Michigan requires a separate endorsement on your driver's license to ride a motorcycle legally
You cannot ride a motorcycle on Michigan roads with only a standard driver's license. You need an M endorsement added to your existing license, or you can get a standalone motorcycle license if you do not have a regular driver's license. The process involves passing a written test on motorcycle rules, a vision screening, and a riding skills test. You can take the riding test through the Michigan Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, which waives the road test requirement if you pass.
The entire process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can complete the written test and vision screening in a single visit to a Secretary of State office. The riding test or safety course is the part that takes the most time to schedule.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass a written test on motorcycle laws and safety, a vision screening, and either a riding skills test or a Michigan Motorcycle Safety Foundation course.
- The Michigan Motorcycle Safety Foundation course costs money but waives the road test requirement at the Secretary of State.
- You can take the written test and vision screening at any Secretary of State office during regular hours without an appointment.
- If you choose the road test instead of the safety course, you must schedule it at a Secretary of State office that offers motorcycle testing, which may not be your nearest location.
- You need to bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and payment for the endorsement fee when you visit the Secretary of State.
The written test and vision screening at the Secretary of State
Start by visiting any Secretary of State office to take the motorcycle written test. You do not need an appointment. Bring your current Michigan driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months), and the fee for the M endorsement, which is a portion of the regular license renewal fee. The exact cost depends on how much time remains on your current license.
The written test covers Michigan motorcycle laws, safe riding practices, and hazard recognition. It has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. The test is offered in multiple languages. After you pass the written test, the same office will conduct a vision screening. If you pass both, the Secretary of State will issue you a temporary paper permit that allows you to ride a motorcycle while you complete the skills portion.
This temporary permit is valid for 180 days. You must complete either the riding skills test or the safety course before the permit expires, or you will have to retake the written test.
Choosing between the safety course and the road test
After you pass the written test, you have two paths to complete the skills requirement. The first is to take a Michigan Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, which is a classroom and riding instruction program run by certified instructors. The course typically takes two days and covers both classroom instruction and hands-on riding. If you pass the course, you receive a completion certificate that you bring to the Secretary of State, and the road test requirement is waived.
The second path is to take the road skills test at a Secretary of State office that offers motorcycle testing. Not all offices conduct motorcycle tests, so you may need to travel to a nearby location that does. The test involves riding a motorcycle through a course that includes turns, stops, and obstacle avoidance. You must bring your own motorcycle or arrange to use one, and the examiner will evaluate your control and safety.
Most riders choose the safety course because it provides instruction before the test, waives the road test, and the course fee is often comparable to or lower than the cost of scheduling a road test and arranging a motorcycle for it. The safety course also teaches you practical riding skills before you ride on public roads.
Finding and registering for a Michigan Motorcycle Safety Foundation course
The Michigan Motorcycle Safety Foundation operates courses throughout the state at various locations, including community colleges, training facilities, and some motorcycle dealerships. You can find course schedules and locations on the Michigan Motorcycle Safety Foundation website or by calling their office. Courses fill up, especially in spring and summer, so register as early as possible.
Most courses cost between $200 and $300, though some locations may charge differently. The course fee usually includes classroom instruction, riding instruction, and use of a motorcycle for the riding portion if you do not have your own. Some courses require you to bring your own helmet; others provide one. Check the course details when you register.
You must have your temporary paper permit (issued after you pass the written test) before you attend the course. Bring it with you on the course dates. After you complete the course and receive your certificate, you have 180 days to bring it to a Secretary of State office to finalize your M endorsement.
Completing the endorsement at the Secretary of State
Once you have either passed the road skills test or completed the safety course, return to a Secretary of State office with your temporary permit and your test results or course completion certificate. Bring your current driver's license and payment for any remaining fees. The office will process your M endorsement and issue you a new license with the motorcycle endorsement printed on it.
If you took the safety course, this visit is straightforward: you hand over your certificate and temporary permit, and the office updates your license. If you took the road test, the examiner will have already submitted your passing score to the Secretary of State, so the office will have your results on file.
Your new license with the M endorsement will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. Until it arrives, your temporary permit remains valid for riding.
What to bring and fees involved
| Step | What to Bring | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Written test and vision screening | Current driver's license, proof of residency, payment | Portion of license renewal fee (varies by remaining license time) |
| Safety course | Temporary permit, helmet (if not provided), payment | $200–$300 (varies by location) |
| Road skills test | Temporary permit, motorcycle, helmet, payment | Portion of license renewal fee (included in written test fee) |
| Finalize endorsement | Temporary permit, test results or course certificate, current license, payment | Any remaining balance on license renewal fee |
Proof of residency must be dated within the last three months. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or vehicle registration. A bank statement or credit card statement is not accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the safety course before I pass the written test?
No. You must pass the written test and receive your temporary permit first. The safety course instructors will ask to see your permit before you attend. If you do not have it, you cannot enroll.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day or return another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. You pay the test fee each time you take it.
Do I need to own a motorcycle to get the license?
No. If you take the safety course, the course provides a motorcycle for the riding portion. If you choose the road test, you must bring a motorcycle or arrange to use one, but you do not need to own it.
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 M endorsement renews with it. You do not need to retake any tests.
Can I get a motorcycle-only license without a regular driver's license?
Yes. If you do not have a Michigan driver's license, you can get a motorcycle-only license by passing the written test, vision screening, and either the safety course or road test. The process is the same, but your license will be valid only for motorcycles, not for cars or trucks.