What you need to know before you start
Colorado's motorcycle learner's permit — officially called an M-class endorsement on a learner's permit — lets you ride a motorcycle on public roads while supervised by a licensed motorcycle rider. You cannot get this permit if you already hold a full motorcycle license, and you must be at least 16 years old. The process involves passing a written test at a Colorado DMV office, paying a fee, and following specific riding restrictions until you pass the road test for your full license.
Unlike a regular driver's learner's permit, the motorcycle version does not require a separate written test for basic driving rules — you only test on motorcycle-specific knowledge. If you do not yet have any Colorado driver's license, you will need to get a regular learner's permit first, then add the motorcycle endorsement to it.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 16 years old and pass a motorcycle knowledge test at a Colorado DMV office to get the M-class endorsement on a learner's permit.
- If you do not have a Colorado driver's license yet, you must obtain a regular learner's permit before you can add the motorcycle endorsement.
- With a motorcycle learner's permit, you must wear a helmet, ride only during daylight hours, and be supervised by a licensed motorcycle rider at all times.
- The written test covers motorcycle operation, safety, and Colorado traffic laws specific to motorcycles, and you can study using the Colorado Motorcycle Operator Manual.
- After you pass the written test and hold the permit for the required time, you can schedule a road test to earn your full M-class motorcycle license.
Age requirements and what you need to bring
You must be at least 16 years old to take the motorcycle learner's permit test in Colorado. Bring your current Colorado driver's license or learner's permit, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Colorado residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement with your name and address). If you are under 18, you may also need a parent or guardian's signature on certain forms — check with your local DMV office about their specific requirements.
If you do not yet have a Colorado driver's license or learner's permit, you must get one first. This means passing the written test for a regular learner's permit and paying that fee before you can add the motorcycle endorsement. Some people do both on the same day at the DMV office, but they are separate transactions.
The written test: what it covers and how to study
The motorcycle knowledge test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. The test covers how motorcycles work, how to control them, how to ride safely in different conditions, and Colorado traffic laws that explore to motorcycle riders. You will answer questions about things like braking distance, how to lean in turns, what to do if your brakes fail, and when you must wear a helmet.
Study using the free Colorado Motorcycle Operator Manual, which you can read from the Colorado DMV website or pick up at any DMV office. The manual is the official source for everything on the test. You can take the test as many times as you need — there is no limit on attempts — but you must pay the test fee each time you take it.
Restrictions while you hold the learner's permit
Once you pass the written test and receive your M-class learner's permit, you can ride a motorcycle on public roads, but only under these conditions: you must wear a helmet at all times, you can ride only during daylight hours (from sunrise to sunset), and a licensed motorcycle rider must be with you on another motorcycle or in a vehicle following you. You cannot ride alone, and you cannot ride at night.
You also cannot carry passengers on your motorcycle while you hold the learner's permit. These restrictions exist to keep new riders safe while they build experience. Breaking them can result in a traffic citation and may delay your progress toward a full license.
How long you must hold the permit before the road test
Colorado requires you to hold your motorcycle learner's permit for a minimum of 6 months before you can take the road test for your full M-class license. This waiting period gives you time to practice and build riding skills. You can schedule your road test anytime after the 6 months have passed — there is no maximum time you can hold the permit.
During those 6 months, ride as much as you can with your supervising rider. The more experience you have, the more confident you will be on the road test. Some riders take a motorcycle safety course during this time, which can help you learn proper techniques and may lower your insurance costs later.
Fees and where to test
The fee for the motorcycle knowledge test varies slightly depending on which Colorado DMV office you visit, but expect to pay around $10 to $15 for the test itself. You will also pay a fee to add the M-class endorsement to your learner's permit, which is separate from the test fee. Bring cash or a debit card, as not all offices accept credit cards.
You can take the test at any Colorado DMV office. Find the office nearest you on the Colorado DMV website and call ahead to ask about wait times and whether you need an appointment. Some offices are busier than others, and a short call can save you a trip.
What happens after you pass the written test
Once you pass the written test, the DMV will issue your M-class learner's permit on the spot. You will receive a physical permit card that you must carry with you every time you ride. Start practicing when ready with your supervising rider, and keep track of the date you received the permit so you know when 6 months have passed.
When you are ready to take the road test, contact the Colorado DMV to schedule an appointment. The road test checks your ability to start, stop, turn, and handle the motorcycle safely in real-world conditions. After you pass it, you will receive your full M-class motorcycle license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a regular driver's license before I get a motorcycle learner's permit?
You need a Colorado driver's license or learner's permit, but not necessarily a full license. If you have neither, you must get a regular learner's permit first, then add the motorcycle endorsement. You can do both at the same DMV visit if you pass both written tests.
Can I take the motorcycle written test online?
No. The motorcycle knowledge test must be taken in person at a Colorado DMV office. You cannot take it online or by mail. You can study online using the Colorado Motorcycle Operator Manual, but the test itself happens at the DMV.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test as many times as you need. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on their first or second try if they study the Colorado Motorcycle Operator Manual thoroughly.
Can my supervising rider be in a car instead of on another motorcycle?
Yes. Your supervising rider can follow you in a vehicle instead of riding alongside you on another motorcycle. Either way, they must be present and able to observe your riding at all times.
What if I turn 18 before I get my full motorcycle license?
Turning 18 does not change your permit restrictions or the 6-month waiting period. You still must hold the learner's permit for 6 months and follow all the riding restrictions (helmet, daylight only, supervised) until you pass the road test and earn your full license.