What a motorcycle endorsement is and why you need one
A motorcycle endorsement is a separate permission on your Colorado driver's license that lets you legally ride a motorcycle on public roads. Without it, you cannot operate a motorcycle even if you have a regular driver's license. Colorado calls this endorsement an "M" endorsement, and the state requires it whether you own the bike or are borrowing one.
The endorsement proves you have passed a written test about motorcycle-specific rules and either passed a riding skills test or completed an approved safety course. Colorado recognizes that riding a motorcycle involves different balance, braking, and handling than driving a car, so the state has a separate process to confirm you understand those differences.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass a written test about motorcycle rules and a riding skills test, or complete a Colorado-approved motorcycle safety course instead of the riding test.
- The written test covers topics like braking distance, turning, and how to handle hazards on a motorcycle, and you take it at any Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office.
- If you take the riding skills test, you must bring your own motorcycle or borrow one that is street-legal and registered in Colorado.
- Completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course or Colorado-approved equivalent waives the riding test and often reduces your insurance costs.
- The endorsement fee is a one-time charge added to your license renewal, and you can add it to an existing license without renewing the whole thing.
The written test: what it covers and how to prepare
The Colorado motorcycle written test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. The test covers topics specific to motorcycles: how to brake smoothly without locking the wheels, how to lean into turns, how to handle gravel or potholes, and what to do if another vehicle cuts you off. You will also see questions about Colorado motorcycle laws, such as helmet requirements and lane-splitting rules.
You can study using the Colorado Motorcycle Operator Manual, which the Division of Motor Vehicles publishes free on its website. The manual is about 30 pages and covers everything the test draws from. Many people read it once, take practice tests online (several free versions exist), and then schedule their test. You do not need to take a course to study for the written test — it is purely self-study for most riders.
You take the written test at any Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office during regular business hours. Bring your current driver's license and proof of residency. The test is on a computer, and you get your score when ready. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day at no additional cost.
The riding skills test versus the safety course route
After you pass the written test, Colorado gives you two paths to finish the endorsement. The first is to take a riding skills test administered by the Division of Motor Vehicles. The second is to complete a Colorado-approved motorcycle safety course, which waives the riding test entirely.
The riding skills test takes about 20 minutes and happens in a closed course, usually at a Division of Motor Vehicles office or a testing site. You must bring a street-legal, registered motorcycle. The examiner watches you perform basic maneuvers: starting, stopping, turning, swerving, and braking. You must demonstrate control and follow instructions. If you fail, you can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment and bring the motorcycle again.
The safety course route is often easier for people who are nervous about a test. Colorado recognizes courses from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and other state-approved providers. These courses typically run one or two days (weekend or evening options exist) and include classroom time and hands-on riding. The course provider gives you a completion certificate, which you bring to the Division of Motor Vehicles. You skip the riding test and go straight to paying the endorsement fee and getting your license updated. Many insurance companies also offer discounts if you complete a safety course, which can offset the course cost within a year or two.
Step-by-step process from start to endorsement
| Step | What you do | Where and when |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Study for written test | Read the Colorado Motorcycle Operator Manual and take practice tests online | At home, at your own pace |
| 2. Take written test | Go to a Division of Motor Vehicles office and take the 25-question test on a computer | Any Colorado DMV office during business hours |
| 3. Pass written test | Score at least 20 out of 25 questions correctly | Results given when ready at the office |
| 4a. Option A: Take riding test | Schedule a riding skills test, bring a street-legal motorcycle, perform maneuvers for an examiner | At a DMV testing site, appointment required |
| 4b. Option B: Take safety course | Enroll in a Colorado-approved motorcycle safety course, attend classroom and riding sessions, get completion certificate | At a course provider location, usually one or two days |
| 5. Get endorsement added | Bring your passing test results or course certificate to a DMV office, pay the endorsement fee, have your license updated | Any Colorado DMV office |
Costs and what documents you will need
The endorsement fee itself is a one-time charge that varies depending on whether you are adding it to an existing license or renewing your license at the same time. If you are adding the endorsement to a current license, the fee is typically under $20. Check the current fee on the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles website, as fees can change.
If you choose the safety course route, the course cost ranges from about $150 to $300 depending on the provider and whether it is a weekend or weeknight class. Some employers or motorcycle clubs offer discounts on courses, so ask before you enroll.
For the written test, you need your current Colorado driver's license and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address). For the riding test, you need the same documents plus a street-legal, registered motorcycle with a valid inspection sticker. For the safety course, you typically need only a valid ID and proof of residency, though some courses require you to bring a helmet (which you may already own).
Motorcycle safety course providers in Colorado
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation operates courses at several locations across Colorado, including Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs. You can find their schedule and register on their website. Other state-approved providers include local motorcycle shops and community colleges in some areas. The Division of Motor Vehicles maintains a list of approved providers on its website, so you can search by location.
Most courses are offered on weekends or weekday evenings to fit working schedules. Some providers offer courses year-round, while others run seasonal schedules (more courses in spring and summer). If you are planning to take a course, register early, especially in spring, because popular time slots fill up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a motorcycle with just a regular driver's license while I am working on the endorsement?
No. You cannot legally ride a motorcycle on public roads without the endorsement, even if you have a valid driver's license. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited for operating without proper endorsement. You can ride only on private property with the owner's permission.
What if I fail the riding skills test?
You can retake it. Schedule another appointment at a Division of Motor Vehicles office, bring your motorcycle again, and try the test a second time. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though you will need to schedule each attempt separately. Many people pass on the second try after practicing specific maneuvers.
Do I need to own a motorcycle to get the endorsement?
No. You can borrow a motorcycle for the riding test or safety course as long as it is street-legal and registered in Colorado. The person who owns it does not need to be present. If you take a safety course, the course provider usually has motorcycles available, so you do not need to bring your own.
Will the endorsement show up on my license right away?
Once you pay the fee at the Division of Motor Vehicles office, the endorsement is added to your license when ready. You will get a new physical license card in the mail within a few days, but you can legally ride as soon as the office processes the endorsement.
Can I get the endorsement if I have an out-of-state driver's license?
You must have a valid Colorado driver's license to get a Colorado motorcycle endorsement. If you have an out-of-state license, you will need to get a Colorado license first by passing the written driving test and providing proof of residency and identity. Then you can add the motorcycle endorsement.