Motorcycle endorsement costs break into two parts: the written test fee and the skills test fee, plus any training course you choose to take

A motorcycle endorsement (also called an M endorsement or motorcycle license) lets you legally ride a motorcycle on public roads. The cost to add it to your existing driver's license varies by state, but most states charge between $10 and $50 for the written exam and between $0 and $100 for the riding skills test. Some states bundle both into a single fee. A few states waive the skills test if you complete an approved motorcycle safety course, which typically costs $150 to $300 but can save you the test fee and sometimes insurance money later.

The total you pay depends on three things: your state's fee structure, whether you take a training course, and whether you already hold a valid driver's license. If you're adding the endorsement to an existing license, you usually pay only the endorsement fees, not a full license renewal fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Written test fees range from $10 to $50 in most states, and skills test fees range from $0 to $100, depending on your state's DMV pricing.
  • Completing an approved motorcycle safety course costs $150 to $300 but often waives the riding skills test and may lower your insurance premiums.
  • Some states charge a single combined fee for both tests, while others charge them separately; check your state DMV website to see which applies to you.
  • If you fail the written or skills test, you typically pay the test fee again to retake it, so budget for a possible second attempt.

Written test fees by state

The written test (also called the knowledge test) covers motorcycle-specific rules, hazard recognition, and safe riding practices. Most states charge $10 to $30 for this test when you take it at the DMV. A few states charge more—up to $50—or bundle it with the skills test into a single fee.

Some states let you take the written test online or at a third-party testing center, which may charge a small processing fee on top of the state fee. Check your state's DMV website to see whether the fee is fixed or varies by location. If you fail the written test, you'll pay the fee again to retake it; most states let you retake it the same day or within a few days.

Skills test fees and what they cover

The skills test (also called the riding test or practical exam) is where you demonstrate that you can safely operate a motorcycle. You ride a course set up by the DMV or a testing center, usually in a parking lot, and show that you can start, stop, turn, and handle the bike under control. The fee for this test ranges from $0 to $100 depending on your state.

A few states charge no skills test fee at all if you hold a valid driver's license. Others charge $25 to $50. Some states waive the skills test entirely if you complete an approved motorcycle safety course—meaning you pay only the written test fee and the course fee, but not the skills test fee. This can actually save you money if the course costs less than the skills test fee plus the written test fee combined.

Motorcycle safety course costs and benefits

An approved motorcycle safety course typically costs $150 to $300 and takes one to three days to complete. The course covers classroom instruction and hands-on riding practice, and you use the school's motorcycle rather than your own. At the end, you take a written test and a riding test administered by the course instructor, not the DMV.

The main benefit is that most states recognize a passing course completion certificate as proof that you've met the skills test requirement, so you don't have to go to the DMV to take the riding test. You still take the written test at the DMV in most states, but you skip the skills test fee. Some states also let you skip the written test if you pass the course's written exam, which saves you another trip.

A secondary benefit is that many motorcycle insurance companies offer a discount—typically 5% to 15%—if you've completed an approved safety course. That discount can offset the course cost within the first year or two of insuring your bike. Check with your insurance company before you enroll to confirm they recognize the course you're considering.

Retesting fees if you fail

If you fail the written test, you pay the written test fee again to retake it. If you fail the skills test, you pay the skills test fee again. Some states let you retake a failed test the same day; others require you to wait a few days or schedule a new appointment. Budget for at least one retake when you're planning your total cost, especially for the skills test, which has a higher failure rate than the written test.

If you complete a motorcycle safety course and fail the course's riding test, you typically pay a retest fee to the course provider (usually $25 to $50) rather than the state. This is often cheaper than retaking the DMV skills test, which is another reason some riders choose the course route.

License renewal and endorsement stacking

Adding a motorcycle endorsement to an existing driver's license usually costs only the endorsement fees—not a full license renewal fee. However, if your driver's license is expiring soon, your state may require you to renew it at the same time you add the endorsement, which means you'll pay both the endorsement fee and the renewal fee together.

If you already hold a CDL and want to add a motorcycle endorsement, the process and cost are the same as for a regular driver's license. You take the motorcycle written test and skills test (or complete a safety course), and the endorsement is added to your CDL. Some states charge a small additional fee to add an endorsement to a CDL, but it's usually the same as adding it to a regular license.

How to find your state's exact fees

Motorcycle endorsement fees vary significantly by state, and some states change their fees annually. The most reliable way to find out what you'll pay is to visit your state's DMV website and search for "motorcycle endorsement" or "M endorsement." The site will list the written test fee, skills test fee, and any course waiver options available in your state.

You can also call your local DMV office or visit in person to ask about fees and current wait times for skills tests. Some states have long backlogs for riding tests, so it's worth asking whether you should book an appointment in advance or whether a safety course would get you licensed faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the motorcycle written test online?

Some states allow online written tests through the DMV website or a third-party testing service, while others require you to test in person at a DMV office. Check your state's DMV website to see which option is available. If you use a third-party testing center, there may be a small processing fee in addition to the state test fee.

What if I already took a motorcycle safety course in another state?

Most states recognize motorcycle safety courses from other states if the course was approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or your previous state's DMV. Bring your course completion certificate when you explore for the endorsement. Your new state will likely waive the skills test, though you may still need to take the written test at the DMV.

Do I have to pay the endorsement fee again if I renew my license?

No. Once the motorcycle endorsement is on your license, it renews automatically when you renew your driver's license. You pay the license renewal fee, but not a separate endorsement fee. However, some states charge a small additional fee if you're renewing a license that has multiple endorsements.

Is the motorcycle safety course worth the cost?

It depends on your state's skills test fee and your insurance situation. If your state charges $75 or more for the skills test and you can get a 5% or higher insurance discount, the course often pays for itself within a year. It's also worth it if you're a new rider and want hands-on instruction before riding your own bike on public roads.

What happens if I fail the skills test at the DMV?

You pay the skills test fee again to retake it. Most states let you schedule a new test within a few days. If you fail multiple times, consider taking a motorcycle safety course instead—the instructor can give you feedback on what you're doing wrong, and the course test may be easier to pass than the DMV test.