What you need to do to ride legally in Washington
A motorcycle endorsement is an addition to your Washington driver's license that permits you to operate a motorcycle on public roads. Without it, riding a motorcycle is illegal in Washington, even if you hold a standard driver's license. The endorsement process involves passing a written test, a skills test, or both — depending on whether you complete a safety course — and paying a fee to the Department of Licensing.
Washington offers two main routes: take an approved motorcycle safety course and waive the riding test, or take the written and riding tests through the Department of Licensing without a course. Most riders choose the safety course route because it's faster, covers essential skills, and often qualifies you for insurance discounts.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass a written test and riding test, or complete an approved motorcycle safety course to waive the riding test.
- The Department of Licensing charges a fee to add the endorsement to your license; the exact amount depends on your license type and renewal status.
- Approved safety courses are offered by private providers across Washington and typically take one or two days to complete.
- You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle endorsement in Washington.
- If you take the safety course route, you receive a completion certificate that you present to the Department of Licensing instead of taking the riding test.
The two paths to getting your endorsement
Washington gives you a choice between two routes, and the one you pick affects which tests you take and how long the process takes.
Route 1: Approved motorcycle safety course. You enroll in a course offered by a private provider, complete classroom and hands-on riding instruction, and pass the course. Upon completion, you receive a certificate of completion. You then take this certificate to a Department of Licensing office, pass the written test (the motorcycle knowledge test), and pay the endorsement fee. You do not take the riding test because the course completion satisfies that requirement. Most courses run one or two days and cost between $150 and $250, though prices vary by provider.
Route 2: Department of Licensing tests without a course. You study on your own, go to a Department of Licensing office, pass the written test, then schedule and pass the riding test at a separate appointment. This route is free except for the endorsement fee itself, but requires you to arrange your own motorcycle and pass the riding test under Department of Licensing examiners. Many riders find this route harder because they have no formal instruction and must coordinate two separate test appointments.
Finding and enrolling in an approved safety course
The Department of Licensing maintains a list of approved motorcycle safety course providers on its website. Search for "motorcycle safety course" on the Washington Department of Licensing site, or contact your local community college — many offer courses through their continuing education programs. Providers include organizations like the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and local riding schools.
When you contact a provider, confirm that the course is Department of Licensing approved (not all motorcycle courses are), ask about the schedule and location, and ask whether the course includes a motorcycle or whether you must bring your own. Some providers supply motorcycles; others require you to provide one. Courses typically run Saturday and Sunday, or sometimes weekday evenings plus a weekend day. Enroll in advance because popular courses fill up, especially in spring and summer.
Bring a valid Washington driver's license to the course. You do not need a motorcycle endorsement yet — the course is how you get it. Wear appropriate safety gear: helmet, jacket, gloves, long pants, and closed-toe boots. Most providers require this; some loan helmets but expect you to bring other gear.
Passing the written test at the Department of Licensing
Whether you take the safety course or go the independent route, you must pass the motorcycle knowledge test at a Department of Licensing office. This is a written test covering Washington traffic laws, motorcycle-specific rules, and safe riding practices.
If you completed a safety course, bring your course completion certificate to the Department of Licensing office. If you are taking the independent route, straightforward show up to take the test. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can take the test on the same day you explore for the endorsement, or on a separate visit.
Study materials are available on the Department of Licensing website, including the motorcycle operator manual and sample test questions. Many riders study the manual for a few hours before taking the test. If you fail, you can retake it, though you may have to pay a retest fee.
Taking the riding test if you did not complete a course
If you chose the independent route and did not take a safety course, you must pass a riding test administered by a Department of Licensing examiner. This test evaluates your ability to control the motorcycle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions.
You must provide your own motorcycle for the test, and it must be street-legal and registered in Washington. The examiner will inspect the motorcycle to confirm it has working brakes, lights, horn, and mirrors. You will ride a course that includes starting, stopping, turning, and lane changes, then ride on public streets under the examiner's observation.
Schedule the riding test at a Department of Licensing office. Wait times vary by location and season; spring and summer are busier. You must pass the written test before you can schedule the riding test. If you fail the riding test, you can retake it after paying the retest fee.
Paying the endorsement fee and receiving your license
Once you have passed the written test (and the riding test if required), you pay the endorsement fee to the Department of Licensing. The fee varies depending on whether you are adding the endorsement to an existing license or renewing your license at the same time. As of the most recent fee schedule, adding an endorsement to a current license costs less than renewing your entire license with the endorsement included. Contact your local Department of Licensing office or check the website for the current fee.
After you pay, the Department of Licensing will issue you a new driver's license with the motorcycle endorsement. The endorsement appears on your license as an "M" designation. You can usually receive your new license the same day, or it will be mailed to you within a few business days depending on the office's procedures.
Age requirements and restrictions for new riders
You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle endorsement in Washington. If you are under 18, you are subject to additional restrictions: you cannot ride between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot carry passengers. These restrictions lift when you turn 18.
If you are 16 or 17, you must also hold a valid Washington driver's license before you can get the motorcycle endorsement. You cannot get a motorcycle endorsement as your first license. Complete the standard driver's license process first, then add the motorcycle endorsement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the motorcycle safety course if I already have a motorcycle endorsement from another state?
Yes. If you are moving to Washington and have a valid motorcycle endorsement from another state, you can transfer it by taking the written test at a Department of Licensing office. You do not need to take the safety course or riding test again. Bring your out-of-state license and proof of Washington residency.
What happens if I fail the written test or riding test?
You can retake the test. There is usually a retest fee, and you may need to wait a few days before scheduling your next attempt. The Department of Licensing office will tell you the retest fee and scheduling process when you fail.
Do I need to own a motorcycle before I get the endorsement?
No. You can get the endorsement before you buy a motorcycle. If you take the safety course route, the provider supplies the motorcycle. If you take the independent route, you must borrow or rent a motorcycle for the riding test, but you do not need to own one yet.
Will my motorcycle endorsement from Washington be recognized in other states?
Yes. A Washington motorcycle endorsement is recognized in all other states. If you move or travel, your Washington license with the motorcycle endorsement permits you to ride legally.
How long does the endorsement stay valid?
Your motorcycle endorsement is valid as long as your driver's license is valid. When you renew your driver's license, the endorsement renews with it at no additional cost.