Utah requires a separate motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license, not a standalone license
A motorcycle license in Utah is technically an endorsement added to your existing driver's license, not a separate document. The endorsement is marked with an "M" on your license and permits you to operate motorcycles, mopeds, and motorized bicycles on public roads. You cannot ride legally without it, even if you hold a valid car driver's license.
Utah's Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division handles all motorcycle endorsements. You can obtain one by passing a written test, a skills test, or both — depending on whether you complete an approved motorcycle safety course. The process typically takes one office visit, though you may need to schedule the skills test separately if you choose that route.
Key Takeaways
- Utah adds a motorcycle endorsement to your existing driver's license; you do not receive a separate motorcycle license document.
- You must pass a written test, a skills test, or both — taking an approved safety course waives the written test but not the skills test.
- The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic RiderCourse is the most common approved course and costs between $150 and $200 in Utah.
- You must be at least 16 years old to ride a moped, 18 to ride a motorcycle, and you need a valid Utah driver's license before adding the endorsement.
- Bring proof of identity, residency, and your current driver's license to the Driver License Division office when you test.
Age requirements and what you can ride at each age
Utah sets different age minimums depending on the type of two-wheeled vehicle. You must be at least 16 years old to operate a moped (defined as a motorized bicycle with an engine of 50 cubic centimeters or less and a top speed under 30 mph). You must be at least 18 years old to ride a motorcycle of any engine size.
If you are under 18, you can still obtain a motorcycle endorsement, but only for mopeds. Once you turn 18, you can take the skills test for full motorcycle privileges without retesting. You must already hold a valid Utah driver's license before the Driver License Division will add any motorcycle endorsement.
The written test and what it covers
The motorcycle written test in Utah covers vehicle control, hazard awareness, road positioning, and Utah traffic laws specific to motorcycles. The test contains 25 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You have one hour to complete it.
The test is offered at any Driver License Division office during regular business hours. You do not need to schedule in advance for the written test — you can walk in and take it the same day. If you complete an approved motorcycle safety course, you are waived from the written test entirely, though you still must pass the skills test.
Common topics on the written test include stopping distance, braking techniques, turning at speed, how to handle skids, and what to do if your brakes fail. You can study using the Utah Driver Handbook, which includes a motorcycle section available free on the Department of Public Safety website.
The skills test and how it is scored
The motorcycle skills test is a practical riding exam conducted by a Driver License Division examiner or an approved third-party testing site. You must bring your own motorcycle or moped that is street-legal and currently registered in Utah. The test takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes and is performed in a controlled area, not on public roads.
The examiner evaluates your ability to start and control the bike, perform basic maneuvers (figure-eight turns, quick stops, swerves), and demonstrate safe riding posture and technique. You must score at least 70 percent to pass. Common reasons for failing include stalling the engine repeatedly, dropping the bike, failing to maintain control during turns, or inability to stop within the required distance.
If you fail the skills test, you can retake it at any time. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you may need to schedule another appointment. Some riders schedule a second test the same day if space is available.
Approved motorcycle safety courses and the MSF option
Utah recognizes courses approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and courses taught by the Utah Motorcycle Safety Program. The most widely available is the MSF Basic RiderCourse, a two-day classroom and riding course that costs between $150 and $200 depending on the provider. Completing an approved course waives the written test but does not waive the skills test at the Driver License Division.
The MSF Basic RiderCourse covers motorcycle operation, hazard perception, and emergency maneuvers. You learn on a small motorcycle provided by the course (usually 250cc or smaller), so you do not need to own a bike beforehand. Upon completion, you receive a course completion certificate that you present at the Driver License Division office.
Several community colleges and private riding schools across Utah offer the MSF course. You can find approved providers through the MSF website or by contacting the Utah Department of Public Safety. Courses typically run on weekends and fill up weeks in advance during spring and summer.
Documents and fees required at the Driver License Division
When you visit a Driver License Division office to add a motorcycle endorsement, bring your current Utah driver's license, proof of identity (passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate), and proof of Utah residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days). If you completed an approved safety course, bring your course completion certificate.
The fee for a motorcycle endorsement is $20 and is added to your existing license. If your license is expiring soon, you may be asked to renew it at the same time, which costs an additional $35 for a five-year renewal. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or card at most offices.
Processing is when ready for the written test and endorsement addition. If you take the skills test, the examiner notifies the office of your result the same day, and your endorsement is added to your license before you leave.
Where to take the test and how to schedule
The written test is offered at all Utah Driver License Division offices statewide. You do not need an appointment — walk-in testing is available during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Driver License Division website lists all office locations and hours.
The skills test requires scheduling. You can book a skills test appointment at the same office where you take the written test, or at approved third-party testing sites run by motorcycle safety instructors. Scheduling is typically done in person or by phone. Wait times for skills test appointments vary by location and season — rural areas may have shorter waits, while urban areas during summer may have a two- to four-week wait.
Some offices allow you to schedule both the written and skills test on the same day. If you pass the written test in the morning, you may be able to take the skills test in the afternoon if an examiner is available and you have a motorcycle present.
What happens after you pass and how long the endorsement lasts
Once you pass the skills test, the examiner submits your result to the Driver License Division office, and your motorcycle endorsement is added to your license when ready. You receive an updated license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, though you can ride legally with a receipt showing the endorsement was added.
The motorcycle endorsement is valid for the same period as your driver's license — typically five years for standard licenses. When you renew your driver's license, the motorcycle endorsement renews automatically at no additional cost, as long as you have not had any license suspensions or revocations.
If your license is suspended or revoked, the motorcycle endorsement is suspended or revoked along with it. You cannot ride legally during a suspension, even if you only plan to ride a moped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the skills test on a moped if I want to ride motorcycles?
No. The skills test must be performed on the type of vehicle you want to ride. If you want to ride motorcycles, you must take the skills test on a motorcycle. If you only want to ride mopeds, you can test on a moped, but you will be restricted to mopeds only.
Do I need to take the written test if I completed an MSF course?
No. Completing an approved motorcycle safety course waives the written test. You still must pass the skills test at the Driver License Division office to receive the endorsement.
What if I fail the skills test?
You can retake the skills test at any time with no waiting period. You will need to schedule another appointment and bring your motorcycle again. There is no limit on the number of attempts.
Can I ride a motorcycle with just a car driver's license while I wait for my endorsement?
No. Riding without a motorcycle endorsement is illegal in Utah, even if you hold a valid driver's license for cars. You must have the endorsement added before you ride on public roads.
Does my motorcycle endorsement transfer if I move out of Utah?
No. If you move to another state, you will need to obtain a motorcycle endorsement or license in that state according to their rules. Some states honor out-of-state endorsements for a limited time, but you should contact your new state's driver licensing agency to confirm.