What you need to get a Colorado motorcycle learners permit

A Colorado motorcycle learners permit (also called an endorsement learners permit) lets you ride a motorcycle on public roads under specific restrictions while you practice before taking the full endorsement test. To get one, you must be at least 16 years old, have a valid Colorado driver's license or instruction permit, pass a written motorcycle knowledge test at a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, and pay the permit fee.

You do not need to own a motorcycle or have insurance to get the learners permit itself, but you will need both before you ride legally on public roads. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid Colorado driver's license or instruction permit before you can get a motorcycle learners permit; you cannot get one as your first permit.
  • The written test covers motorcycle operation, safety, and Colorado traffic laws specific to motorcycles, and you take it at a DMV office in person.
  • With a learners permit, you can only ride during daylight hours, cannot carry passengers, and must wear a helmet and eye protection at all times.
  • You must carry your learners permit, your underlying driver's license, and proof of motorcycle insurance whenever you ride.
  • The permit is valid for one year; after that, you must pass the riding skills test to get your full motorcycle endorsement or renew the learners permit.

Age and license requirements before you explore

Colorado requires you to be at least 16 years old to hold a motorcycle learners permit. You also must already have a valid Colorado driver's license or an instruction permit (the permit you get before taking your car driving test). If you do not have either of these, you will need to get a driver's license first.

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign a consent form at the DMV office. Bring a form of ID for the parent or guardian as well. The DMV will provide the consent form, or you can read it from the Colorado DMV website before you go.

The written motorcycle knowledge test

The Colorado DMV motorcycle knowledge test has 25 questions and covers how to operate a motorcycle safely, how to handle different road and weather conditions, and Colorado traffic laws that explore to motorcycle riders. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at DMV offices and takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

You can study for the test using the Colorado Motorcycle Operator Manual, which is free and available on the DMV website. Many riders also use the DMV's online practice test tool to get familiar with the question format. There is no waiting period between attempts if you do not pass on your first try, but you will pay the permit fee again for each attempt.

Restrictions that explore while you hold a learners permit

A Colorado motorcycle learners permit comes with strict riding rules. You can only ride during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset), you cannot carry passengers, and you must wear a helmet and eye protection every time you ride. You also cannot ride on interstate highways or limited-access roads.

You must carry your learners permit, your underlying driver's license, and proof of motorcycle insurance with you whenever you ride. If you are stopped by law enforcement and cannot show all three documents, you can be cited. The insurance requirement is the same as for any motorcycle rider in Colorado — you need at least the state minimum liability coverage.

Insurance and registration before you ride

Even though you only have a learners permit, Colorado law requires you to carry motorcycle insurance before you ride on public roads. You will need to register the motorcycle with the Colorado DMV and provide proof of insurance as part of that registration. Most motorcycle insurance companies will issue a policy for a learner, though some may charge higher rates because you are not yet endorsed.

The motorcycle does not have to be registered in your name — it can belong to a parent, guardian, or friend — but you must have insurance that covers you as the rider. When you buy insurance, tell the agent you have a learners permit, not a full endorsement yet. This affects the rate and sometimes the coverage options available to you.

Moving from learners permit to full endorsement

After you have held your learners permit for at least one month, you can take the Colorado motorcycle riding skills test to earn your full motorcycle endorsement. This is a practical test where a DMV examiner watches you perform specific riding tasks like starting, stopping, turning, and emergency braking. The test takes place in a closed course, not on public roads.

If you pass the riding skills test, the DMV will add the motorcycle endorsement to your driver's license and your learners permit becomes invalid. If you do not pass, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt. You will pay a test fee each time you take it.

If your learners permit expires before you take the riding skills test, you can renew it for another year by paying the renewal fee and retaking the written knowledge test. You do not have to retake the test if you renew before the permit expires — you can renew by mail or online.

Where to go and what documents to bring

You explore for a motorcycle learners permit at any Colorado DMV office. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Colorado DMV website. Some offices take walk-ins, but many now require you to make an appointment online or by phone. Check your local office's policy before you go.

Bring your valid driver's license or instruction permit, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Colorado address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are under 18, bring the signed parental consent form and a form of ID for your parent or guardian. Bring payment for the permit fee — Colorado DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride on public roads with just a learners permit?

Yes, but only during daylight hours, without passengers, and only on roads that are not interstate highways or limited-access roads. You must wear a helmet and eye protection, carry your permit and license and proof of insurance, and follow all other traffic laws. The learners permit is meant for practice, not daily commuting.

What happens if my learners permit expires?

Your permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. If it expires before you take the riding skills test, you can renew it by paying the renewal fee and retaking the written knowledge test. You can renew online or by mail if you renew before the expiration date. After it expires, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Do I need insurance before I get the learners permit?

No, you do not need insurance to take the written test and get the permit. But you must have motorcycle insurance in place before you ride on public roads, even with a learners permit. Get insurance before you register the motorcycle or plan your first ride.

Can I take the riding skills test right away or do I have to wait?

You must hold your learners permit for at least one month before you can take the riding skills test. This waiting period is meant to give you time to practice. After one month, you can schedule the test at any Colorado DMV office that offers it.

What if I fail the written knowledge test?

You can retake the test the same day or any day after. There is no waiting period between attempts. You will pay the permit fee each time you take the test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt if they study the Colorado Motorcycle Operator Manual and use the online practice test.