The Colorado Motorcycle License Process

Colorado issues a motorcycle endorsement added to your regular driver's license, not a separate license. You get it by passing a written test on motorcycle laws, a skills test on an actual motorcycle, or by completing an approved rider course that waives both tests. The whole process takes between one and three weeks if you go the test route, or one day if you take a course.

You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle endorsement in Colorado. If you are under 18, you need a parent or guardian's signature on your process. You do not need to already have a driver's license, but most people do — if you do not, you will take the written test for both the license and the endorsement at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado offers two paths: pass the written and skills tests at the DMV, or complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course that skips both tests.
  • The skills test requires you to bring your own motorcycle or borrow one, and you must have proof of insurance before you test.
  • A Motorcycle Safety Foundation course costs between $200 and $350, takes one or two days, and includes a motorcycle to use during training.
  • After you pass the skills test or finish a course, you pay a fee at the DMV and the endorsement is added to your license the same day.
  • You must be at least 16 years old, and under 18 requires a parent or guardian signature on the process.

Taking the Written and Skills Tests at the DMV

If you choose the test route, start by getting the Colorado Motorcycle Operator Handbook from the DMV website or any DMV office. Study it for the written test, which covers motorcycle-specific traffic laws, safe riding practices, and hazard recognition. The test is 25 questions, and you need 20 correct to pass. You can take it at any DMV office during regular hours — no appointment needed, though wait times vary by location.

Once you pass the written test, you schedule the skills test. This is where you ride a motorcycle through a course that tests your ability to start, stop, turn, and handle the bike at low and higher speeds. You must bring your own motorcycle or borrow one, and it must be street-legal and registered in Colorado. You also need proof of insurance — a current policy showing the motorcycle is covered. If you do not have insurance yet, you can get a temporary policy from most insurers in minutes online.

The skills test takes about 20 minutes. You ride through a series of exercises: figure-eights, quick stops, swerves, and turns at various speeds. The examiner watches for control, balance, and your ability to handle the bike safely. If you do not pass, you can retake it, though you will need to pay the test fee again.

Completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course is the faster path for most people. Colorado recognizes MSF courses as equivalent to passing both the written and skills tests, so you skip the DMV testing entirely. The course runs one or two days depending on the provider, costs between $200 and $350, and includes a motorcycle to ride during training — you do not bring your own.

To find an MSF course near you, visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation website and search by zip code. Courses are offered year-round by private instructors and some community colleges. You register online or by phone, show up with a valid ID and proof of insurance (or you can get a temporary policy that day), and complete the classroom and riding portions. The course covers the same material as the written test plus hands-on instruction from certified trainers.

After you finish the course, the provider gives you a completion certificate. You take that certificate to any DMV office, pay the endorsement fee (currently $20.25), and the endorsement is added to your license on the spot. Many people choose this route because the instruction is thorough, the motorcycle is provided, and there is no risk of failing and having to retake a test.

What to Bring to the DMV for Your Endorsement

Whether you pass the skills test or bring a course completion certificate, you need the same documents at the DMV to finalize your endorsement. Bring a valid photo ID (your current Colorado driver's license, passport, or military ID), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you, along with their photo ID and proof of residency. You will fill out the process for Driving Privileges (Form DL-43), which takes a few minutes. The DMV will take a new photo for your license if your current one is more than eight years old. Pay the endorsement fee, and you walk out with your updated license showing the motorcycle endorsement.

Insurance Requirements Before You Ride

Colorado requires motorcycle insurance before you can legally ride on public roads. You do not need insurance to take the skills test or the MSF course, but you must have it before you leave the DMV parking lot with your new endorsement. Most motorcycle insurance policies start at around $15 to $30 per month for basic coverage, though the exact cost depends on the bike, your age, and your driving record.

You can get a quote and buy a policy online in minutes from insurers like State Farm, Progressive, Geico, or Allstate. When you buy, tell the insurer the motorcycle's make, model, year, and VIN. They will email you a proof of insurance document when ready, which you print or save to your phone. Bring that proof to the DMV when you finalize your endorsement, or if you are taking an MSF course, bring it to the first day of class.

Timeline and Next Steps

If you take the test route, expect one to three weeks total. The written test can be done the same day you explore, but the skills test usually has a wait of one to two weeks depending on how many examiners are available at your local DMV office. Once you pass the skills test, you go to the DMV, pay the fee, and get your endorsement the same day.

If you take an MSF course, the whole process takes one to two days for the course itself, plus one DMV visit to pay the fee and get your endorsement. Many people schedule their course on a weekend and visit the DMV the following Monday. After you have your endorsement, you are legal to ride — but remember that your motorcycle must be registered and insured, just like a car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a regular driver's license before I get a motorcycle endorsement?

No. You can get a motorcycle endorsement without a driver's license. If you do not have one, you will take the written test for both the license and the endorsement at the same time. You will still need to pass the motorcycle skills test or complete an MSF course.

Can I use someone else's motorcycle for the skills test?

Yes. The motorcycle does not have to be registered to you, but it must be street-legal, registered in Colorado, and insured. The owner does not have to be present, but you need proof of insurance showing the bike is covered. Make sure the bike is in good working condition before you test.

What if I fail the skills test?

You can retake it. There is no limit on attempts, but you pay the test fee each time. Many people who fail the first time pass on the second attempt. If testing is frustrating, consider taking an MSF course instead — the instruction is more thorough and there is no pass-or-fail pressure.

How long is the motorcycle endorsement good for?

Your motorcycle endorsement is valid as long as your driver's license is valid. In Colorado, driver's licenses are good for eight years. When you renew your license, the endorsement renews automatically — you do not have to retake any tests.

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

No. A learner's permit does not include motorcycle riding. You must have the full motorcycle endorsement on your license before you ride on public roads. The endorsement is what allows you to operate a motorcycle legally.