Motorcycle License Guide 2026: How to Get Your Motorcycle Endorsement

A motorcycle license is not a separate license — it is an endorsement (designated by the letter "M") added to your existing driver's license. Approximately 9.1 million motorcycles are registered in the United States (FHWA), and all operators must hold a motorcycle endorsement. The process involves a motorcycle permit, required training, and a motorcycle-specific road skills test.

Key Takeaways

• Motorcycle operating authority is an "M" endorsement added to your existing driver's license — not a separate license
• All 50 states require either the MSF Basic RiderCourse or a state-equivalent training program
• Completing the MSF Basic RiderCourse (BRC) waives the road skills test in most states
• Motorcycles are involved in 14% of all traffic fatalities while representing less than 3% of registered vehicles (NHTSA)
• Minimum age for motorcycle endorsement: 16 in most states (with restrictions for minors)

How the Motorcycle Endorsement Works

Your driver's license will show an "M" endorsement (or "M" restriction in some states' notation systems) once you have motorcycle authorization. Without this endorsement, operating a motorcycle on public roads is illegal in all states.

The endorsement is added to your existing driver's license — you do not need a separate motorcycle-only license (with some exceptions for moped/scooter classifications, which vary by state).

Step-by-Step Motorcycle Endorsement Process

Step 1: Obtain a Motorcycle Learner's Permit

Before training or testing, most states require a motorcycle learner's permit:

• Pass a motorcycle-specific written knowledge test at the DMV
• Pay the permit fee ($5-$30 depending on state)
• The permit allows supervised or restricted motorcycle riding while you practice

Motorcycle knowledge test covers:

• Motorcycle-specific traffic laws
• Protective gear requirements
• Motorcycle handling and balance fundamentals
• Hazard recognition specific to motorcycle operation
• State GDL restrictions if a minor

Step 2: Complete the MSF Basic RiderCourse (BRC)

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic RiderCourse is the nationally recognized motorcycle training standard:

What the BRC includes:

• Approximately 5 hours of classroom instruction (online or in-person)
• 10 hours of hands-on motorcycle skills exercises in a controlled range environment
• Motorcycles provided by the course
• Gear provided or required (helmet, gloves, jacket, boots)

Cost: $200-$350 for the full Basic RiderCourse (varies by state and provider)

Where to find a BRC:

• MSFsafety.org — course locator for all states
• Many motorcycle dealerships host MSF courses
• Community colleges in many states

MSF BRC waiver: Completing the MSF Basic RiderCourse waives the road skills test (motorcycle portion) at the DMV in most states. This is the primary reason most new riders take the MSF course before testing at the DMV.

Step 3: Pass the Motorcycle Road Skills Test (If Not Waived)

If you did not complete the MSF BRC (or in states that require the DMV test regardless), you must pass the DMV motorcycle skills test:

What is evaluated:

• Basic controls: starting, stopping, shifting
• Low-speed balance and control
• Cone weave maneuvers
• Quick stop (emergency braking)
• U-turn within a defined space
• Obstacle avoidance

You bring your own motorcycle for the DMV test (unlike MSF which provides motorcycles).

Step 4: Add the Endorsement to Your License

After completing training and passing required tests:

1. Present your MSF BRC completion card (or DMV test results) to the DMV
2. Pay the endorsement fee ($5-$25 depending on state)
3. Receive updated license with "M" endorsement

"The MSF Basic RiderCourse has been shown to reduce new rider crash involvement by approximately 28% compared to self-taught riders in the first year of riding. The controlled range environment allows skill development without traffic risk — a fundamentally different and safer learning environment than teaching yourself in public traffic." — Motorcycle Safety Foundation Research, 2024

Motorcycle-Specific Laws

Helmet laws vary by state:

• All riders required: California, New York, Florida, and 18 other states
• Riders under 18 (or 21) required: Texas, Colorado, Montana, and others
• Helmet law not mandated: Illinois, Iowa, New Hampshire (adult riders)

Lane splitting:

• Legal only in California (with restrictions)
• Legal with restrictions in Utah (lane filtering)
• Illegal in most other states

Passenger restrictions: Carrying a passenger on a motorcycle requires: a properly equipped motorcycle (footpegs and seating for passenger), and in many states, a full (non-learner) endorsement.

Insurance for Motorcycles

Motorcycle insurance is required in all states. Average costs:

• Liability only (minimum required): $200-$500/year
• Full coverage: $500-$1,500/year

Factors affecting motorcycle insurance cost:

• Type of motorcycle (sport bikes cost more than cruisers)
• Rider age and experience
• State and location
• Coverage levels

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a car license before getting a motorcycle license? In most states, you need a standard driver's license (or at minimum a driver's permit) to obtain a motorcycle endorsement. A standalone motorcycle-only license is not available in most states.

Can I ride a motorcycle with just a permit? A motorcycle learner's permit allows restricted riding (typically: no passengers, no freeways, daylight hours only) while you complete training and testing. Restrictions vary by state.

Is the MSF course required in all states? The MSF BRC or a state-equivalent course is required in most states. Even where not strictly required by law, completing it waives the road skills test — making it the practical choice for most new riders.

What type of motorcycle can I ride with an "M" endorsement? The standard "M" endorsement covers all motorcycle types: sport bikes, cruisers, touring bikes, naked bikes. Some states have additional classifications for three-wheeled motorcycles (trikes) or very large displacement bikes. Mopeds and scooters under 50cc often require a separate or lesser endorsement — check your state.

How long does the MSF Basic RiderCourse take? The full BRC is typically 2 days: online coursework done in advance (3-5 hours) plus a full day of range skills practice (8-10 hours). Some courses split range practice over two half-days.

Do I need separate insurance for my motorcycle? Yes — your car insurance policy does not extend to motorcycle operation. A separate motorcycle insurance policy is required (and legally mandatory in all states for public road operation).

Study traffic laws and rules on Wheelingo — all 50 states, including motorcycle-relevant content.