Illinois requires a separate motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license, not a standalone license
You cannot ride a motorcycle legally in Illinois with only a standard car driver's license. The state issues a motorcycle endorsement — marked as an "M" on your license — that you add to an existing driver's license or obtain at the same time you get your first license. You must pass a written test, a riding skills test, or both, depending on whether you complete an approved motorcycle safety course.
The Illinois Secretary of State's office handles all motorcycle endorsements through its driver services division. You can pursue this through two main routes: take the state's written and riding exams at a Driver Services facility, or complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course that may waive the state riding test.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois requires an "M" endorsement on your driver's license to ride any motorcycle, moped, or motorized bicycle legally.
- You can test through the Secretary of State's Driver Services office or complete an MSF-approved motorcycle safety course that waives the riding exam.
- The written test covers Illinois motorcycle laws, hazard recognition, and safe riding practices; you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
- If you take the state riding test, you must provide your own motorcycle that meets Illinois equipment standards, or use one from an approved testing location if available.
- The endorsement fee is added to your license renewal or replacement cost; the exact amount depends on your license type and expiration date.
The two paths to getting your motorcycle endorsement
The state exam route requires you to pass both a written test at a Driver Services facility and a practical riding test. You schedule these separately. The written test is offered during regular office hours at any Secretary of State Driver Services location. The riding test is administered at specific facilities and requires advance scheduling; availability varies by location.
The MSF course route involves completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course (BRC) or Experienced Rider Course (ERC) at an approved training provider in Illinois. Upon completion, you receive a course completion certificate that you present to the Secretary of State. This certificate waives the state riding test, though you still must pass the written test unless your course provider has an agreement that waives it as well. Some MSF providers in Illinois do waive both tests; others waive only the riding portion.
The MSF route typically costs between $150 and $300 for the course itself, depending on the provider. The state exam route has no course fee but requires you to own or borrow a motorcycle that meets state safety standards for the riding test. Many riders choose the MSF route because it includes hands-on instruction in a controlled environment and the course certificate often eliminates at least one exam.
What you need before you can test or enroll
You must hold a valid Illinois driver's license or be old enough to obtain one. Illinois allows motorcycle endorsements for riders as young as 16, but the age requirement depends on the type of motorcycle: riders 16 and 17 can ride motorcycles under 150cc with parental consent, while riders 18 and older can ride any motorcycle. If you do not yet have a driver's license, you must obtain one first or explore for both the license and endorsement together.
For the state exam route, you need a motorcycle that meets Illinois Department of Transportation standards: it must have working brakes, lights, horn, mirrors, and muffler; be street-legal and registered; and be insurable. You must provide proof of insurance or a temporary insurance card. Some Driver Services facilities maintain motorcycles for testing, but availability is limited and you should call ahead to confirm.
For the MSF course route, the training provider supplies motorcycles, so you do not need to own one. You do need to bring a valid photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and any required parental consent forms if you are under 18.
The written test: content and passing score
The Illinois motorcycle written test covers state traffic laws specific to motorcycles, hazard perception, safe riding techniques, and equipment requirements. The test is 40 questions, and you must score at least 80 percent (32 correct answers) to pass. You have one hour to complete it.
The test is offered in English at all Driver Services locations during regular business hours. You do not need to schedule in advance for the written test; you can walk in during office hours, though wait times vary. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no additional cost beyond the endorsement fee.
Study materials are available free on the Secretary of State website, including the Illinois Rules of the Road motorcycle section and practice test questions. Many riders also use the MSF handbook or third-party study apps, though the state test draws directly from Illinois law and the official Rules of the Road.
The riding test: what the examiner watches for
The state riding test lasts approximately 15 to 20 minutes and takes place in a controlled course or parking lot, not on public roads. The examiner watches for your ability to control the motorcycle, maintain balance, brake smoothly, accelerate safely, and navigate turns and obstacles. You must demonstrate that you can start, stop, turn, and handle the motorcycle without dropping it or losing control.
Common reasons riders fail the state riding test include failing to maintain control during turns, braking too hard or too soft, not checking mirrors or blind spots, and inability to start the motorcycle or operate the clutch smoothly. The test is pass-or-fail; there is no partial credit. If you fail, you can retake it, though you may need to schedule another appointment and pay the test fee again.
The MSF course includes similar skills but teaches them in a progressive way over two or three days, with multiple practice attempts before any final evaluation. This is why many new riders find the MSF route less stressful than the single-attempt state test.
How to schedule your test or find an MSF course
To schedule the state written or riding test, visit the Secretary of State's Driver Services website or call the facility where you want to test. You can find locations and phone numbers on the state website organized by county. The written test can usually be scheduled within a few days; the riding test may have longer wait times depending on your location.
To find an MSF-approved course provider in Illinois, visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation website and search by zip code or city. Providers include motorcycle dealerships, community colleges, and independent training schools. Courses are typically offered on weekends and some weekday evenings. You register directly with the provider and pay the course fee to them; the Secretary of State does not collect payment for MSF courses.
After you pass the state test or complete an MSF course, you visit a Driver Services facility to pay the endorsement fee and have it added to your license. Bring your test passing notice or MSF completion certificate, your current driver's license, and payment. The endorsement is usually added the same day, though you may receive a temporary paper license and the physical license in the mail.
Endorsement fees and license renewal timing
The motorcycle endorsement fee in Illinois is not a separate charge; it is included in your driver's license renewal or replacement fee. If you add an endorsement to an existing license before renewal, you pay a replacement fee, which varies depending on how long until your current license expires. The state charges less to add an endorsement close to your renewal date than if you add it years before expiration.
Current replacement fees range based on years remaining on your license, but the Secretary of State website lists exact amounts. If your license expires soon, you may choose to wait and add the endorsement during renewal to save money. If you need to ride when ready, the replacement fee is a one-time cost.
Once the endorsement is on your license, it remains there through all future renewals unless you request its removal. You do not retake tests to renew an endorsement; it renews automatically with your driver's license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a moped or motorized bicycle with just a car driver's license?
No. Illinois law requires an "M" endorsement for any two-wheeled motorized vehicle, including mopeds and motorized bicycles, regardless of engine size. The only exception is bicycles with pedals and no motor. You must have the endorsement before you ride.
What if I have a motorcycle endorsement from another state?
Illinois honors out-of-state motorcycle endorsements for visitors and new residents. If you move to Illinois, you can transfer your out-of-state license to an Illinois license and keep the endorsement without retesting. You must do this within a certain timeframe; contact your local Driver Services office for the specific important date.
Do I have to take the MSF course, or can I just take the state test?
The MSF course is optional. You can test directly through the Secretary of State without taking any course. However, the MSF course waives the riding test and often the written test as well, and it provides structured instruction that many riders find valuable before taking the state test.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test at no additional cost beyond your endorsement fee. You can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no limit on the number of attempts, though you must pass before you can legally ride.
Do I need motorcycle insurance before I get my endorsement?
You need proof of insurance to take the state riding test, but you do not need it to take the written test or enroll in an MSF course. Once you have the endorsement and want to ride on public roads, Illinois law requires motorcycle insurance. You can obtain a temporary insurance card from an insurer before your policy is fully active.