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

A motorcycle license in Colorado is called an M endorsement, and you add it to an existing driver's license rather than getting a separate document. You will need to pass a written test about motorcycle rules, pass a skills test on an actual motorcycle, and pay a fee. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can complete the written and skills tests on the same day if you prepare in advance.

Colorado offers two paths: you can take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course, which waives the skills test, or you can take the written test at the DMV and then schedule a separate skills test. Most people find the MSF course faster and less stressful because you do not have to own or borrow a motorcycle to practice on.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid Colorado driver's license before you can add an M endorsement; you cannot get a motorcycle-only license.
  • Taking the MSF Basic Rider Course waives the skills test at the DMV and costs around $200 to $250, but saves you the stress of testing on your own bike.
  • If you skip the MSF course, you must pass the written test at a DMV office and then schedule a separate skills test, which requires bringing your own motorcycle or a borrowed one.
  • The written test covers Colorado motorcycle laws, hazard recognition, and safe riding practices; the DMV provides a study guide free online.
  • Once you pass both tests, you pay the endorsement fee at the DMV and receive your M endorsement on your license within days.

Step 1: Make sure you have a valid Colorado driver's license

You cannot get an M endorsement without already holding a valid Colorado driver's license. If you have a license from another state, you can use it, but if your license is expired or suspended, you will need to renew or resolve the suspension before the DMV will add the endorsement.

If you do not yet have a Colorado driver's license, you will need to get one first. That process is separate and involves a written test, vision screening, and a driving skills test. Once your license is active, you can move forward with the motorcycle endorsement.

The MSF course route: faster and no motorcycle required

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course is a two-day classroom and hands-on training program offered by approved instructors across Colorado. You attend one full day of classroom instruction and one full day of riding practice on a small training motorcycle provided by the course. The course covers motorcycle operation, hazard awareness, braking, turning, and emergency maneuvers.

When you complete the MSF course, you receive a completion certificate. Bring this certificate to any Colorado DMV office, and the skills test requirement is waived. You still must pass the written test, but many people do that on the same day they submit their MSF certificate. The MSF course costs between $200 and $250 depending on the provider, and you can find approved instructors through the MSF website or by searching "MSF course Colorado" online.

This route is popular because you practice on a motorcycle designed for learning, you have an instructor watching you, and you avoid the anxiety of testing on your own bike or a borrowed one. The downside is you must commit to two full days of training.

The DMV-only route: written test and separate skills test

If you do not take the MSF course, you must pass both a written test and a skills test through the Colorado DMV. You can take the written test at any DMV office during regular hours; no appointment is needed. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. The DMV provides a free study guide called the Colorado Motorcycle Operator Manual, available on the DMV website and in print at any office.

After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the skills test. This test is conducted at a DMV testing facility, and you must bring your own motorcycle or a borrowed one that is street-legal and registered in Colorado. The examiner watches you perform basic maneuvers: starting, stopping, turning, swerving, and figure-eight patterns. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

The challenge with this route is that you must own or borrow a motorcycle, and you have only one chance to pass the skills test at your scheduled appointment. If you fail, you must pay the test fee again and reschedule. Many people find this more stressful than the MSF course, especially if they are new to riding.

What to bring to the DMV for your written test

Bring your valid Colorado driver's license and proof of Colorado residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current address. You do not need to bring the motorcycle manual or study materials; the test is administered on a computer or paper at the DMV office.

If you are submitting an MSF completion certificate instead of taking the DMV skills test, bring that certificate along with your driver's license and proof of residency. The DMV staff will verify the certificate and waive the skills test requirement on the spot.

The skills test: what to expect and how to prepare

The Colorado DMV skills test is held at designated testing locations, not at every DMV office. You must call ahead to find the nearest location and schedule an appointment; walk-ins are not accepted. The test takes place in a closed course with cones and marked lanes, not on public roads.

The examiner will ask you to perform a series of maneuvers: mount the motorcycle, start it, ride in a straight line, make sharp turns, brake hard, swerve around an obstacle, and ride a figure-eight pattern. You must demonstrate control, smooth acceleration and braking, and the ability to handle the motorcycle at low and moderate speeds. The test is pass or fail; there is no partial credit.

To prepare, practice these maneuvers on a quiet street or parking lot for several hours before your test date. If you do not own a motorcycle, borrowing one from a friend is common, but make sure it is registered and insured. Many people who fail the skills test say they did not practice enough beforehand or were nervous on test day. Taking the MSF course eliminates this step entirely.

Fees and timeline

The M endorsement fee is $20 when you submit your passing test results to the DMV. If you take the MSF course, you pay the course fee ($200 to $250) plus the $20 endorsement fee. If you take the DMV-only route, you pay a written test fee (around $10 to $15) and a skills test fee (around $20 to $25), plus the $20 endorsement fee.

The timeline depends on your route. If you take the MSF course, you can complete it in two days and submit your certificate to the DMV the same week. If you take the DMV-only route, you can take the written test when ready, but you may wait one to three weeks for a skills test appointment depending on demand at your local testing facility. Once you pass both tests and pay the fee, the DMV adds the M endorsement to your license within a few business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take a written test if I complete the MSF course?

Yes. The MSF course waives only the skills test, not the written test. You must still pass the 25-question written test at the DMV to receive your M endorsement. However, many people find the written test easier after taking the MSF course because the classroom instruction covers the same material.

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

Yes, an out-of-state motorcycle endorsement is valid in Colorado. You do not need to convert it to a Colorado endorsement unless you move to Colorado and get a Colorado driver's license. If you do get a Colorado license, you can transfer your endorsement by bringing your out-of-state license to the DMV.

What happens if I fail the skills test?

You can retake the skills test after paying the test fee again and scheduling a new appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts. Most people who fail say they were nervous or did not practice enough; taking the MSF course first eliminates this risk.

Can I ride a motorcycle with just a regular driver's license?

No. In Colorado, you must have the M endorsement on your driver's license to legally operate a motorcycle on public roads. Riding without it is a traffic violation and can result in a fine.

How long is the M endorsement valid?

The M endorsement is valid for as long as your driver's license is valid. When you renew your driver's license, the endorsement renews automatically at no extra cost.