What a motorcycle endorsement is and why you need one
A motorcycle endorsement is an addition to your regular driver's license that allows you to legally operate a motorcycle on Utah roads. Without it, you cannot ride a motorcycle even if you hold a valid driver's license for cars. Utah's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues endorsements only after you pass both a written test and a riding skills test, or after you complete an approved motorcycle safety course.
The endorsement appears on your license as the letter "M" and costs a small fee when you renew or add it to an existing license. You need this endorsement whether you own the motorcycle or are borrowing one — the requirement applies to the rider, not the vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- Utah requires a separate motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license; your regular license does not permit you to ride.
- You can obtain the endorsement by passing the DMV written and riding tests, or by completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course and waiving the tests.
- The Motorcycle Safety Foundation course takes one or two days, teaches you to ride safely, and costs between $200 and $300 depending on the provider.
- If you take the DMV tests instead, you must pass a written exam at a DMV office and schedule a separate riding test at a DMV testing site.
- You must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid Utah driver's license or learner's permit before you can pursue an endorsement.
The two paths to getting your endorsement
Utah gives you two ways to earn a motorcycle endorsement. The first is to pass the DMV's written test and riding test on your own. The second is to complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course, which waives both tests.
Most riders choose the MSF course because it teaches you to ride safely before you take any test, and the course fee is often lower than the cost of failing the DMV riding test multiple times. However, if you already know how to ride and want to save money, you can attempt the DMV tests directly.
Taking the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course
The MSF Basic Rider Course is a hands-on class that runs for one or two days, depending on the provider. You learn motorcycle control, hazard awareness, and braking techniques in a classroom setting and then practice on a closed course with an instructor present. The course provides motorcycles for you to use during training, so you do not need to own or bring your own bike.
The course costs between $200 and $300. After you complete it, the instructor gives you a certificate of completion. You take this certificate to any Utah DMV office, and they issue your endorsement without requiring you to pass the written or riding test. You still pay the endorsement fee at the DMV, which is separate from the course cost.
To find an MSF course near you, visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation website and search for providers in Utah. Classes fill up, especially in spring and summer, so register early. You must be at least 16 years old and have a valid Utah driver's license or learner's permit to enroll.
Taking the DMV written and riding tests
If you choose not to take the MSF course, you can test directly through the DMV. First, you pass the written test at any DMV office. The test covers Utah motorcycle laws, safe riding practices, and hazard recognition. You can study using the Utah Motorcycle Operator Manual, which is free on the DMV website. The written test costs a small fee and takes about 30 minutes.
After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the riding test. The DMV conducts riding tests at specific locations, not at every office. During the test, an examiner watches you perform basic maneuvers — starting, stopping, turning, and swerving — on a closed course. The test takes about 15 minutes. You must bring your own motorcycle or borrow one that is street-legal and insured.
If you fail the riding test, you can retake it, but each attempt costs a fee. Many riders find that taking the MSF course first reduces the chance of failing the riding test, since the course teaches the exact skills the DMV test measures.
What documents and information you need
Before you go to the DMV, gather your current driver's license or learner's permit, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Utah residency. Residency proof can be a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address. If you are under 18, you may need a parent or guardian to sign consent forms.
If you are taking the MSF course, bring your course completion certificate to the DMV along with your license. If you are taking the DMV tests, bring your license to the written test appointment and your license plus your motorcycle to the riding test appointment.
The cost and timeline
The total cost depends on which path you choose. The MSF course costs $200 to $300, plus the DMV endorsement fee, which is typically $15 to $20 when added to an existing license. If you take the DMV tests instead, you pay a smaller fee for the written test and a separate fee for the riding test, but if you fail either test, you pay again to retake it.
The timeline also varies. If you take the MSF course, you can complete it in one or two days and then visit the DMV within a few weeks to add the endorsement to your license. If you take the DMV tests, the written test is usually available within a few days of scheduling, but the riding test may have a longer wait depending on how many testing slots the DMV has available in your area.
What happens after you get your endorsement
Once the DMV issues your endorsement, the letter "M" appears on your license. You can then legally ride a motorcycle on Utah roads. Your endorsement does not expire separately — it renews when your driver's license renews, typically every five years.
Keep in mind that an endorsement allows you to ride, but it does not cover insurance. You must purchase motorcycle insurance before you ride on public roads. Insurance requirements and costs vary by provider and by the type of motorcycle you own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a motorcycle with just a learner's permit?
No. A learner's permit allows you to practice riding with restrictions, but you cannot ride on public roads without a full motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license. Some riders use a learner's permit to take the MSF course, then add the endorsement to their regular license afterward.
What if I fail the DMV riding test?
You can retake the test after paying the fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Many riders schedule a few lessons with a private instructor between attempts to improve their skills.
Do I need to take the MSF course if I already know how to ride?
No. If you are confident in your riding skills, you can take the DMV written and riding tests directly. However, the MSF course waives both tests and teaches safety techniques that may not be covered on the DMV test, so many experienced riders take it anyway.
Can I add a motorcycle endorsement to a learner's permit?
No. You must have a full driver's license first. If you only have a learner's permit, you can take the MSF course to prepare, but you cannot add the endorsement until you upgrade to a regular license.
How long does the endorsement stay on my license?
Your motorcycle 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 pay an additional fee to keep it.