What a Louisiana motorcycle endorsement is and how to get one
A Louisiana motorcycle endorsement is an addition to your regular driver's license that permits you to operate a motorcycle on public roads. You cannot legally ride a motorcycle in Louisiana without this endorsement, even if you hold a valid car driver's license. To obtain one, you must pass a written test on motorcycle safety and traffic laws, and a practical riding test on an actual motorcycle — or pass an approved motorcycle safety course that waives the riding test.
The endorsement itself costs money (the fee varies depending on your license type and how long you want it valid), and you will need to visit a Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles location to complete the process. The whole timeline typically takes a few weeks if you study on your own, or one to two days if you take a certified safety course.
Key Takeaways
- You must hold a valid Louisiana driver's license before you can add a motorcycle endorsement to it.
- The written test covers motorcycle operation, safety rules, and Louisiana traffic laws specific to riders.
- You can either take a practical riding test at the OMV or complete an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, which skips the riding test.
- The endorsement fee is added to your license renewal or replacement cost and depends on your license class and validity period.
- A safety course takes one to three days and often costs between $150 and $300, but many insurance companies offer discounts to riders who complete one.
The written test for motorcycle knowledge
Before you schedule any riding test, you must pass the written exam at an OMV office. The test covers Louisiana motorcycle laws, safe riding techniques, hazard recognition, and how to handle your motorcycle in different road conditions. You can study using the Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual, which the OMV provides free online and in print at any OMV office.
The written test is typically 20 to 30 questions, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. You get one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you must return on another day to retake it. Many people study the manual for a week or two before testing. The test itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you sit down.
Two paths to the riding test: OMV test or safety course
After you pass the written test, you have two ways to complete the riding portion. The first is to schedule a practical riding test directly through the OMV. You bring your own motorcycle (or a borrowed one that meets safety standards), and an examiner watches you perform specific maneuvers and ride in traffic. This test is free once you have passed the written exam, but scheduling can take several weeks depending on your local OMV office's backlog.
The second path is to take an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course or a Louisiana-certified equivalent. These courses run one to three days, teach you riding skills in a classroom and on a range with training motorcycles, and end with a riding evaluation. If you pass the course, the school issues you a certificate that you bring to the OMV — you do not have to take the OMV riding test. This route costs money (typically $150 to $300 depending on the course length and provider), but it is faster than waiting for an OMV appointment, and many insurance companies reduce your motorcycle premium if you complete one.
What to bring to the OMV for your endorsement
When you visit the OMV office to take the written test or to submit your safety course certificate, bring your current Louisiana driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You will also need to pay the endorsement fee at that time.
If you are taking the OMV riding test, you must also bring a motorcycle that is street-legal and insured, a helmet that meets Department of Transportation standards, eye protection, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and over-the-ankle boots or shoes. The motorcycle must have working mirrors, lights, and brakes, and you must be able to demonstrate that it is registered and insured.
The cost of a Louisiana motorcycle endorsement
The endorsement fee depends on your license class and how long you want the endorsement to last. Louisiana offers endorsements valid for four years or eight years. A four-year endorsement costs less than an eight-year one, but you will renew more often. The exact fee is set by the state and can change, so contact your local OMV office or check the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website for the current amount.
If you choose the safety course route instead of the OMV riding test, add the course cost (usually $150 to $300) to the endorsement fee. However, the insurance savings from completing a course often offset that cost within the first year or two of riding. Some insurers offer discounts of 10 to 15 percent for riders who hold an MSF certificate.
How long the process takes from start to finish
If you study the manual on your own and take the OMV riding test, expect four to eight weeks total. You might pass the written test in one or two weeks of study, but then wait three to six weeks for an available riding test appointment, depending on how busy your local OMV is. The riding test itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
If you take a safety course instead, the timeline is much shorter. You can often find a course starting within one to two weeks, complete it in one to three days, and then visit the OMV the following week to submit your certificate and pay the fee. Your endorsement is usually issued the same day or within a few days of your OMV visit.
What happens after you pass and receive your endorsement
Once you pass the riding test or submit your safety course certificate, the OMV will issue you a new driver's license with the motorcycle endorsement printed on it. This usually happens the same day if you visit in person, or within a few business days if you submit documents by mail. Your endorsement is valid for the period you chose (four or eight years) and renews along with your regular driver's license.
You are now legally permitted to ride a motorcycle on Louisiana public roads. Before you ride, make sure your motorcycle is registered with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles and that you carry proof of insurance. Louisiana requires all riders to wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards, and riders under 18 must wear eye protection as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the safety course before I pass the written test?
No. You must pass the Louisiana written test first, then take the safety course or OMV riding test. The safety course certificate is only useful after you have already passed the written exam. Some safety course providers offer study materials or a written test prep session, but the official OMV test must come first.
What if I fail the OMV riding test?
You can retake it, but you must schedule another appointment, which may take several weeks. There is no fee to retake the test. Many people who fail the OMV test then choose to take a safety course instead, since the course includes instruction and practice before the evaluation, making it easier to pass.
Do I need a motorcycle endorsement to ride a moped or scooter?
It depends on the engine size. Louisiana requires a motorcycle endorsement for any two-wheeled vehicle with an engine larger than 50 cubic centimeters. Mopeds and scooters under 50cc do not require an endorsement, only a regular driver's license. Check your vehicle's specifications to be sure.
Can I get a motorcycle endorsement if I have an out-of-state license?
No. You must have a valid Louisiana driver's license before you can add a motorcycle endorsement. If you hold an out-of-state license, you will need to transfer it to Louisiana first by visiting an OMV office with proof of residency, your current license, and proof of your Social Security number.
Will my insurance go up if I add a motorcycle endorsement?
Your auto insurance will not change because the endorsement is on your driver's license, not a separate policy. However, you will need separate motorcycle insurance to legally ride. The cost of motorcycle insurance varies widely based on the bike, your age, riding history, and location. Completing a safety course often qualifies you for a discount on that motorcycle insurance.