Colorado requires a separate motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license, not a standalone license

A motorcycle endorsement in Colorado is an addition to your existing driver's license, not a replacement for it. You cannot ride a motorcycle legally on public roads with only a car license. The Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues the endorsement after you pass both a written test and a riding skills test, or after you complete an approved motorcycle safety course.

You have two paths: take the tests through the DMV directly, or complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course and skip the riding test. Both paths require you to pass the written exam. The MSF course route is faster for most people because it combines classroom instruction, hands-on training, and the riding test in one weekend, and the DMV waives the riding test if you pass the course.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado requires a motorcycle endorsement added to your driver's license, which you get by passing a written test and either a riding skills test or an MSF safety course.
  • The MSF course takes one weekend, costs between $150 and $250, and lets you skip the DMV riding test if you pass.
  • If you take the DMV route instead, you must schedule a riding test appointment at a DMV office after passing the written exam, and wait times for appointments vary by location.
  • You must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid Colorado driver's license or instruction permit before you can add a motorcycle endorsement.
  • The written test covers Colorado traffic laws, motorcycle-specific rules, and hazard recognition, and you can study using the free Colorado Driver Handbook or the motorcycle supplement.

Age requirements and what license you need first

You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle endorsement in Colorado. You also must already hold a valid Colorado driver's license or an instruction permit. If you do not yet have a driver's license, you will need to get one first through the standard process — that means passing the written test and the driving test for a regular car license.

If you hold an out-of-state driver's license, Colorado will recognize it, but you will still need to add the motorcycle endorsement through the Colorado DMV. You cannot transfer an endorsement from another state; you must earn it in Colorado.

The MSF course route: fastest for most riders

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation course is the quickest way to get your endorsement. The course runs Friday evening through Sunday afternoon (or sometimes Saturday and Sunday only), costs between $150 and $250 depending on the provider, and includes classroom time, hands-on riding instruction, and the riding skills test all in one package. If you pass the course, you receive a completion certificate that you take to the DMV, and the DMV waives the riding test requirement.

You still must pass the written test at the DMV after completing the MSF course. The course teaches you the material, but the DMV administers the official exam. Schedule your written test appointment at a Colorado DMV office after you finish the course. Most people pass the written test on their first try if they paid attention during the course.

MSF courses are offered by approved providers across Colorado. Search the MSF website or call your local DMV office to find courses in your area. Courses fill up, especially in spring and summer, so register early if you want a specific date.

The DMV direct route: written test, then riding test

If you do not take an MSF course, you can test directly through the DMV. First, you pass the written test at any Colorado DMV office. You can schedule this appointment online through the Colorado DMV website or by calling your local office. 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 many people encounter delays — riding test appointments are limited and wait times vary widely by location. In busy areas like Denver and Colorado Springs, you may wait 4 to 8 weeks for an appointment. In smaller towns, the wait is often shorter. Call ahead to ask about current wait times before you schedule your written test.

The riding test takes about 20 minutes and is conducted in a closed course at a DMV office. You must bring your own motorcycle or borrow one that meets Colorado's requirements (street-legal, properly registered, and insured). You cannot use a rental motorcycle for the test. The test evaluates basic control, turning, braking, and hazard avoidance.

What to study for the written test

The Colorado DMV provides a free Motorcycle Supplement to the Colorado Driver Handbook. This document covers motorcycle-specific rules, safe riding practices, and Colorado traffic laws as they explore to motorcycles. You can read it from the Colorado DMV website or pick up a printed copy at any DMV office.

The written test focuses on topics like proper helmet use (Colorado requires helmets for riders under 18 and for riders with instruction permits), right-of-way rules, lane positioning, braking distance, and what to do in emergency situations. The test also includes questions about Colorado's motorcycle endorsement restrictions — for example, riders with instruction permits cannot carry passengers and cannot ride at night.

Study the handbook supplement for at least a few hours before you take the test. Most people find the material straightforward if they read it carefully. The DMV does not offer practice tests online, but the handbook covers everything the test will ask.

Costs and documents you need

The written test costs $10.50. The riding test costs $10.50. If you take the MSF course instead, the course fee ($150 to $250) replaces the riding test fee, and you still pay $10.50 for the written test at the DMV.

Bring your current Colorado driver's license or instruction permit to your DMV appointment. You will also need proof of identity and proof of Colorado residency if you are renewing or updating your license. The DMV website lists the documents they accept.

If you pass both tests (or the MSF course plus the written test), the DMV adds the motorcycle endorsement to your license on the spot. You do not pay an additional fee for the endorsement itself — it is included in your license fee.

Instruction permit restrictions while you are learning

Colorado offers a motorcycle instruction permit if you want to practice before taking the riding test. You get the permit by passing the written test. With an instruction permit, you can ride during daylight hours only, you cannot carry passengers, and you must wear a helmet. You must be supervised by a licensed motorcycle rider who is at least 18 years old and riding alongside you.

The instruction permit is valid for 180 days. If you do not pass the riding test within that time, you must retake the written test to renew the permit. Most people use the permit for a few weeks of practice, then schedule their riding test.

What happens after you pass

Once you pass the riding test or complete the MSF course and pass the written test, the DMV issues your motorcycle endorsement. Your license will show an "M" endorsement code. You can ride any street-legal motorcycle in Colorado when ready.

If you are under 18, your endorsement carries the same restrictions as your instruction permit — no night riding and no passengers — until you turn 18. These restrictions are noted on your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a borrowed motorcycle for the DMV riding test?

Yes, you can borrow a motorcycle as long as it is street-legal, properly registered, and insured. You cannot use a rental motorcycle. The motorcycle must have working brakes, lights, and mirrors, and you must be able to reach the ground with both feet while seated.

What if I fail the riding test?

You can retake the riding test. Schedule another appointment at the DMV. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you will pay the $10.50 fee each time. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after more practice.

Do I need a motorcycle endorsement to ride on private property?

No. You only need the endorsement to ride on public roads. Private property, closed courses, and off-road riding do not require a motorcycle endorsement. However, you must still follow all other Colorado laws, including helmet laws if applicable.

Can I get a motorcycle endorsement if I have an out-of-state license?

You can add a Colorado motorcycle endorsement to your out-of-state license, but you must pass the Colorado written test and either the riding test or complete an MSF course. You cannot transfer an endorsement from another state.

How long does the MSF course take?

Most MSF courses run Friday evening through Sunday afternoon, or Saturday and Sunday all day. The total time is roughly 15 to 20 hours of instruction and riding practice. Some providers offer weekday courses that spread the same content over more days with shorter daily sessions.