The basic path to a Colorado motorcycle license

Colorado issues motorcycle licenses through the Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You have two routes: pass the written test and riding skills test on your own, or take an approved motorcycle safety course that waives both tests. Most people find the safety course faster and less stressful, even though it costs money upfront — the course typically runs $150 to $250 and takes one or two days, while the self-test route requires you to schedule two separate DMV appointments and pass both on the first try or repeat them.

You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle license in Colorado. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign your process. You also need a valid Colorado driver's license or ID card before you can add a motorcycle endorsement to it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can get a motorcycle license by taking an approved safety course (which waives the written and riding tests) or by passing both tests at the DMV on your own.
  • The safety course route usually costs $150 to $250 and takes one or two days, while the self-test route is free but requires two separate DMV visits and passing both tests.
  • You must have a valid Colorado driver's license or ID before you can add a motorcycle endorsement.
  • If you choose the safety course, you will receive a certificate that you bring to the DMV to skip the tests and pay only the endorsement fee.

Taking an approved motorcycle safety course

The fastest way for most people is to find a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course or an MSF-approved provider in your area. The MSF Basic Rider Course teaches you the fundamentals of motorcycle operation, safety, and road awareness over one or two days. You do not need to own a motorcycle — the course provides one for the training. At the end, if you pass, you receive a course completion certificate.

To find a course near you, visit the MSF website (msf-usa.org) and search for Colorado providers, or call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 and ask for a list of approved instructors. Courses fill up, especially in spring and summer, so book several weeks ahead if you can. Once you complete the course, take your certificate to any Colorado DMV office along with your valid ID and the endorsement fee (currently $20.00 for a four-year endorsement, though this can change). You will not take any additional tests.

Taking the written and riding tests at the DMV

If you skip the safety course, you must pass two separate tests at a Colorado DMV office. First is the written test, which covers Colorado traffic laws, motorcycle-specific rules, and safe riding practices. You can study for this using the Colorado Driver's Handbook (available free on the DMV website) or the motorcycle supplement that comes with it. The 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. You must bring your own motorcycle or borrow one — the DMV does not provide vehicles for this test. The examiner watches you perform basic maneuvers like starting, stopping, turning, and swerving to avoid an obstacle. If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment and may wait weeks for an opening.

What documents and information you need

Bring your valid Colorado driver's license or ID card to your DMV appointment. You will also need proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, a W-2, or a tax return) and proof of your current Colorado address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you to sign the process in person.

If you are taking the safety course route, bring your course completion certificate. If you are taking the tests, bring your motorcycle and proof of insurance for the riding test appointment. Colorado requires all motorcyclists to carry liability insurance, and the DMV will ask to see it before you test.

The cost and timeline

The safety course route costs $150 to $250 for the course itself, plus $20.00 for the endorsement fee at the DMV. You can usually complete this in one or two days and have your endorsement within a week.

The self-test route is free except for the $20.00 endorsement fee, but it requires more time. You will spend time studying for the written test, then wait for an appointment (which can take two to four weeks depending on how busy your local DMV is). After you pass the written test, you schedule the riding test, which may be another two to four weeks out. If you fail either test, you add more weeks to the timeline.

Renewing or upgrading your motorcycle license

Once you have your motorcycle endorsement, it stays on your driver's license until it expires. Colorado driver's licenses are valid for eight years. When your license expires, you renew it at the DMV — the motorcycle endorsement renews automatically with it. You do not need to retake any tests.

If you want to add a motorcycle endorsement to an existing Colorado license you already hold, follow the same process: either take a safety course and bring the certificate to the DMV, or take the written and riding tests. The endorsement fee is the same.

What happens if you fail a test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it after waiting at least one day. You schedule a new appointment at the DMV, study the material again, and try once more. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but each attempt requires a new appointment and may have a small fee (check with your local DMV office).

If you fail the riding test, the same applies — you wait, schedule another appointment, and retake it. Some people fail the riding test because they are nervous, not because they cannot ride. If that happens to you, practicing on your own motorcycle between attempts often helps. If you took a safety course and passed it, you have already demonstrated basic riding skills, so you would not need to retake the course if you later fail the DMV riding test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a motorcycle license if I only ride on private property?

Colorado law requires a motorcycle license to operate a motorcycle on any public road, street, or highway. Private property is different — you do not need a license to ride on your own land or someone else's private land with permission. However, most people eventually ride on public roads, so getting the license is the practical choice.

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

Yes, you can ride with a valid motorcycle license from another state. However, if you become a Colorado resident, you must get a Colorado license within 30 days. To do this, bring your out-of-state license to the DMV along with your proof of residency, and you can usually transfer the endorsement without retaking tests.

What if I fail the safety course?

Most MSF courses do not have a pass-or-fail grade — they focus on teaching you to ride safely. However, if an instructor determines you are not ready or unsafe, they may not issue the completion certificate. If this happens, ask the instructor what skills to practice, and consider retaking the course or switching to the self-test route at the DMV.

How old do I have to be to get a motorcycle license in Colorado?

You must be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process in person at the DMV. There are no other age restrictions once you turn 16.

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

No. Colorado requires a separate motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license. Riding without one is illegal and can result in a fine. You must have the endorsement before you operate any motorcycle on a public road.