How to Get Your Motorcycle License in Colorado

The Colorado Motorcycle License Process

Colorado issues a motorcycle endorsement on top of your regular driver's license rather than a separate license. You can get it by passing a written test and a riding skills test, or by completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course and skipping the riding test. The whole process takes a few weeks if you go the test route, or as little as one day if you take the safety course.

You must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid Colorado driver's license or instruction permit. If you are under 18, you need a parent or guardian's signature on your process. The Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all motorcycle endorsements.

Key Takeaways

You need a valid Colorado driver's license or instruction permit before you can add a motorcycle endorsement.
The written test covers motorcycle operation, safety, and Colorado traffic laws specific to riders.
You can skip the riding test by completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course at an approved provider.
The riding test uses your own motorcycle or a loaner from the testing site, and tests basic control and hazard awareness.
The endorsement costs $20 and is added to your existing license at any DMV office.

Getting Your Instruction Permit First

Before you can test for the endorsement, you need either a valid driver's license or a motorcycle instruction permit. If you already have a Colorado driver's license, you can skip this step and go straight to the written test.

To get an instruction permit, visit any DMV office with your ID, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security card or ITIN. Pay the $20 fee. You will receive a permit valid for 180 days. With this permit, you can ride during daylight hours only, and you must wear a helmet and eye protection.

The instruction permit lets you practice on public roads before taking the written and riding tests. Many riders use this time to get comfortable on a motorcycle and find a bike they want to test on.

Passing the Written Test

The written test is administered at any Colorado DMV office and covers motorcycle-specific rules and safety. You answer 25 multiple-choice questions and must score at least 80 percent to pass. The test takes about 15 minutes.

The test covers topics like proper braking technique, how to lean in curves, what to do if your brakes fail, helmet laws, and Colorado traffic rules as they explore to motorcycles. You can study using the Colorado Motorcycle Operator Handbook, which is free and available on the DMV website. Many riders also use online practice tests to prepare.

If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most offices, though some locations require you to wait 24 hours. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it.

Taking the Riding Skills Test

The riding test is conducted by a certified examiner at a DMV office or approved testing location. You must bring a motorcycle that is street-legal and registered in Colorado, or use a loaner bike provided by the testing site (availability varies by location). The test takes about 20 minutes and is conducted in a closed course, not on public roads.

The examiner watches you perform basic maneuvers: starting and stopping, turning, swerving to avoid an obstacle, and braking hard. They are checking that you can control the bike smoothly and react to hazards. You do not need to be perfect, but you must demonstrate safe, controlled operation. Common reasons riders fail are stalling the bike, dropping it, or failing to complete a maneuver.

If you fail the riding test, you can retake it after 24 hours. You will need to pay the test fee again. Most DMV offices charge $25 to $30 for the riding test.

Skipping the Riding Test with a Safety Course

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) offers a Basic Rider Course that is recognized by Colorado. If you complete this course, you do not have to take the riding test at the DMV — you still take the written test, but the course completion waives the skills portion.

The Basic Rider Course is typically two days long (usually Saturday and Sunday) and costs between $200 and $300 depending on the provider. You learn in a classroom and on a closed range with an instructor. The course provides a loaner motorcycle, helmet, and eye protection, so you do not need to own a bike beforehand. Many riders choose this route because the instruction is thorough, the environment is controlled, and they avoid the pressure of a DMV test.

To find an MSF course near you, visit the MSF website and search by Colorado zip code. Courses fill up weeks in advance, especially in spring and summer, so register early. After you complete the course, you receive a completion certificate that you bring to the DMV along with your written test results.

Adding the Endorsement to Your License

Once you pass the written test (and either the riding test or complete a safety course), visit any Colorado DMV office with your completion certificate or test results, your current driver's license, and $20. The staff will add the motorcycle endorsement to your license on the spot. Your new license will show an "M" restriction code.

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the process form before you submit it. The endorsement is added to your existing license — you do not receive a separate motorcycle license.

Your new license is usually ready within minutes. If the office is busy, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour. Once you have the endorsement, you can ride any street-legal motorcycle in Colorado.

What You Need to Bring to the DMV

For your first visit (to get an instruction permit or to test), bring your ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or ITIN. For the written test, bring your instruction permit or driver's license. For the riding test, bring your motorcycle (registered and street-legal) or confirm the testing location has a loaner available.

For the final visit to add the endorsement, bring your test results or safety course completion certificate, your current driver's license, and $20. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian's signature on the process form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the riding test on a motorcycle I do not own?

Yes. Some DMV offices provide loaner motorcycles for the riding test, but availability is limited and you should call ahead to confirm. If the office does not have a loaner, you can borrow a friend's bike as long as it is registered and street-legal in Colorado. The bike does not have to be registered in your name.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at most DMV offices, though some require a 24-hour wait. There is no fee to retake the test, and you can attempt it as many times as you need. Study the Colorado Motorcycle Operator Handbook between attempts.

Do I have to wear a helmet while riding with an instruction permit?

Yes. Colorado law requires all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet, and instruction permit holders must also wear eye protection. This applies whether you are riding alone or with a passenger.

How long does the motorcycle endorsement last?

The endorsement is part of your driver's license and lasts as long as your license does. When you renew your driver's license, the motorcycle endorsement renews with it at no extra cost.

Can I take the safety course before I have a driver's license?

No. You must have a valid Colorado driver's license or instruction permit before you take the MSF course. The course completion certificate is only useful if you already have a license to add the endorsement to.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.