How to Get a Motorcycle License in Michigan

Michigan requires a separate endorsement on your driver's license to ride a motorcycle legally

You cannot ride a motorcycle on a Michigan public road with just a standard driver's license. You need an M endorsement added to your existing license, or you can get a motorcycle-only license if you do not drive a car. The M endorsement is the more common route — it takes about two weeks to process and costs $11. You will need to pass a written test on motorcycle rules, a vision test, and a riding skills test.

Michigan offers two ways to get the M endorsement: take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course and skip the riding test, or take the state riding test at a Secretary of State office. Most riders choose the MSF course because it teaches you to ride safely and waives the state test. If you already know how to ride, you can go straight to the state test.

Key Takeaways

The M endorsement costs $11 and requires passing a written test, vision screening, and either the MSF course or a state riding skills test.
The MSF Basic Rider Course takes two days, costs around $200 to $250, and waives the state riding test if you pass.
You must bring your current Michigan driver's license, proof of residency, and a Social Security card or ITIN to the Secretary of State office.
If you skip the MSF course and take the state test instead, you will ride your own motorcycle or a loaner bike provided by the testing site.
The M endorsement is added to your existing license; you do not get a separate card unless you renew your license.

The MSF Course route: fastest and most common

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course is a two-day classroom and hands-on program offered at training centers across Michigan. You learn motorcycle controls, braking, turning, and emergency maneuvers in a controlled environment with small bikes provided by the school. The course costs between $200 and $250 depending on the provider. When you finish and pass, you receive a completion certificate that you bring to the Secretary of State.

To find an MSF course near you, visit the MSF website or search "MSF Basic Rider Course Michigan" — the official MSF site lists all certified providers by county. Most courses fill up weeks in advance, especially in spring and summer, so book early. You do not need a motorcycle license or any riding experience to enroll; the course is designed for beginners. You do need to be at least 16 years old and bring a valid driver's license to the first day of class.

After you complete the course, take your completion certificate to any Secretary of State office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or ITIN. The staff will add the M endorsement to your license on the spot. The endorsement is free; the $11 fee is for the license reissuance. You will receive your updated license in the mail within two weeks.

The state riding test route: if you already ride

If you own a motorcycle or have access to one and want to skip the MSF course, you can take the state riding skills test directly at a Secretary of State office. The test takes about 30 minutes and includes a written exam on Michigan motorcycle laws, a vision screening, and a riding portion where you demonstrate basic control and safety maneuvers in a closed course.

Not all Secretary of State offices offer the riding test — only about 30 locations statewide do. Call ahead or check the Michigan Secretary of State website to find the nearest testing site and confirm they offer motorcycle tests. You will need to bring your own motorcycle or arrange to use a loaner bike if the testing site provides one; call to ask about loaner availability. The bike must be street-legal and registered in Michigan or another state.

The riding test covers figure-eights, quick stops, swerving, and slow-speed control. You must wear a DOT-approved helmet and protective gear. If you fail the riding portion, you can retake it, but you will pay the $11 fee again. Most people who already ride pass on the first attempt; those who have never ridden a motorcycle often find the test harder than expected, which is why the MSF course is the safer choice.

The written test and vision screening

Whether you take the MSF course or the state riding test, you must pass a written exam on Michigan motorcycle laws. The test covers topics like helmet laws, right-of-way rules, lane positioning, and how to handle hazards. You get 20 questions and must answer at least 16 correctly to pass. The MSF course covers all the material on the test, so if you take that route, you will be prepared.

If you skip the MSF course and take the state test, you can study using the Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, which is free on the Secretary of State website. read it and review the sections on rules of the road, signs, and safe riding practices. The manual is the same one used to write the test questions.

The vision screening checks that you can see well enough to ride safely. You must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get the M endorsement until your vision improves.

Documents you need at the Secretary of State office

Bring these documents when you go to add the M endorsement to your license:

Your current Michigan driver's license
Proof of residency dated within the last 60 days (utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance bill)
Your Social Security card or ITIN
MSF completion certificate (if you took the course) or nothing extra (if you are taking the state test)

If you do not have a Social Security card, bring your ITIN documentation or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you cannot provide proof of residency, bring two documents that show your name and address, such as a lease and a bank statement.

Timeline and costs

The total time and cost depend on which route you choose. If you take the MSF course, expect to spend $200 to $250 on the course, $11 at the Secretary of State office, and two to three weeks total (one to two weeks to find and schedule a course, two days for the course itself, and one to two weeks for your new license to arrive by mail). If you take the state riding test, you spend only $11 and can complete everything in one or two visits to the Secretary of State office, though you will need to arrange a motorcycle and study the manual on your own.

The MSF course is more expensive upfront but saves you the stress of the state riding test and gives you professional instruction. The state test is cheaper but requires you to already know how to ride or be willing to learn on your own before testing.

Helmet and gear requirements

Michigan law requires you to wear a DOT-approved helmet every time you ride, regardless of age. The helmet must have a DOT sticker on the back. You do not need to wear protective jacket, gloves, or boots by law, but the MSF course and most experienced riders strongly recommend them — they reduce injury in a crash.

You can buy a helmet at any motorcycle shop, sporting goods store, or online retailer. Prices range from $100 to $600 depending on brand and features. Make sure it fits snugly and does not move around when you shake your head. Bring your helmet to the MSF course and to the state riding test if you take it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride a motorcycle with just a regular driver's license while I wait for my M endorsement?

No. Riding without the M endorsement is illegal in Michigan, even if you have a valid driver's license. You can be cited and fined. You must have the endorsement on your license before you ride on any public road.

Do I have to take the MSF course, or can I just take the state test?

You can choose either route. The MSF course is optional but popular because it waives the state riding test and teaches you to ride safely. If you already ride and want to skip the course, you can go straight to the state test at a Secretary of State office.

What if I fail the MSF course or the state riding test?

If you fail the MSF course, you can retake it at another time; most schools let you repeat for free or at a reduced cost. If you fail the state riding test, you can retake it after paying the $11 fee again. There is no limit on how many times you can retake either test.

Can I get a motorcycle-only license instead of adding an endorsement to my driver's license?

Yes, but it is uncommon. A motorcycle-only license lets you ride a motorcycle but not drive a car. You would need to take the same tests and follow the same process, but you would get a separate license card instead of an endorsement on your driver's license. Most people add the M endorsement to their existing license instead.

How long does the M endorsement stay on my license?

The M endorsement stays on your license for as long as your license is valid. When you renew your driver's license, the endorsement renews with it. You do not need to retake any tests or pay any additional fees to keep it.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.