A Michigan motorcycle endorsement lets you legally ride a motorcycle on public roads
A motorcycle endorsement is an addition to your regular Michigan driver's license that permits you to operate a motorcycle. Without it, you cannot legally ride a motorcycle, even if you hold a valid car license. The endorsement appears on your license as an "M" restriction code and shows that you have passed both a written test and a riding skills test specific to motorcycles.
Michigan requires this endorsement because motorcycle operation involves different handling, braking, and safety considerations than driving a car. The state uses the endorsement to confirm you understand these differences and can demonstrate basic riding competency.
Key Takeaways
- You must hold a valid Michigan driver's license before you can add a motorcycle endorsement to it.
- The process involves passing a written knowledge test about motorcycle operation and a practical riding skills test on an actual motorcycle.
- You can take the riding test through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course, which waives the state's riding exam if you pass their course.
- The endorsement costs a small fee when you add it to your license at a Secretary of State office.
- You must be at least 16 years old to obtain a motorcycle endorsement in Michigan.
The two paths to getting your endorsement
Michigan offers two main routes to earn your motorcycle endorsement. The first is the traditional route: you study for and pass the written motorcycle test at a Secretary of State office, then schedule and pass the riding skills test at a state-approved testing location. The second route is faster for many people: you complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course, which is a two- or three-day classroom and hands-on training program. If you pass the MSF course, you receive a completion certificate that waives both the written test and the riding skills test at the Secretary of State.
Most riders choose the MSF route because it teaches you to ride in a controlled environment with trained instructors, and you do not have to schedule separate state tests. The MSF course also typically costs between $200 and $300, depending on the provider, and many insurance companies offer discounts for riders who complete it.
What the written test covers
The Michigan motorcycle knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. The test covers how motorcycles handle differently than cars, proper braking and turning techniques, how to position yourself on the bike, what to do in emergency situations, and Michigan's motorcycle-specific traffic laws.
You can study for this test using the Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, which is free and available on the Secretary of State website. The manual explains everything the test will ask about, so reading it thoroughly is the main way people prepare. You take the test at any Secretary of State office during their regular business hours, and you receive your results when ready.
The riding skills test and what examiners watch for
The state riding test takes place at a designated testing location and lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You bring your own motorcycle or rent one from a testing facility, and an examiner watches you perform a series of maneuvers: starting the bike, riding in a straight line, making turns at various speeds, braking from different speeds, and swerving to avoid an obstacle.
The examiner is looking for smooth control, proper use of brakes and throttle, awareness of your surroundings, and the ability to handle the bike safely. You do not need to be an informed rider, but you must show that you can operate the motorcycle without losing control or creating a hazard. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the test, though you may need to wait a few days and pay the testing fee again.
How to register for the MSF course instead
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers courses at locations throughout Michigan through partner organizations and riding schools. You can find MSF courses by visiting the MSF website and entering your zip code, or by searching for "MSF Basic Rider Course near me." Courses typically run on weekends and fill up weeks in advance, so registering early is important.
When you complete the MSF course, you receive a completion certificate. You then bring this certificate to a Secretary of State office along with your valid driver's license and payment for the endorsement fee. The Secretary of State will add the motorcycle endorsement to your license without requiring you to take any additional tests. This route saves time and eliminates the stress of the state riding exam.
The cost and timeline for adding the endorsement
The Secretary of State charges a fee to add the motorcycle endorsement to your license, though the exact amount varies slightly. As of recent years, the fee is typically under $20, but you should confirm the current fee when you visit or call your local Secretary of State office. If you take the MSF course, you pay the course provider directly, which usually ranges from $200 to $300 depending on the provider and course length.
The timeline depends on which route you choose. If you take the written and riding tests through the state, you can complete both in a single day or over a few days if you need time to study. If you choose the MSF course, you need to find an available course date, which may be weeks away, but the course itself takes only two or three days. Once you pass either route, the Secretary of State can add the endorsement to your license when ready or within a few business days.
What happens after you get your endorsement
Once the motorcycle endorsement is added to your license, you are legally permitted to ride a motorcycle on Michigan roads. Your license will show the "M" restriction code, and police can see this code if they stop you. You must carry your license with you whenever you ride.
Michigan law also requires you to wear a helmet while riding, and riders under 21 must wear eye protection. You will need motorcycle insurance before you ride on public roads, and most insurance companies require proof of your endorsement. Many insurers also offer discounts if you completed an MSF course, so keep your completion certificate even after you receive your endorsement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a motorcycle endorsement if I only ride on private property?
No. The endorsement is required only for riding on public roads. If you ride only on private land with the owner's permission, you do not need an endorsement. However, if you ever ride on any public road, street, or highway, you must have the endorsement.
Can I get a motorcycle endorsement if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. You must have a valid, unrestricted Michigan driver's license before you can add a motorcycle endorsement. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve that issue first by completing any required steps with the Secretary of State.
What if I fail the riding test?
You can retake the test. There is no limit to how many times you can attempt it, though you will need to pay the testing fee each time. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after practicing more or taking additional instruction.
Does the MSF course teach me everything I need to know to ride safely?
The MSF course teaches the fundamentals and helps you pass the endorsement test, but it is not a complete riding education. After you get your endorsement, continuing to practice in different weather and traffic conditions, and taking advanced courses later, will make you a safer rider over time.