What a Colorado Motorcycle Endorsement Is and Who Needs One
A motorcycle endorsement on your Colorado driver's license allows you to legally operate a motorcycle on public roads. In Colorado, you cannot ride a motorcycle with just a regular Class D (passenger vehicle) license — you must have the M endorsement added to your license. This is separate from a CDL and does not require a commercial license; you can add it to any valid driver's license class.
You need the M endorsement whether you own the motorcycle outright, are borrowing one, or plan to ride regularly. Colorado law treats this as a safety requirement, not an optional credential. The endorsement proves you have passed both a written test on motorcycle-specific rules and a riding skills test.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado requires an M endorsement on your driver's license to legally ride a motorcycle; a regular Class D license is not sufficient.
- You must pass a written knowledge test covering motorcycle operation and a practical riding skills test administered by the Colorado Department of Revenue.
- You can waive the riding test by completing an approved motorcycle safety course, such as those offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).
- The written test costs $10.50 and the riding test costs $30; a safety course costs between $150 and $300 but eliminates the riding test requirement.
- Processing takes one to two business days after you pass both tests; you receive your endorsement at the DMV office or by mail.
Age Requirements and Restrictions for Motorcycle Riders
Colorado has different rules depending on your age. If you are 18 or older, you can pursue an unrestricted M endorsement with no special conditions. If you are 16 or 17, you can obtain an M endorsement but it comes with restrictions: you cannot ride between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot carry passengers.
Riders under 18 must also complete a motorcycle safety course — you cannot use the standard written and riding test route. The course requirement is mandatory, not optional, for anyone under 18. Once you turn 18, you can request the restrictions be removed from your license at any DMV office.
The Written Knowledge Test for the M Endorsement
The written test covers Colorado motorcycle laws, safe riding practices, and hazard recognition. You will answer 25 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 80 percent (20 correct answers) to pass. The test focuses on topics like proper braking, turning, lane positioning, protective gear, and how to handle road hazards specific to motorcycles.
You can study using the Colorado Driver Handbook, which is free and available online at the Colorado Department of Revenue website. The motorcycle section is clearly marked. Many riders also use the official practice test available on the same site, which mirrors the format and difficulty of the real test. You have 30 minutes to complete the written test at the DMV.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the $10.50 fee each time you test.
The Riding Skills Test and How to Prepare
The practical riding test evaluates your ability to control a motorcycle safely in real-world conditions. A Colorado DMV examiner will observe you performing specific maneuvers: starting the engine, mounting and dismounting, riding in a straight line, turning, braking, and swerving to avoid obstacles. The test takes place in a closed course or parking lot, not on public roads. You must bring your own motorcycle or use one provided by an approved testing facility.
The riding test costs $30 and lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. You must wear a DOT-approved helmet and protective gear (jacket, gloves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes). If you fail, you can retake it, but you must schedule another appointment and pay the fee again.
Many riders choose to skip the riding test entirely by completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course or an equivalent approved course. Colorado recognizes these courses and will waive the riding test if you provide proof of completion. This route costs more upfront ($150 to $300) but saves you the stress of the DMV riding test and often teaches you safer habits.
Approved Motorcycle Safety Courses in Colorado
Colorado recognizes courses from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and courses taught by instructors certified through the MSF curriculum. These courses typically run two to three days and include both classroom instruction and hands-on riding practice. Upon completion, you receive a certificate that you bring to the DMV, which automatically waives your riding test requirement.
To find an approved course near you, visit the MSF website or contact your local community college — many offer MSF courses at lower cost than private providers. You do not need to own a motorcycle to take the course; most programs provide bikes for students. Course schedules vary by location and season, so plan ahead if you want to take one during peak riding months.
Documents and Fees for the M Endorsement
Bring your current valid Colorado driver's license to the DMV when you test. If you are adding the endorsement to an out-of-state license, bring that license plus proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). You will also need to bring your Social Security number or an ITIN.
If you are using the motorcycle safety course route, bring your course completion certificate. If you are taking the riding test, bring a motorcycle and proof of insurance or ownership.
The fees are straightforward: the written test is $10.50, the riding test is $30, and the license reissuance (to add the endorsement) is included with your DMV visit. If you take a safety course instead of the riding test, you pay the course fee directly to the provider, not to the DMV. Total cost through the standard route is $40.50 plus the cost of any study materials. The safety course route costs $150 to $300 but includes instruction and eliminates the riding test.
How to Add the Endorsement to Your License
Visit any Colorado DMV office during business hours. Bring your current license, proof of residency if needed, and your Social Security number. Tell the clerk you want to add an M endorsement. They will direct you to the testing area or provide you with a test booklet, depending on the office's setup.
Take the written test first. If you pass, you will be scheduled for the riding test at that office or at a designated testing location. Some DMV offices have their own closed courses; others refer you to a partner facility. If you are using a safety course certificate, show it to the clerk instead of scheduling the riding test — your endorsement will be processed without the test.
After you pass both tests (or submit your course certificate), the DMV will issue you a new license with the M endorsement printed on it. This usually happens within one to two business days. You can pick it up at the DMV office or request it be mailed to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a motorcycle with a learner's permit while I work toward the endorsement?
No. Colorado does not issue a motorcycle learner's permit. You must have the full M endorsement on your license before you can legally ride a motorcycle on public roads, even during daylight hours or with a licensed rider present. You can practice on private property with the owner's permission.
What if I fail the riding test — can I retake it the same day?
You can schedule another test, but not always the same day. Availability depends on the DMV office and examiner schedule. You must pay the $30 fee again for each attempt. Taking a safety course beforehand eliminates this uncertainty because the course itself serves as your riding test.
Do I need to renew my M endorsement separately from my driver's license?
No. Your M endorsement renews automatically when you renew your driver's license. You do not need to retake any tests or pay additional fees. The endorsement stays on your license for the full renewal period.
Can I add the M endorsement to a CDL?
Yes. If you already hold a CDL in Colorado, you can add the M endorsement by passing the same written and riding tests (or completing a safety course). The M endorsement is separate from CDL endorsements and does not affect your commercial driving status.
What happens if I get a ticket for riding without the M endorsement?
Riding a motorcycle without the required endorsement is a traffic violation in Colorado. You can be cited, fined, and have your motorcycle impounded. The fine typically ranges from $130 to $300, depending on the court and circumstances. Getting the endorsement before you ride protects you legally and demonstrates to insurance companies that you are a licensed motorcycle operator.