What you need to do to add a motorcycle endorsement to your Michigan driver's license
A motorcycle endorsement, called an M endorsement in Michigan, is an addition to your regular driver's license that permits you to operate a motorcycle on public roads. You cannot legally ride a motorcycle in Michigan without it, even if you hold a valid car license. The state requires you to pass both a written test and a riding skills test, or you can waive the riding test by completing an approved motorcycle safety course.
The process takes a few weeks from start to finish if you take the course route, or longer if you schedule the riding test through the Secretary of State. You will need to visit a Secretary of State office twice — once to pass the written test and pay the fee, and again to take the riding skills test (unless you completed a course). The endorsement itself costs $11 and is added directly to your existing license.
Key Takeaways
- Michigan requires an M endorsement to ride any motorcycle legally, and you must pass a written test plus either a riding skills test or a state-approved motorcycle safety course.
- The written test covers motorcycle-specific rules, hazard recognition, and safe riding practices; you take it at any Secretary of State office.
- You can skip the riding test by completing a course from an organization like the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), which takes one to three days depending on the course level.
- The endorsement fee is $11 and is added to your existing license; you do not need to renew your entire license.
- If you fail the riding test, you must wait at least one day before retesting, and you can attempt it up to three times within a 12-month period.
The written test: what it covers and where to take it
The Michigan motorcycle written test is administered at any Secretary of State office and covers motorcycle-specific traffic laws, safe riding techniques, and hazard awareness. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. Questions focus on topics like proper braking, turning at speed, visibility, protective gear, and how motorcycles behave differently from cars on wet or gravel surfaces.
You do not need to study from a specific state manual, but the Secretary of State publishes a free Motorcycle Operator Manual online that covers all tested material. Many riders also use the FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) resources and third-party motorcycle safety guides. You can take the written test without an appointment at most Secretary of State offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Bring your current Michigan driver's license or state ID, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number. The test costs $11, which is the same fee as the endorsement itself — you pay once and the fee covers both the test and the endorsement addition to your license.
Passing the riding skills test versus completing a motorcycle safety course
After you pass the written test, you have two paths forward. You can schedule a riding skills test with the Secretary of State, or you can complete a state-approved motorcycle safety course and skip the riding test entirely.
The riding skills test is conducted by a Secretary of State examiner at a designated testing location. You must bring your own motorcycle or borrow one that meets safety requirements (working brakes, lights, horn, and mirrors). The test lasts about 30 minutes and includes a pre-ride safety check, basic maneuvers in a closed course, and street riding. You must demonstrate smooth acceleration, controlled braking, sharp turns, and obstacle avoidance. If you fail, you can retake it after one day, and you have up to three attempts within 12 months.
The motorcycle safety course route is faster for most people. Approved courses are offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and other state-certified providers. A basic course runs two to three days and covers classroom instruction plus hands-on riding in a controlled environment. The course fee ranges from $150 to $300 depending on the provider and course level. When you complete the course, you receive a certificate that you bring to the Secretary of State, and the riding test is waived. You still must pass the written test.
The course route is popular because it removes the uncertainty of the riding test and gives you professional instruction. The downside is cost and scheduling — courses fill up weeks in advance in urban areas. The riding test route is free but requires you to own or borrow a motorcycle and pass an examiner's judgment on your skills in real time.
Step-by-step process from start to finish
| Step | What you do | Where | Cost | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Study the motorcycle written test material | At home, using the Secretary of State manual or other resources | Free | 1–2 weeks (your pace) |
| 2 | Pass the written test | Secretary of State office | $11 | Same day, walk-in or appointment |
| 3a (Option A) | Enroll in and complete a motorcycle safety course | MSF or state-certified provider | $150–$300 | 2–3 days; courses book weeks ahead |
| 3b (Option B) | Schedule and pass the riding skills test | Secretary of State testing location | Free | 1–4 weeks wait for appointment; test is 30 minutes |
| 4 | Return to Secretary of State with course certificate (3a) or after passing riding test (3b) | Secretary of State office | Included in $11 fee | Same day |
| 5 | Receive M endorsement on your license | Secretary of State office | Already paid | when ready |
Finding a motorcycle safety course in Michigan
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) operates courses at locations across Michigan and is the most widely recognized provider. You can search for MSF courses by county on their website. Other state-certified providers include local community colleges, motorcycle dealerships, and independent riding schools. All approved courses teach the same core curriculum and result in the same certificate that waives your riding test.
Courses typically run Friday evening plus Saturday and Sunday, or condensed into two full days. Some providers offer weekday evening sessions. Courses fill quickly in spring and summer, so book at least two to three weeks ahead if you are planning to ride during warm months. Winter courses have shorter wait times but fewer available dates.
The course fee does not include a motorcycle rental. Some providers partner with local dealers who rent bikes for the course, usually for $50 to $100 extra. If you already own a motorcycle or can borrow one, bring it to the course — instructors will inspect it for safety before you ride.
What happens if you fail the riding test
If you do not pass the riding skills test on your first attempt, you can retake it after waiting at least one day. You have up to three attempts within a 12-month period from the date you passed your written test. Each retake is free — you do not pay another fee.
Common reasons riders fail include poor braking control, inability to complete tight turns, loss of balance during slow-speed maneuvers, or unsafe street riding. The examiner will tell you which skills need work. Many riders use the gap between attempts to practice with a mentor or take informal riding lessons. If you exhaust your three attempts, you must wait 12 months and retake the written test to get three new attempts.
Motorcycle endorsement requirements and restrictions
Once you have your M endorsement, you can ride any motorcycle on Michigan roads. There are no restrictions based on engine size or horsepower for the basic endorsement. However, Michigan law requires all riders to wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing — these are not optional even with a valid endorsement.
Your M endorsement is valid for the same period as your driver's license. When your license expires, you renew it at the Secretary of State, and the endorsement renews automatically at no additional cost. You do not need to retake any test to renew the endorsement.
If you move to Michigan from another state with a valid motorcycle endorsement, you can transfer it by visiting the Secretary of State with your out-of-state license and proof of residency. The transfer is free and does not require retesting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a motorcycle with just my regular driver's license?
No. Michigan law requires an M endorsement to operate any motorcycle on public roads. Riding without the endorsement is illegal and can result in fines, license suspension, and liability issues if you are in an accident. Your regular driver's license does not cover motorcycle operation.
Do I have to take a motorcycle safety course, or can I just take the riding test?
You can choose either path. The course waives the riding test but costs $150 to $300 and takes two to three days. The riding test is free but requires you to own or borrow a motorcycle and pass an examiner's judgment. Both routes require you to pass the written test first.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test when ready at the same Secretary of State office, though you may have to wait for the next available test slot. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the written test, and each attempt costs $11. Most people pass on the second try after reviewing the material more carefully.
How long does the M endorsement take to add to my license?
The endorsement is added to your license the same day you complete the final step at the Secretary of State office. If you take the course route, the total time from start to finish is typically two to four weeks (study time plus course scheduling). If you take the riding test route, it can take four to eight weeks depending on test availability in your area.
Can I ride a motorcycle with a learner's permit?
No. Michigan does not issue a motorcycle learner's permit. You must have the full M endorsement to ride any motorcycle, even on private property or with supervision. The only exception is if you are taking a state-approved safety course — you can ride during the course with instructor supervision.