Illinois requires a separate endorsement on your driver's license to ride a motorcycle legally
A motorcycle license in Illinois is not a separate document — it is an endorsement added to your existing driver's license. The endorsement is marked with an "M" on your license and allows you to operate motorcycles, mopeds, and motorized bicycles on public roads. You cannot ride legally without this endorsement, even if you hold a valid car driver's license.
Illinois offers two paths to get the endorsement: pass a written test and riding skills test through the Secretary of State, or complete an approved motorcycle safety course and waive the riding test. Most riders choose the safety course route because it is faster and the course covers real-world riding skills you will actually use.
Key Takeaways
- The motorcycle endorsement is added to your current driver's license and costs $10 at the Secretary of State office.
- You can get the endorsement by passing the written and riding tests yourself, or by completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course and skipping the riding test.
- The safety course route takes one or two days and includes classroom time, a written test, and on-cycle training with an instructor.
- You must be at least 16 years old to ride a motorcycle in Illinois, and riders under 18 face additional restrictions on engine size and riding hours.
- The written test covers traffic laws, motorcycle-specific rules, and hazard recognition — you can study using the free Illinois motorcycle manual.
The two routes to the motorcycle endorsement
The self-test route means you study on your own, pass the written exam at a Secretary of State office, and then pass a riding skills test at a designated testing location. You bring your own motorcycle or rent one through a private vendor. This route is free except for the $10 endorsement fee, but you must already be a confident rider because the examiner will evaluate your ability to handle the bike under real conditions.
The safety course route is the path most new riders take. You enroll in a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course or an Illinois-approved equivalent, complete the classroom and on-bike training, pass the course exam, and then take your certificate to a Secretary of State office to add the endorsement. The course costs between $150 and $250 depending on the provider, but you skip the state riding test entirely. The course includes a motorcycle provided by the school, so you do not need to own or rent one.
Both routes require you to pass the written test on Illinois motorcycle laws and safe riding practices. The safety course covers this material during class, while the self-test route requires you to study the Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual on your own.
Finding and enrolling in a motorcycle safety course
The Illinois Secretary of State maintains a list of approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation providers on its website. Search for courses in your area by zip code or county. Most courses run on weekends and take one or two days to complete, with some providers offering evening classes during the week.
When you contact a course provider, confirm the dates, the cost, what is included (some provide helmets and gloves, others do not), and whether you need to bring anything. Ask whether the course guarantees a passing grade or whether you can fail the riding portion — most MSF courses are designed so that riders who complete the training pass, but this varies by instructor.
Register early, especially in spring and summer when courses fill up quickly. Bring a valid photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and your current driver's license to the course. Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a long-sleeved shirt — the school will provide or require a helmet.
Taking the written test at the Secretary of State
The written test covers Illinois traffic laws, motorcycle-specific rules, and hazard awareness. You answer 40 multiple-choice questions and must score at least 32 correct (80 percent) to pass. The test takes about 30 minutes.
If you are taking the safety course route, you will take this test as part of the course itself. If you are self-testing, you schedule an appointment at your local Secretary of State office and take the test there. You can study using the free Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual, available as a PDF on the Secretary of State website. The manual covers right-of-way rules, braking and turning, riding in traffic, and how to handle skids and emergency situations.
You are allowed to take the written test up to three times in a 12-month period. If you fail, you can retake it after waiting one day.
The riding skills test and what to expect
If you choose the self-test route, you must pass a riding skills evaluation after passing the written test. The test takes place at a designated testing site and lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. You perform a series of maneuvers — figure-eights, quick stops, swerves, and slow-speed balance — while an examiner watches and scores your control and safety.
You bring your own motorcycle or arrange a rental through a private vendor (the state does not provide bikes for the riding test). Your bike must be street-legal, registered, and insured. The examiner will check your helmet, brakes, lights, and tires before the test begins.
If you complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, you skip this state riding test. The course includes on-bike training and evaluation, and passing the course satisfies the state's riding requirement.
Age restrictions and special rules for riders under 18
You must be at least 16 years old to ride a motorcycle in Illinois. Riders aged 16 and 17 face restrictions: they cannot ride motorcycles with engines larger than 450 cubic centimeters, and they cannot ride between midnight and 5 a.m. These restrictions lift when you turn 18.
Riders under 18 must also wear a helmet at all times — this is a legal requirement, not a recommendation. Riders 18 and older are not required by law to wear a helmet, though it is strongly recommended for safety.
If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign your process at the Secretary of State office. Bring their photo ID as well as your own.
Adding the endorsement to your license at the Secretary of State
Once you have passed the written test (and riding test if you took the self-test route) or completed a safety course, you go to a Secretary of State office to add the endorsement to your license. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and a valid photo ID. If you completed a safety course, bring your course completion certificate.
The endorsement costs $10 and is added to your existing license — you do not receive a new license card. The office will update your record and issue a new card with the "M" endorsement printed on it. This usually takes a few minutes if the office is not busy, though you may need to wait if you visit during peak hours.
You can add the endorsement at any Secretary of State office location. Find the office nearest you on the Secretary of State website and check their hours before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a motorcycle with just my regular driver's license?
No. Illinois law requires the motorcycle endorsement on your license before you ride any motorcycle on public roads. Riding without the endorsement is illegal and can result in a ticket, fines, and liability issues if you are in an accident.
What if I fail the written test or riding test?
You can retake the written test after one day. You are allowed up to three attempts in a 12-month period. For the riding test, you can retake it after scheduling another appointment. If you fail a safety course, most providers will let you retake the course at a reduced cost or for free, depending on their policy.
Do I need to own a motorcycle before I take the course?
No. Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses provide bikes for training and testing. You only need to own or rent a bike if you choose the self-test route and take the state riding test yourself.
How long does the motorcycle endorsement last?
The endorsement stays on your license as long as your driver's license is valid. When you renew your driver's license, the endorsement renews with it. You do not need to retake any tests to keep the endorsement.
Can I get the endorsement if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. Your driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve that issue first before you can add the motorcycle endorsement.