Colorado requires a separate motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license, not a standalone license

You cannot ride a motorcycle legally in Colorado on a regular driver's license. You need to add a motorcycle endorsement (marked "M" on your license) to your existing driver's license, or obtain one when you first get your license. The Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles handles this process.

You have two paths: pass the Colorado Motorcycle Safety Program course and waive the written and riding tests, or take both tests at a DMV office without the course. Most people choose the course because it covers real riding skills and removes the test requirement.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado requires an "M" endorsement on your driver's license to ride a motorcycle legally; you cannot use a regular license.
  • Completing an approved motorcycle safety course waives both the written test and the riding test at the DMV.
  • The course costs between $150 and $250, takes one to three days depending on the provider, and you must bring your own motorcycle or use the school's bike.
  • If you skip the course, you must pass a written test and a riding test at a DMV office, which requires scheduling an appointment.
  • You must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid Colorado driver's license or instruction permit to start the process.

Taking the Colorado Motorcycle Safety Program course

The Colorado Motorcycle Safety Program is run by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Division and offered through private training providers across the state. The course teaches you to ride safely and, if you pass, gives you a certificate that you take to the DMV to get your endorsement without taking any tests.

Courses run from one to three days depending on the provider and whether you take the Basic Rider Course (BRC) or the Experienced Rider Course (ERC). The BRC is for people with little or no riding experience; the ERC is for riders who already know the basics. Costs range from roughly $150 to $250. You must bring a motorcycle that meets the school's requirements (usually 250cc or larger, with working brakes and lights), or the school will rent you one for an additional fee, typically $50 to $100.

To find a provider, visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website and search their list of certified instructors. Call ahead to check availability and ask whether they provide motorcycles. You will need to bring your driver's license or instruction permit, a helmet, and protective gear (jacket, gloves, long pants, closed-toe shoes). Most schools provide helmets if you do not have one.

After you pass the course, the instructor gives you a certificate of completion. Take this certificate to any Colorado DMV office along with your driver's license or permit, and the endorsement is added to your license on the spot. There is no additional fee for the endorsement itself.

Taking the written and riding tests at the DMV

If you do not take the safety course, you must pass both a written test and a riding test at a DMV office. You schedule these separately, and you need your own motorcycle or access to one for the riding test.

The written test covers Colorado motorcycle laws, road signs, and safe riding practices. You can study using the Colorado Motorcycle Operator Handbook, which is free on the DMV website. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can retake it if you fail, but you must wait one day between attempts.

The riding test is conducted by a DMV examiner at a designated testing location. You ride your motorcycle through a course that tests your ability to start, stop, turn, and handle the bike safely. The examiner watches for smooth acceleration, proper braking, control during turns, and awareness of your surroundings. You must pass the riding test on the same day you take it, or you schedule another appointment. Bring your own helmet and protective gear.

To schedule either test, call your local DMV office or book online through the Colorado DMV website. Wait times vary by location and season; spring and summer are busier. You will need your driver's license or instruction permit and proof of residency.

Age requirements and what you need before you start

You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle endorsement in Colorado. If you are 16 or 17, you need a parent or guardian to sign your process. If you are 18 or older, you do not need anyone's permission.

You must already hold a valid Colorado driver's license or an instruction permit. If you do not have either, you need to get a driver's license first through the standard process (written test, vision test, and driving test). Once you have your license or permit, you can add the motorcycle endorsement.

Bring proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and Colorado address) and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number when you go to the DMV to add the endorsement.

Costs and timeline

If you take the safety course, the total cost is $150 to $250 for the course, plus $0 for the endorsement itself. The course takes one to three days, and you get your endorsement the same day you submit your certificate to the DMV.

If you take the tests at the DMV instead, there is no course fee, but the DMV charges a fee to add the endorsement to your license. This fee varies; contact your local DMV office for the current amount. You must schedule the written test and riding test separately, so the timeline is longer. Many people wait weeks for a riding test appointment, especially during busy seasons.

Either way, once you pass (or submit your course certificate), the endorsement is added to your license when ready, and you can ride legally the same day.

What happens if you ride without an endorsement

Riding a motorcycle without the "M" endorsement is illegal in Colorado and counts as driving without a valid license. You can be cited, fined, and your motorcycle can be impounded. Insurance will not cover an accident if you were riding without the proper endorsement, leaving you personally liable for damages.

If you are caught, the fine is typically $130 or more, depending on the officer and the circumstances. A second offense carries higher penalties. It is much cheaper and faster to get the endorsement through either the course or the DMV tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the motorcycle safety course if I do not own a motorcycle?

Yes. Most course providers rent motorcycles for an additional fee, usually $50 to $100. Call the provider ahead of time to reserve a bike and confirm the rental cost. You still need to bring your own helmet and protective gear unless the provider offers rentals for those too.

What if I fail the riding test at the DMV?

You can schedule another riding test appointment and try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pay the DMV fee each time. Many people take the safety course after failing the DMV test because the course teaches you the specific skills the examiner is looking for.

Do I need a motorcycle endorsement if I only ride a moped or scooter?

It depends on the engine size. Motorcycles and mopeds under 50cc do not require an endorsement in Colorado. Anything 50cc or larger requires the "M" endorsement. Check your vehicle's engine size in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's label.

Can I add the motorcycle endorsement to my license online?

No. You must go to a DMV office in person with your course certificate or after passing the tests. You cannot complete this step online or by mail.

How long does the motorcycle endorsement stay valid?

The endorsement stays on your license as long as your driver's license is valid. When you renew your driver's license, the endorsement renews with it. You do not need to retake any test or course to keep it.