What you need to know before you start
A Washington State motorcycle learners permit (also called an endorsement permit) lets you ride a motorcycle on public roads under specific restrictions while you practice before taking the riding test. You must be at least 16 years old, pass a written knowledge test about motorcycle operation and safety, and hold the permit for a minimum of 14 days before you can test for a full motorcycle endorsement on your regular driver's license.
The permit itself costs $20 and is issued the same day you pass the written test at any Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) office. You do not need to own a motorcycle or have insurance to get the permit, but you do need to follow strict riding rules while you hold it — riding only during daylight hours, wearing a helmet and protective gear, and never carrying passengers.
Washington does not require a separate motorcycle safety course to get the learners permit, but completing an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course can waive the riding test later and is strongly recommended for new riders.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 16 years old and pass the motorcycle knowledge test at a DOL office to receive your learners permit on the same day.
- The permit costs $20 and is valid for one year, during which you must wait at least 14 days before taking the riding test for a full endorsement.
- While holding the permit, you can only ride during daylight hours, must wear a helmet and protective gear, and cannot carry passengers under any circumstances.
- Completing an MSF-approved motorcycle safety course lets you skip the riding test and go straight to the endorsement without the 14-day waiting period.
- You will need your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of Washington residency to explore at the DOL office.
Age requirements and who can explore
You must be at least 16 years old to get a Washington motorcycle learners permit. There is no upper age limit. If you are under 18, you do not need parental consent to get the permit, but your parent or guardian must be present when you explore at the DOL office and must sign the process form.
You must also hold a valid Washington driver's license or instruction permit (learners permit for cars) at the time you explore for the motorcycle endorsement permit. If you do not yet have a driver's license, you will need to get one first through the standard licensing process.
Documents you need to bring to the DOL office
Bring the following items when you go to explore for your motorcycle learners permit:
- A valid Washington driver's license or instruction permit
- Proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return)
- Proof of Washington residency dated within the last 12 months (utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail)
- If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present with a valid ID
Do not bring originals of documents you cannot replace quickly — the DOL will not return them. Bring copies or documents you are comfortable leaving with the office. If your name has changed due to marriage or court order, bring the legal document proving the change.
The written knowledge test and what it covers
The motorcycle knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions and covers Washington traffic laws, motorcycle-specific riding techniques, hazard recognition, and safe riding practices. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DOL office and takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
The test covers topics such as proper helmet use, protective gear requirements, how to handle a motorcycle in different weather conditions, right-of-way rules, and what to do if your motorcycle skids or slides. You can study using the Washington Motorcycle Operator Manual, which is free and available on the DOL website. Many riders also use online practice tests to prepare.
You can retake the test the same day if you fail, but you will pay the $20 fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but each attempt costs $20.
Restrictions while you hold the learners permit
Your motorcycle learners permit comes with strict riding rules that you must follow. You can only ride during daylight hours — from sunrise to sunset — and you cannot ride at night under any circumstances. You must wear a helmet that meets Department of Transportation (DOT) standards and wear protective gear including a jacket, gloves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes or boots.
You cannot carry passengers on your motorcycle while you hold the learners permit. You also cannot ride on limited-access highways (freeways and interstate highways). You must display your learners permit plate or sticker on your motorcycle so law enforcement can identify you as a permit holder.
Violating these restrictions can result in a traffic citation and fines. The restrictions are in place to reduce crash risk while you are still learning to operate a motorcycle.
The 14-day waiting period and when you can test for the endorsement
You must hold your learners permit for at least 14 days before you can take the riding test for a full motorcycle endorsement. The 14 days begins the day your permit is issued. After 14 days have passed, you can schedule a riding test at any DOL office.
Your learners permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If you do not pass the riding test or do not test within that year, your permit expires and you will need to explore and pay the $20 fee again.
If you complete an approved MSF motorcycle safety course, you do not have to wait 14 days or take the riding test — you can go straight to the DOL office and request your full motorcycle endorsement. The MSF course completion certificate waives both requirements.
How to use the MSF course to skip the riding test
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) offers a Basic Rider Course (BRC) that is approved by Washington State. If you complete this course and pass the final riding evaluation, you receive a completion certificate that you can bring to the DOL office instead of taking the state riding test.
The MSF course typically takes two to three days and includes classroom instruction and hands-on riding practice. You do not need to own a motorcycle — the course provides training motorcycles. The course costs between $150 and $200 depending on the provider, and you must be at least 16 years old to enroll.
When you bring your MSF completion certificate to the DOL office, you can request your full motorcycle endorsement without the 14-day waiting period. You will still need to pay the endorsement fee (which varies but is typically $20 to $30 for the endorsement itself, separate from the learners permit fee).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride on the highway with my learners permit?
No. Your learners permit prohibits riding on limited-access highways, freeways, and interstate highways. You can only ride on regular roads and streets. This restriction stays in place until you pass the riding test and receive your full motorcycle endorsement.
What happens if I get a traffic ticket while riding on my learners permit?
A traffic citation for violating learners permit restrictions (such as riding at night or carrying a passenger) is treated like any other traffic violation. You may face a fine and points on your driving record. The violation does not automatically cancel your permit, but it becomes part of your record when you explore for your endorsement.
Do I need insurance to ride on my learners permit?
Washington does not require motorcycle insurance to hold a learners permit or to ride while practicing. However, if you own a motorcycle, your homeowner's or renter's insurance may require you to carry motorcycle liability coverage. Check with your insurance company about your specific situation.
Can I get my learners permit and endorsement on the same day?
No, not unless you have already completed an MSF course. You must wait at least 14 days between getting your learners permit and taking the riding test. If you take the MSF course first, you can skip the learners permit stage entirely and go straight to the endorsement.
What if I fail the riding test after waiting 14 days?
Your learners permit remains valid for the rest of its one-year term. You can retake the riding test as many times as you need during that year. Each riding test attempt costs a fee (typically $20 to $30). If your permit expires before you pass, you will need to reapply for a new learners permit and wait another 14 days.