to as class 6. If you already hold a car licence, it does not automatically cover a motorcycle, so check your card for the motorcycle category before you ride. French-speaking riders often search for this as the "permis moto Liban": it is the same licence.
The same law requires a helmet for both rider and passenger and limits a motorcycle to two people. Our guide to choosing a motorcycle helmet in Lebanon covers what to look for.
Step by Step: How to Get Your Motorcycle Driving License in Lebanon
The motorcycle driving license Lebanon process follows the same general path as a car licence: a theory stage, then a practical stage. Exact paperwork can vary by centre, so treat this as a practical roadmap, not an official checklist.
- Check eligibility. You must be 18 or older. Have your Lebanese ID (or residence documents if you are not Lebanese) ready, plus passport photos.
- Enrol in a licensed driving school. Schools handle much of the paperwork and run the theory course. Ask specifically for motorcycle training, not car training.
- Complete the theory course. It covers traffic rules, road signs, priorities and safe riding behaviour.
- Pass the computer theory test. A computerised multiple-choice exam on the material from the course.
- Train on the bike. Practise slow control, braking, turning and balance with an instructor.
- Pass the practical motorcycle test. An examiner assesses your control and safety on the bike.
- Collect your licence and keep it on you whenever you ride, along with your registration papers.
The TMO (Traffic, Truck and Vehicle Management Authority, known locally as the Nafaa) manages vehicle and driver services. Its official info page lists services and contact details.
Motorcycle License Lebanon Costs in 2026
In July 2026, Interior Ministry Decision 825 (dated 8 July 2026) unified driving school fees. According to MTV's July 2026 report, the costs break down roughly as follows:
| Item | Approximate cost (July 2026) |
|---|---|
| Exam, licence and motorcycle registration combined | About $400 |
| Driving school training | About $125 to $270 |
These are approximate totals reported in the press, not an official fee table. Fees in Lebanon change, so ask your driving school for a written breakdown before you pay. Budget for your riding gear separately: every motorcycle license Lebanon learner needs at least a helmet and gloves for training.
Preparing for the Motorcycle Test in Lebanon
The motorcycle test Lebanon examiners run is about control and safety, not speed. Riders who fail usually do so because of nerves or poor slow-speed control, not because the test is hard.
For the theory test
- Learn road signs and priority rules thoroughly; they make up a big share of the questions.
- Take practice tests offered by your driving school until you pass them comfortably.
- Pay attention to rules specific to motorcycles, such as helmet and passenger requirements.
For the practical test
- Master slow riding. Practise riding in a straight line at walking pace, using the clutch friction zone and rear brake.
- Look where you want to go. In tight turns, turn your head and eyes first; the bike follows.
- Brake smoothly and progressively, using both brakes, and stop with your feet down in a controlled way.
- Do the observations. Check mirrors and shoulder-check before moving off and changing direction.
If you are starting from zero, structured coaching makes a big difference. The Pro Trainer 10-session riding course, booked through GearD, takes new riders from basic control to confident road riding.
Why Getting Licensed Matters Now
Lebanon has about 1.5 million motorcycles, and only around 20% were registered, according to An-Nahar. Road deaths rose to 520 in 2025 from about 440 in 2024, mostly among riders aged 15 to 27. In response, the authorities have tightened enforcement:
- Decision 1929 (29 December 2025): dealers may not hand over a motorcycle before it is registered, and sellers must provide a helmet with the bike.
- Registrations rose from 2,331 in December 2025 to 3,971 in June 2026.
- Between 1 and 18 July 2026, 1,986 motorcycles were seized and 11,085 violation reports were issued (MTV).
In practice, riding without a licence now risks having your motorcycle seized at a checkpoint, on top of any penalty. Being licensed, registered and properly equipped is the simplest way to ride without stress.
Gear You Need for Training and the Test
Show up to your first lesson properly equipped. It makes you safer, more confident and more comfortable while you learn.
- A certified helmet: a full face is best. Entry models like the LS2 FF820 Rapid III start at $120 at the time of writing; see full face helmets for more. Our helmet price guide breaks down every budget.
- Gloves: learners drop bikes at low speed, and hands go down first. Choose from our motorcycle gloves.
- A protective jacket: one with CE armour from our motorcycle jackets collection.
- Sturdy footwear: ankle-covering motorcycle boots or riding shoes, never sandals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do you have to be to get a motorcycle license in Lebanon?
You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a motorcycle licence in Lebanon, according to Traffic Law No. 243 as reported by An-Nahar in June 2026. Riders under 18 cannot legally ride a motorcycle on public roads, which is important given that many of Lebanon's road deaths involve riders aged 15 to 27.
Can I ride a motorcycle with a car licence in Lebanon?
A standard car licence does not cover motorcycles. Lebanese law requires a dedicated motorcycle category, commonly called class 6. Check the categories printed on your licence; if motorcycles are not listed, you need to go through the motorcycle theory and practical tests before riding on public roads.
What is a class 6 licence in Lebanon?
Class 6 is the name commonly used for the motorcycle licence category in Lebanon. It is the licence you need to ride a motorcycle or scooter legally. You get it through a licensed driving school, a theory course and computerised test, and a practical riding test with an examiner.
How much does a motorcycle licence cost in Lebanon?
According to MTV in July 2026, the exam, licence and registration together total roughly $400, while driving school training costs roughly $125 to $270 after Decision 825 unified school fees. These are approximate press figures, not an official fee table, so confirm the current amounts with your driving school.
Is the permis moto Liban the same as the motorcycle licence?
Yes. "Permis moto Liban" is simply the French term many Lebanese riders use when searching for the motorcycle driving licence. The process, requirements and costs are the same: be 18 or older, complete the theory course and test, then pass the practical riding test.
Get Ready to Ride Legally with GearD
Licensed, registered and properly geared up is the way to ride in Lebanon today. Browse all riding gear and motorcycle helmets for your training kit, and message the GearD team on WhatsApp for sizing help or to book the Pro Trainer course before you place your order.
