What you need to do to add a motorcycle endorsement to your Washington license

A motorcycle endorsement in Washington is an addition to your regular driver's license that lets you legally ride a motorcycle on public roads. You get it by passing a written test on motorcycle safety and rules, then passing a riding skills test. Washington calls this endorsement an "M" endorsement, and you can add it to any class of driver's license you already hold — or get it at the same time you get your first license.

The process takes at least two visits to a Department of Licensing (DOL) office: one to take the written test, and a second (usually at least a few days later) to take the riding test. You cannot take both on the same day. Some people pass both tests on their first try; others need to retake one or both. There is no fee to add the endorsement to an existing license, but you will pay for the riding test itself, which varies by testing location.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington requires both a written test on motorcycle rules and a separate riding skills test; you cannot take them the same day.
  • You must be at least 16 years old to get an "M" endorsement, and you need a valid Washington driver's license or instruction permit first.
  • The written test covers motorcycle-specific traffic laws, hazard awareness, and safe riding practices; study materials are free on the DOL website.
  • The riding test is performed by an examiner at an approved testing location and costs money that varies by location, typically between $20 and $50.
  • If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you must wait a set number of days between attempts depending on which test you failed.

Age and license requirements before you can test

You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle endorsement in Washington. You also need to already hold a valid Washington driver's license or instruction permit — you cannot get the "M" endorsement on its own.

If you do not yet have a driver's license, you will need to get one first. That means passing the written knowledge test for regular driving, getting your instruction permit, and then passing the regular driving skills test. Once you have that license in hand, you can then add the motorcycle endorsement.

If you are under 18, Washington has additional rules: you must have held your license for at least six months before you can take the motorcycle riding test. This waiting period does not explore if you are 18 or older.

The written test: what to study and how to pass it

The motorcycle written test covers Washington traffic laws as they explore to motorcycles, plus motorcycle-specific safety and handling. The test has 25 questions, and you need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per day, so if you fail, you can come back the next day and try again.

Washington's DOL publishes a free Motorcycle Operator Manual on its website that covers everything on the test. The manual includes sections on protective gear, how motorcycles handle differently than cars, how to brake and turn safely, how to see and be seen, and what to do in emergencies. You can read it online or read it as a PDF.

You take the written test at any DOL office that offers it. Not every office administers the motorcycle test, so check the DOL website to find a location near you that does. Bring your current driver's license or instruction permit, and be ready to show proof of your identity and Social Security number. The test is given on a computer at the office.

The riding test: what the examiner watches for

After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the riding test. This test is not given at DOL offices — it is given at approved testing locations run by third-party examiners. Washington has a network of these locations around the state, and you can find them on the DOL website by region.

On test day, you bring your own motorcycle or borrow one that meets Washington's safety requirements. The motorcycle must have working brakes, lights, mirrors, and horn; a valid registration; and current liability insurance. You also need to wear a DOT-approved helmet and protective gear (jacket, gloves, long pants, and over-the-ankle boots). If you show up without proper gear or a compliant motorcycle, you will not be allowed to test.

The examiner watches you perform a series of riding tasks: starting and stopping, turning at different speeds, swerving to avoid an obstacle, braking hard, and riding in a figure-eight pattern. The test usually lasts 15 to 20 minutes. The examiner is looking for smooth control, awareness of your surroundings, and safe handling. You pass if you demonstrate that you can operate the motorcycle safely and follow traffic laws.

If you fail the riding test, you must wait at least one day before you can retake it. Some testing locations have their own scheduling rules, so check with the location where you failed to see when you can book your next attempt.

Cost and what happens after you pass

There is no fee charged by the Department of Licensing to add the motorcycle endorsement to your license. However, the third-party testing locations charge a fee for the riding test, and this varies by location. Most charge between $20 and $50. Some locations may also charge a small fee to use their motorcycle if you do not bring your own.

Once you pass both the written and riding tests, the examiner at the testing location will submit your passing score to the DOL. Within a few business days, the "M" endorsement will be added to your driver's license. You do not need to go back to a DOL office or pay an additional fee — it happens automatically.

You can check the status of your endorsement by logging into your DOL account online or by calling the DOL customer service line. Your new license with the endorsement will be mailed to you, or you can pick it up at a DOL office if you prefer not to wait.

What to do if you fail either test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the next day. There is no waiting period between attempts for the written test, and you can take it as many times as you need until you pass. Each attempt is free.

If you fail the riding test, you must wait at least one day before you can schedule another attempt. Some testing locations have longer waiting periods or limit how many times you can test in a month, so contact the location directly to find out their rules. Each riding test attempt costs the testing location's fee again.

If you are struggling with either test, the DOL website has study guides and practice materials for the written test. For the riding test, some motorcycle safety schools in Washington offer training courses that can help you practice the skills the examiner will watch for. These courses are not required, but many people find them helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a motorcycle from a safety course to take the riding test?

Yes, if the motorcycle meets Washington's safety requirements and is insured. Many motorcycle safety courses provide both the bike and insurance for their students. Check with your testing location to confirm they accept course-provided motorcycles, as some have specific rules about which bikes they will allow.

What if I already have a motorcycle endorsement from another state?

Washington will recognize an out-of-state motorcycle endorsement if you transfer your license to Washington. You do not need to retake the tests. Bring your out-of-state license and proof of residency to a DOL office, and they will add the endorsement to your new Washington license.

Do I have to take a motorcycle safety course to get the endorsement?

No, the course is not required. However, if you complete an approved motorcycle safety course in Washington, you can waive the riding test and go straight to getting your endorsement after passing the written test. The course itself takes one or two days and costs money, so it is worth comparing the cost of the course against the cost of the riding test at your local testing location.

How long does the whole process take from start to finish?

If you already have a driver's license and pass both tests on your first try, you can complete the written test and schedule the riding test within a few days. The riding test appointment might be a week or two out depending on availability at your testing location. Once you pass both, the endorsement is added within a few business days. Total time is usually two to four weeks.

Can I ride a motorcycle with just my instruction permit and the motorcycle endorsement?

No. An instruction permit alone does not let you ride a motorcycle. You need a full driver's license with the "M" endorsement. If you have an instruction permit, you must first pass your regular driving skills test to get your full license, then add the motorcycle endorsement.