What a motorcycle endorsement is and why you need one
A motorcycle endorsement is a legal permission added to your Colorado driver's license that allows you to operate a motorcycle on public roads. Without it, you cannot legally ride a motorcycle in Colorado, even if you own one. The endorsement appears as an "M" designation on your license and tells law enforcement and insurance companies that you have passed the required knowledge and skills tests.
Colorado requires the endorsement because motorcycle operation involves different handling, braking, and safety techniques than driving a car. The state uses the endorsement system to confirm you understand these differences and can demonstrate basic riding competency.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass a written motorcycle knowledge test and a riding skills test to earn the endorsement, or you can take an approved motorcycle safety course that waives both tests.
- The Colorado Motorcycle Safety Program offers courses that teach riding skills and automatically grant the endorsement without requiring you to test at the DMV.
- If you test at the DMV instead, you will need to bring your own motorcycle or find someone to lend you one for the riding exam.
- The endorsement costs $20 and is added to your existing license; you do not receive a new physical license card unless you renew or replace it.
- You must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid Colorado driver's license to add the endorsement.
The two paths: DMV testing or motorcycle safety course
Colorado gives you two ways to earn the endorsement. The first is to pass both a written test and a riding skills test at your local DMV office. The second is to complete an approved motorcycle safety course through the Colorado Motorcycle Safety Program, which bypasses the DMV tests entirely.
Most riders choose the safety course route because it teaches you to ride safely before you test, and the course completion certificate counts as your passing proof. You do not have to own a motorcycle to take the course—the program provides training motorcycles. If you choose the DMV route, you must bring your own motorcycle or arrange to borrow one for the riding exam, which is a significant barrier for many people.
Taking the Colorado Motorcycle Safety Program course
The Colorado Motorcycle Safety Program runs courses throughout the state at various locations and times. You can find course schedules and register on the program's website. Courses typically run one or two days and cost between $150 and $200, though some locations may vary. The program provides all motorcycles, helmets, and protective gear you need during training.
When you complete the course, you receive a certificate of completion. Take this certificate to any Colorado DMV office along with your driver's license and payment of $20. The DMV will add the "M" endorsement to your existing license on the spot. You do not need to pass any additional tests—the course completion is your proof of competency.
Before you register for a course, check the program's website for age requirements and any prerequisites. Most courses accept riders 16 and older, but some advanced courses may have different rules.
Testing at the DMV without taking a course
If you choose to test at the DMV instead of taking a safety course, you must first pass the written knowledge test. This test covers Colorado motorcycle laws, safe riding practices, and hazard recognition. You can study using the Colorado Motorcycle Operator Handbook, which is available free on the DMV website. The written test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass.
After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the riding skills test. This is where you must bring a motorcycle—either your own or one you borrow. The examiner will watch you perform basic maneuvers like starting, stopping, turning, and swerving to avoid obstacles. The test takes about 20 minutes and is conducted in a closed course, not on public roads.
If you fail either test, you can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you may need to schedule another appointment. Once you pass both tests, the DMV adds the endorsement to your license when ready.
Documents and fees you will need
Bring your current Colorado driver's license and proof of identity to the DMV when you add the endorsement. If you are using a safety course certificate, bring that as well. Payment is $20 for the endorsement itself.
If you are testing at the DMV, you do not need any additional documents beyond your license and ID. However, you will need access to a motorcycle for the riding exam. Some DMV offices may have a list of local motorcycle rental shops or training facilities that rent bikes specifically for testing purposes—call ahead to ask.
What happens after you get the endorsement
Once the endorsement is added to your license, you can legally ride a motorcycle on Colorado roads. Your physical license card will not change when ready unless you renew or replace it for another reason. The endorsement is recorded in the DMV system and will appear on any new license card you receive.
You should notify your insurance company that you now have the endorsement and ask about motorcycle insurance options. Most auto insurance policies do not cover motorcycle operation, so you will need a separate motorcycle policy. Some insurance companies offer discounts if you have completed a safety course, so mention that when you get a quote.
Common reasons people get stuck and how to move forward
The most common obstacle is not having access to a motorcycle for the DMV riding test. If you do not own one and cannot borrow one, taking the safety course is your practical solution. The course provides the bike, and you avoid the testing hassle entirely.
Another common issue is scheduling. DMV appointments for skills testing can have long wait times in some areas, while safety courses often have more flexible scheduling. If you are in a hurry, check course availability first before committing to the DMV route.
If you fail the written test at the DMV, review the Colorado Motorcycle Operator Handbook again and focus on the areas where you struggled. The handbook is the source material for all test questions, so studying it directly is more effective than general motorcycle guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a motorcycle with just a regular driver's license?
No. Colorado law requires the motorcycle endorsement on your license before you can legally operate a motorcycle on public roads. Riding without the endorsement is illegal and can result in fines and other penalties.
Do I have to take the safety course, or can I just test at the DMV?
You can choose either path. The safety course is optional, but it is the easier route for most people because you do not have to find a motorcycle for testing and you learn to ride before you test. Testing at the DMV is free except for the $20 endorsement fee, but you must bring your own motorcycle.
What if I fail the riding test at the DMV?
You can retake it. There is no waiting period, but you will need to schedule another appointment and bring a motorcycle again. Many people who fail the DMV test then enroll in a safety course, which teaches the skills the test measures.
How long does the endorsement stay valid?
The endorsement stays on your license as long as your license is valid. It does not expire separately. When you renew your driver's license, the endorsement renews with it.
Can I add the endorsement if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. You must have a valid, unrestricted Colorado driver's license to add a motorcycle endorsement. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve that issue first.