How to Get Your Motorcycle License in Colorado

What you need to do to ride a motorcycle in Colorado

To ride a motorcycle legally in Colorado, you need a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license. This is a separate credential from your regular driver's license — it shows the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles that you have passed both a written test and a skills test specific to motorcycles. You cannot ride a motorcycle on public roads with just a standard driver's license, even if you are an experienced car driver.

The process has two main paths: you can take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course and skip the state skills test, or you can take the written test and skills test through the DMV directly. Most people choose the MSF course because it teaches you to ride safely and removes the need to pass the DMV skills test on your own bike.

Key Takeaways

Colorado requires a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license, which you get by passing a written test and either an MSF course or a DMV skills test.
The MSF course costs between $150 and $300, takes two to three days, and includes both classroom and hands-on riding instruction with a provided motorcycle.
If you skip the MSF course, you must pass the Colorado DMV written test and perform a skills test on your own motorcycle at a DMV testing site.
You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle endorsement in Colorado, and you need a valid driver's license first.
After passing either path, you visit your local DMV office to pay the endorsement fee and have your license updated.

Taking the MSF course instead of the DMV skills test

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation course is the most common route in Colorado. You find a course through the MSF website or by searching "MSF course near me" — courses are offered by community colleges, motorcycle dealerships, and independent riding schools throughout the state. The course runs for two to three days, usually on weekends, and costs between $150 and $300 depending on the provider.

During the course, you spend time in a classroom learning motorcycle laws, hazard awareness, and how motorcycles work. Then you move to a riding range where an instructor teaches you basic controls and riding techniques on a provided motorcycle — you do not need to bring your own bike. The course culminates in a riding test that the instructor administers. If you pass, the MSF issues you a course completion certificate.

This certificate is your ticket to skip the DMV skills test. You take it to your local Colorado DMV office along with your valid driver's license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. You will still take the written test at the DMV (unless you already hold a motorcycle endorsement from another state), but once you pass that, the DMV updates your license to add the motorcycle endorsement. The endorsement fee is currently $20.

Taking the DMV written and skills tests without an MSF course

If you already know how to ride or prefer to test through the DMV directly, you can skip the MSF course. First, you study the Colorado Motorcycle Operator Handbook, which the DMV provides free online or in print at any DMV office. The handbook covers motorcycle laws, safe riding practices, and road signs — it is the same material covered on the written test.

You schedule a written test appointment at your local DMV office. The test has 25 questions about motorcycle operation and Colorado traffic laws. You need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass. Once you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the skills test.

For the skills test, you bring your own motorcycle (or borrow one) to a DMV testing site. The test takes place in a controlled area and includes tasks like starting the bike, riding in a straight line, making turns, stopping quickly, and swerving. You must wear a helmet and protective gear. If you pass both tests, you pay the $20 endorsement fee and the DMV updates your license on the spot.

Age requirements and what you need before you start

You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle endorsement in Colorado. You also must already have a valid Colorado driver's license — you cannot get a motorcycle endorsement without one. If you do not yet have a driver's license, you need to get that first through the standard licensing process.

If you are under 18, there are additional restrictions. You cannot ride a motorcycle with an engine larger than 300 cubic centimeters (cc) unless you are 18 or older. This means younger riders are limited to smaller, lighter bikes while they are learning. Once you turn 18, this restriction lifts automatically.

What to bring to the DMV when you are ready to add the endorsement

Bring your valid Colorado driver's license, proof of identity (a passport or state ID card works), and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address). If you took an MSF course, bring your course completion certificate. If you are testing through the DMV, bring proof that you passed the written test — the DMV gives you this after you test.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you to sign consent forms. The DMV office will not add the endorsement without parental consent for minors. Have your $20 endorsement fee ready — you can pay with cash, debit, or credit card at most offices.

How long the process takes from start to finish

If you choose the MSF course, the timeline is usually two to four weeks. You find a course offering in your area (this can take a few days), attend the course over a weekend or two days, and then visit the DMV within a few weeks to add the endorsement to your license. The DMV appointment itself takes 15 to 30 minutes.

If you test through the DMV directly, the timeline depends on how quickly you can schedule appointments. Written test appointments are often available within a week or two. Skills test appointments may take longer — some DMV offices have a waiting list of several weeks. Once you pass both tests, the endorsement is added the same day.

What happens if you fail the skills test or written test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts in Colorado, though some DMV offices may require you to schedule a new appointment. You pay the test fee again each time you take it — currently $10 for the written test.

If you fail the skills test, you can retake it as well. Again, you schedule a new appointment and pay the test fee again (currently $10). Many people pass on their second or third attempt, especially if they spend time practicing between tests. If you took an MSF course and passed it, you do not have to retake the skills test — the course certificate covers that requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride a motorcycle with just a learner's permit?

No. A learner's permit does not allow you to ride a motorcycle on public roads in Colorado. You must have the full motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license. Some MSF courses do allow learner's permit holders to practice on their motorcycles during the course, but you cannot ride legally until you have the endorsement.

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

You can choose either path. The MSF course is optional, but it is popular because it teaches you to ride safely and skips the DMV skills test. If you already ride, testing at the DMV directly is faster and cheaper, though you must pass both the written and skills tests.

What if I already have a motorcycle endorsement from another state?

You can transfer it to Colorado without retaking tests. Bring your out-of-state license, your Colorado driver's license, proof of identity, and proof of residency to the DMV. You pay the $20 endorsement fee and the DMV adds it to your Colorado license. You may still need to take the written test if your previous state did not have one.

Can I practice riding before I take the skills test?

You can practice on private property, but you cannot ride on public roads without the endorsement. Many riders practice in empty parking lots or on private land to build confidence before the DMV skills test. If you take an MSF course, the instructors will help you practice during the course itself.

How much does the whole process cost?

If you take the MSF course, expect $150 to $300 for the course plus $20 for the DMV endorsement fee, totaling $170 to $320. If you test through the DMV, you pay $10 for the written test, $10 for the skills test, and $20 for the endorsement fee, totaling $40 — but this assumes you pass both tests on your first attempt.

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.