what do i need to do in order to obtain a motorcycle's licence?

It is highly recommended to take a beginners motorcycle course, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) offers a real good one, around $200 for the beginners class. You will have in class study and on hands driving practice with their loaner bikes and at the end of the class, if you pass the tests then you leave there with a certificate that allows you to get the license without having to take the driving part at the DMV. In addition, you will also get a discount on your motorcycle insurance.

I took the motorcycle safety class at the local community college here in north carolina. Upon passing the class all I had to do was take the certificate I received to the DMV and take the written test to receive my endorsement on my license. The driving test in the class is far easier than the test at the DMV. I don't know if the laws are similar in your state but it is certainly worth checking into. Besides, the class offers a great deal of knowledge as well as providing a safe place to learn the fundamentals of riding if you are new to it.

If it's like Georgia, you won't need to take the class. But I strongly recommend it - you'll get two days of professional instruction, a lot of valuable riding tips, and in most states they'll have a test at the end that you can take to get your license. I took the class and consider the $250 cost well worth the money.

I had to get a motorcycle permit and take a road test with it on a closed course. Then they gave me the license. That was some time back and in KY not AZ. It wouldn't be a bad idea to take a cycle safety course either, it may save you money on the insurance, plus it might save you some skin of your hide too.