What a Motorcycle Endorsement Is and Why You Need One

A motorcycle endorsement is a separate permission on your Colorado driver's license that allows you to legally operate a motorcycle on public roads. Without it, you cannot ride a motorcycle even if you hold a valid driver's license for cars. Colorado law treats motorcycles as a distinct class of vehicle because they require different skills—balance, weight distribution, throttle control, and visibility awareness that four-wheeled driving does not demand.

The endorsement appears as an "M" on your license. You get it by passing a written test about motorcycle-specific rules and a practical riding test that shows you can handle a motorcycle safely. Some riders also have the option to take a safety course instead of the riding test, which can waive that requirement.

If you ride without an endorsement and are stopped by law enforcement, you face a traffic violation, a fine, and possible license suspension. More importantly, riding without proper training puts you at real risk—motorcycle crashes are more severe than car crashes because there is no frame or airbags to absorb impact.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado requires an "M" endorsement on your driver's license to legally ride a motorcycle, and you cannot get one without passing both a written test and a riding test or completing an approved safety course.
  • The written test covers Colorado motorcycle laws, road signs, and safe riding practices; you study using the Colorado Motorcycle Operator Handbook, which the DMV provides free online.
  • You can satisfy the riding test requirement by either passing the Colorado DMV riding test at a local office or completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course, which many riders choose because it includes classroom instruction.
  • The MSF Basic Rider Course takes two to three days, costs between $150 and $300 depending on the provider, and teaches you how to ride before you test.
  • You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle endorsement in Colorado, and you need a valid driver's license or learner's permit before you can explore.

The Written Test: What You Study and How to Prepare

The Colorado motorcycle written test covers road rules specific to motorcycles, hazard recognition, and safe riding techniques. You answer 25 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish at any Colorado DMV office.

Study material comes from the Colorado Motorcycle Operator Handbook, which you can read free from the Colorado Department of Revenue website or pick up in print at any DMV office. The handbook covers topics like how to position your body on a motorcycle, how to brake safely on different road surfaces, how to handle curves, and what to do if your motorcycle skids. It also explains Colorado-specific laws—for example, that you cannot carry a passenger unless your motorcycle is designed for two riders and the passenger wears a helmet.

Most people study the handbook for a few hours spread over several days before taking the test. You can retake the written test if you do not pass, though you will pay the test fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts.

The Riding Test: DMV Test Versus Safety Course

Colorado gives you two paths to satisfy the riding test requirement. You can take the test directly through the DMV, or you can complete an approved motorcycle safety course, which waives the DMV riding test.

The DMV riding test takes about 20 minutes and happens at a local DMV office that offers motorcycle testing. You bring your own motorcycle or use one provided by the DMV (availability varies by location). The examiner watches you perform basic maneuvers: starting the engine, riding in a straight line, turning, stopping, and backing up. You must demonstrate control and awareness of your surroundings. If you fail, you can retake it after paying the test fee again.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course is the alternative most riders choose. It is a classroom and hands-on course that runs two to three days (usually Friday evening plus Saturday and Sunday, or three weekday evenings). You learn motorcycle fundamentals in a classroom, then practice on a closed course with instructors watching. The course costs between $150 and $300 depending on the provider. When you pass the MSF course, you receive a completion certificate that you bring to the DMV, and the riding test requirement is waived—you only take the written test.

The MSF course is often the better choice if you have never ridden before, because you learn proper technique before you are tested. The DMV test assumes you already know how to ride.

Finding an MSF Course and What to Bring

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation course is offered by private training providers across Colorado. You can find approved providers on the MSF website or by searching "MSF Basic Rider Course Colorado." Common providers include local motorcycle shops, community colleges, and independent riding schools. Call ahead to confirm the course dates, cost, and whether they provide motorcycles or require you to bring your own.

Most MSF courses provide motorcycles, helmets, and protective gear for students, so you do not need to own a motorcycle to take the course. Bring comfortable clothes that cover your arms and legs, closed-toe shoes, and a valid photo ID. Some courses require you to bring your own helmet if you have one, though they will provide one if you do not.

Register for the course in advance—popular courses fill up, especially in spring and summer. Once you complete the course and receive your certificate, you can take it to any Colorado DMV office to have the riding test requirement waived from your endorsement record.

The DMV process Process and Fees

To add a motorcycle endorsement to your license, visit a Colorado DMV office in person. You cannot do this online or by mail. Bring your current driver's license or learner's permit, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other state ID), and proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

If you are taking the MSF course route, bring your MSF completion certificate. If you are taking the DMV riding test, you do not need to bring anything extra—the office will schedule your test appointment.

The fee for adding a motorcycle endorsement is $20. If you also take the DMV riding test (not the MSF course), there is an additional riding test fee of $10. Payment is cash, check, or card depending on the office.

Processing usually takes a few minutes if you are only adding the endorsement to an existing license. Your new license with the "M" endorsement will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can ride with a temporary paper license when ready after passing your tests.

Age Requirements and Restrictions for Young Riders

You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle endorsement in Colorado. If you are under 18, you must hold a valid driver's license or learner's permit before you can add the endorsement.

Colorado does not impose special restrictions on the size or power of motorcycles for riders under 18, but your insurance company may. Some insurers will not cover riders under 18 on large-displacement bikes, or they charge significantly higher premiums. Check with your insurance provider before you buy a motorcycle.

If you are under 18 and have a learner's permit (rather than a full license), you can take the MSF course and pass the written test, but you cannot ride unsupervised on public roads until you upgrade to a full driver's license.

Renewing or Replacing Your Endorsement

Once you have a motorcycle endorsement, it stays on your license for the life of that license. When your driver's license expires and you renew it, the endorsement renews automatically—you do not have to retake any tests or pay an additional fee.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any DMV office. The replacement fee is $20, and your motorcycle endorsement will appear on the new license. If you change your address, you can update it online through the Colorado DMV website or in person at an office, and the endorsement remains unchanged.

If your license is suspended or revoked for any reason (traffic violations, DUI, or other infractions), the motorcycle endorsement is suspended or revoked along with it. You cannot ride a motorcycle during a suspension or revocation period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride a motorcycle with just a learner's permit?

No. A learner's permit does not allow you to ride a motorcycle on public roads, even with supervision. You must have a full driver's license and a motorcycle endorsement. You can practice on private property with a learner's permit, but not on streets or highways.

What if I fail the written test or riding test?

You can retake either test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you pay the test fee each time. If you fail the MSF course, you can retake it with the same provider or a different one, and you pay the course fee again.

Do I need a motorcycle endorsement if I only ride off-road?

No. The endorsement is required only for riding on public roads. Off-road riding on private property does not require an endorsement. However, if you ride on any public road, trail, or highway, you need the endorsement.

Can I get a motorcycle endorsement if my driver's license is suspended?

No. You must have a valid, unsuspended driver's license or learner's permit to add a motorcycle endorsement. If your license is suspended, you cannot add or use an endorsement until the suspension is lifted.

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

If you take the MSF course, plan for two to three days for the course itself, plus a few days to study the written test handbook. The DMV appointment to add the endorsement takes minutes. If you skip the MSF course and take the DMV riding test instead, you can complete everything in one or two weeks if you study quickly and get a test appointment soon.