How to get your motorcycle endorsement
What you need to know
Two ways to get your endorsement
- Take motorcycle skills test at DLD office OR
- Take Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) rider skills course - no test at DLD required
- The course must have been completed within the last 6 months
Either way, you will have to visit a DLD office and get a new license
- First visit to get a motorcycle learner permit
- If you plan to take the MSF course
- 2nd visit will be to show completion card
- If you plan to take the riding test at the DLD office
- 2nd visit will be to take riding test
- Additional visits will be required if you fail tests, do not bring the right documentation, or do not meet other requirements
Tests
- 25-question motorcycle written knowledge test - taken at DLD office (everyone getting a motorcycle endorsement has to take this test)
- Study the Motorcycle Handbook to prepare for the test
- Motorcycle skills test at DLD office (if you do not take the MSF course)
- You must provide your own motorcycle.
Fees
- $18.00 motorcycle endorsement fee
- Fee for renewing or replacing your license (varies depending on type of license - view all fees)
Engine size licensing restrictions
You will be licensed to ride motorcycles based on the engine size of the motorcycle you ride to complete the rider skills test. This is true for the test whether you take it at a DLD office or as part of an MSF course. These restrictions are:
0 = 99 cc or less
2 = 249 cc or less
3 = 649 cc or less
If you are tested on a motorcycle with 650 cubic centimeters or more, you will have no restriction on your license and may ride any motorcycle of any size.
Three-Wheeled Motorcycle Restrictions
If you are tested on a three-wheeled motorcycle, you will have a restriction on your license, allowing you only to ride three-wheeled motorcycles.ย This includes two (2) wheels on the front or the rear of the motorcycle.
Learner permit restrictions
- For the first two (2) months of the motorcycle learner permit, you will be restricted to riding a motorcycle with:
- No passengers.
- No riding between the hours of 10:00 pm and 6:00 am unless it is to or from the rider's residence, place of employment, agricultural operation, or in an emergency.
- No riding on highways posted more than 60 miles an hour.
- There are no restrictions for the third through six (6) months.
- Riders less than 19 years of age are required to hold the motorcycle learner permit for a minimum of two (2) months unless the rider provides evidence that the Motorcycle Safety Foundations Basic Rider Education course has been successfully completed.
Note: If you are 15 years and six (6) months old and hold a valid learner permit or license for any classification, you may enroll in and complete a motorcycle rider course.
Ready for learner permit
Ready for riding skills test
- You MUST already have your learner permit to take the test at the DLD
Completed MSF course, ready for full license
- MSF course must have been completed in the last 6 months