What you need to do to ride a motorcycle legally in Minnesota

A motorcycle license in Minnesota is a separate endorsement added to your driver's license, not a replacement for it. You keep your regular license and add an "M" endorsement that lets you operate motorcycles and mopeds on public roads. The process involves passing a written test on motorcycle-specific rules, a vision screening, and a riding skills test — either through the state exam or by completing an approved safety course that waives the riding test.

You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle endorsement in Minnesota. If you are under 18, you will also need a signed parental consent form. The entire process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, depending on which route you choose and how quickly you schedule your tests.

Key Takeaways

  • A motorcycle endorsement is added to your existing driver's license and costs $20.50 for a four-year renewal cycle.
  • You must pass a written test on motorcycle rules and a riding skills test, unless you complete an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation course instead.
  • The Motorcycle Safety Foundation course takes two days, costs around $300 to $400, and waives both the written and riding tests at the Department of Public Safety.
  • You can take the written test at any Minnesota driver's license exam station, but riding tests are only offered at certain locations.
  • If you are under 18, you need a parent or guardian to sign a consent form before you can test.

The written test and vision screening

Before you can take a riding test, you must pass the motorcycle written exam at a Minnesota driver's license exam station. The test covers Minnesota traffic laws specific to motorcycles, safe riding practices, and hazard recognition. You can study using the Minnesota Motorcycle Operator Manual, which is available free on the Department of Public Safety website and at any exam station.

The written test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can retake it the same day if you do not pass the first time. During the same visit, you will also have your vision screened — the same standard as for a regular driver's license. Bring your current driver's license or state ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or proof of it.

Two paths to the riding skills test

After you pass the written test, you have two ways to complete the riding skills requirement. The first is to take the state riding exam at a Department of Public Safety testing location. The second is to complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course, which is a two-day classroom and hands-on course offered by private instructors throughout Minnesota.

If you choose the state exam, you will ride a motorcycle provided by the Department of Public Safety through a series of exercises that test your ability to control the bike, brake, turn, and swerve. The exam takes about 20 minutes. Riding tests are offered at only a few locations in Minnesota — the main ones are in the Twin Cities area, Rochester, and Duluth. You will need to call ahead to schedule an appointment, as slots fill up quickly.

If you choose the MSF course, you attend two full days of instruction, usually on consecutive weekends. The course covers motorcycle safety, handling, and road awareness through classroom lessons and hands-on riding practice. You provide your own motorcycle or use one provided by the course. Upon completion, you receive a course completion certificate that you bring to any driver's license exam station, and the endorsement is added to your license without a separate riding test.

Cost and timeline

The written test and vision screening are free. The state riding test is also free, but you must provide your own motorcycle that is street-legal and insured. The motorcycle endorsement itself costs $20.50 and is added to your driver's license renewal fee.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation course costs between $300 and $400 depending on the provider and whether you use your own motorcycle or rent one. Many riders choose this route because it saves time — you skip the state riding test — and because the instruction is thorough and can help you avoid costly mistakes as a new rider.

The timeline depends on your choice. If you take the state exam route, you can complete the written test in one visit and schedule the riding test within a few weeks. If you take the MSF course, you can often find a course within two to four weeks, complete it over a weekend, and have your endorsement added within days.

What to bring to the exam station

Bring your current Minnesota driver's license or state ID. You will also need proof of your Social Security number — either your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a current Minnesota address, bring a piece of mail or utility bill showing your address.

If you are under 18, bring a signed parental consent form. The form is available on the Department of Public Safety website and must be signed by a parent or legal guardian in front of a notary public or at the exam station itself — some stations have a notary on staff.

After you pass: adding the endorsement to your license

Once you pass the riding test or complete the MSF course, you return to a driver's license exam station with your test results or course completion certificate. The staff will add the "M" endorsement to your license on the spot. Your license will be reprinted with the endorsement noted, and you can ride legally that same day.

The endorsement is valid for the same period as your driver's license — usually four years. When you renew your driver's license, the motorcycle endorsement renews automatically as long as you have not had it suspended or revoked.

Mopeds and the 50cc rule

In Minnesota, a moped is defined as a motorized bicycle with an engine of 50 cubic centimeters or less and a top speed of 30 miles per hour or less. If your moped meets these specifications, you do not need a motorcycle endorsement — you can ride it with just a regular driver's license. However, you must be at least 15 years old and wear a helmet.

If your moped has an engine larger than 50cc or can go faster than 30 miles per hour, it is classified as a motorcycle and requires the "M" endorsement. The same applies to any three-wheeled motorcycle or trike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an out-of-state motorcycle license to ride in Minnesota?

Yes, you can ride with a valid out-of-state motorcycle endorsement. However, if you become a Minnesota resident, you must get a Minnesota license within 60 days. You can transfer your endorsement by taking the written test and vision screening at an exam station — you may not need to retake the riding test if your out-of-state license is current.

What if I fail the riding test?

You can retake the riding test, but you must schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Many people who fail the state test choose to take the MSF course instead, which provides more instruction and often results in passing on the first try.

Do I need insurance before I take the riding test?

You do not need insurance to take the test itself, but you must have a street-legal, insured motorcycle to ride on public roads after you pass. Insurance is required by law in Minnesota. You can purchase a short-term policy just before you take the test if you do not yet own a bike.

Can I get a motorcycle endorsement if my driver's license is suspended?

No. Your driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the suspension first before you can add a motorcycle endorsement.

How long does the MSF course take, and can I do it online?

The MSF Basic Rider Course is two full days of in-person instruction and hands-on riding practice — it cannot be completed online. Some providers offer an online classroom portion that you can do before the in-person weekend, which shortens the classroom time on the actual course days.