What a motorcycle endorsement is and why you need one

A motorcycle endorsement (sometimes called a motorcycle license or "M" endorsement) is a separate permission added to your regular driver's license that lets you legally ride a motorcycle on public roads. Without it, riding a motorcycle is illegal in every state, even if you own one and have a valid driver's license for cars.

The endorsement proves you have passed a written test on motorcycle-specific rules and a riding skills test on an actual motorcycle. States require this because motorcycle accidents have different injury patterns than car accidents, and the skills needed to control a motorcycle safely are different from driving a car.

You do not need a motorcycle endorsement to ride a moped or scooter under a certain engine size — that threshold varies by state, typically between 50cc and 150cc — but anything larger requires the endorsement. Check your state's DMV website for the exact cutoff in your state.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass a written test on motorcycle rules and a riding skills test on an actual motorcycle to get the endorsement added to your license.
  • Most states let you take the riding test on your own motorcycle, a friend's motorcycle, or a motorcycle provided by a training course.
  • Taking an approved motorcycle safety course in your state often waives the riding test and sometimes the written test, and usually costs $150 to $300.
  • The whole process — from studying to passing both tests — typically takes two to four weeks if you study on your own, or one to two weeks if you take a course.
  • Motorcycle insurance is required by law in most states and costs more than car insurance, so budget for that before you ride.

The two paths: safety course or test-only route

You have two main ways to get a motorcycle endorsement. The first is to take an approved motorcycle safety course in your state, which teaches you the rules and riding skills in a classroom and on a training range, usually over one or two days. The second is to study on your own, pass the written test at your DMV, and then pass the riding skills test.

The safety course route is faster and easier for most people. You learn from instructors, practice on a controlled range with other beginners, and the course certificate usually waives both the written test and the riding test at your DMV. You straightforward bring the certificate to your DMV office, pay the endorsement fee (usually $15 to $50), and the endorsement is added to your license the same day or within a few days.

The test-only route is cheaper upfront but requires more work on your own. You study the motorcycle handbook (free from your DMV website), pass the written test at your DMV office, then schedule a separate riding test where you demonstrate basic skills like starting, stopping, turning, and swerving. If you fail the riding test, you pay to retake it.

Finding and taking an approved motorcycle safety course

Most states have a list of approved motorcycle safety courses on their DMV website, usually under a heading like "Motorcycle Safety Course" or "Rider Training." The most common provider nationwide is the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), which runs courses in most states, but your state may have other approved providers.

Courses typically cost $150 to $300 and run for one or two days, usually on weekends. You do not need to own a motorcycle or have any riding experience — the course provides motorcycles for training, helmets, and protective gear. You show up, spend six to eight hours in the classroom and on the range, and leave with a certificate.

When you register for a course, you will need to bring a valid driver's license (your regular one, not a motorcycle endorsement yet) and proof of identity. Some courses ask you to bring your own helmet, but most provide one. After you pass, you get a certificate on the spot. Take that certificate to your DMV office along with your driver's license and the endorsement fee, and the endorsement is added within days.

Taking the written test at your DMV

If you skip the safety course and take the test-only route, you start by passing the motorcycle written test at your DMV office. This test covers motorcycle-specific rules: how to brake on a motorcycle, how to lean in turns, what to do if your brakes fail, how to handle gravel or potholes, and how to share the road safely.

The test is usually 25 to 50 multiple-choice questions, and you need to score around 80 percent to pass. You can study using the free motorcycle handbook on your state's DMV website — read it once, then take the practice tests online (most states offer them). Most people pass after one or two weeks of studying an hour or two per day.

Schedule the test online or by phone through your DMV. Bring your current driver's license, proof of identity, and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease works). The test takes about 30 minutes, and you get your score when ready. If you pass, you get a paper receipt showing you passed the written test. Keep this receipt — you will need it when you take the riding test.

Taking the riding skills test

After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate riding skills test with your DMV. This test is conducted by a DMV examiner on a closed course or parking lot, not on public roads. You ride a motorcycle through a series of exercises: figure-eights, quick stops, swerves, and slow-speed turns. The examiner watches to see if you can control the motorcycle safely.

You can take the riding test on your own motorcycle, a friend's motorcycle, or a motorcycle provided by a training school. The motorcycle must be street-legal (registered and insured) and in working order. Some DMV offices have a small fleet of motorcycles you can rent for the test, usually for $20 to $50. Call your local DMV to ask what motorcycles are available.

Bring your current driver's license, your written test receipt, proof of insurance for the motorcycle you are using, and a helmet. Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a jacket — most DMVs require this for safety. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes. If you pass, the examiner signs a form, and you take it to the DMV office to pay the endorsement fee and have it added to your license.

What happens if you fail the riding test

If you do not pass the riding test on your first try, you can retake it. There is no waiting period in most states — you can schedule another test within days. You pay the test fee again (usually $10 to $30), but you do not retake the written test.

Common reasons people fail the riding test are not making a complete stop, touching the ground during a turn, hitting a cone, or showing that they cannot control the motorcycle at slow speeds. If you fail, ask the examiner what you did wrong, then practice those specific skills before you retake the test. Many people pass on the second or third try.

If you took a safety course and failed the DMV riding test, you can still use your course certificate to waive the test requirement at a later date in some states — check with your DMV. In other states, you must pass the DMV test to get the endorsement, even if you completed a course.

Cost and timeline for the whole process

The cost and time depend on which route you take. A safety course costs $150 to $300, takes one or two days, and the endorsement is added within a few days of bringing your certificate to the DMV. Total time: one to two weeks from start to finish.

The test-only route costs less upfront — usually $15 to $50 for the written test and $10 to $30 for the riding test, plus the endorsement fee of $15 to $50 — but takes longer if you study on your own. Most people spend two to four weeks studying and taking both tests. If you fail the riding test and retake it, add another week or two.

Do not forget to budget for motorcycle insurance, which is required by law in most states. Insurance costs vary widely based on the motorcycle, your age, your driving record, and your location, but expect to pay $500 to $2,000 per year for a beginner rider on a used bike. Get a quote before you buy the motorcycle so you know the true cost of ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a motorcycle endorsement to ride a moped or scooter?

It depends on the engine size. Most states do not require an endorsement for mopeds or scooters under 50cc, but some states set the limit at 150cc. Check your state's DMV website for the exact threshold. If your scooter is under the limit, you can ride it with just a regular driver's license, but you may still need a helmet.

Can I take the riding test on a motorcycle I do not own?

Yes. You can use a friend's motorcycle, a rental motorcycle, or a motorcycle provided by your DMV office. The motorcycle must be street-legal and insured. If you use someone else's bike, make sure they are okay with it and that the insurance covers a test rider.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it. There is usually no waiting period, so you can schedule another test within a few days. Study the areas where you missed questions, then retake the test. Most people pass on the second try.

Does a motorcycle safety course cost money?

Yes, courses typically cost $150 to $300. However, some insurance companies offer a discount on motorcycle insurance if you complete a course, which can pay back the course cost within a year or two. Some employers or community colleges also offer discounted courses.

How long does the endorsement stay on my license?

A motorcycle endorsement is permanent once added to your license. It does not expire separately from your driver's license. When you renew your driver's license, the endorsement renews with it at no extra cost in most states.