What Washington's DOL-approved motorcycle training does
Washington's Department of Licensing (DOL) approves motorcycle safety courses that teach you to ride safely and prepare you for the motorcycle endorsement test. When you complete an approved course, you can skip the riding portion of the DOL test — you still take the written exam, but the course completion certificate counts as proof you can handle a motorcycle on the road. The course covers basic motorcycle operation, hazard recognition, and emergency braking.
You do not have to take a safety course to get a motorcycle endorsement in Washington. You can instead take both the written and riding tests at a DOL office. But most people find the course route faster and less stressful, because an instructor teaches you the specific skills the DOL test measures.
Key Takeaways
- DOL-approved courses in Washington teach motorcycle safety and let you skip the riding test, though you still take the written exam at DOL.
- Course length varies — most are one or two days, and some programs offer evening or weekend schedules.
- You must bring a street-legal motorcycle to the course, or rent one through the course provider if they offer that option.
- After you pass the course, bring your completion certificate to a DOL office to take the written test and receive your endorsement.
- The written test covers road rules, motorcycle-specific laws, and hazard recognition — it is the same whether you took a course or not.
Finding a DOL-approved course near you
Washington has several organizations that run DOL-approved motorcycle safety courses. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) operates courses through partner schools across the state. The Washington Motorcyclists Safety Program (WMSP), run by the Evergreen Safety Council, also offers DOL-approved instruction. Both organizations list their course schedules and locations on their websites.
Course locations change by season and demand. Urban areas like Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane typically have courses running year-round, while rural areas may have fewer options. Many courses fill up weeks in advance, especially in spring and summer, so you should check availability early if you have a specific date in mind.
Some community colleges in Washington also offer DOL-approved motorcycle courses. Check with your local college's continuing education or community services department to see if they run a program.
What to bring and prepare before the course
You need a street-legal motorcycle to bring to the course — it must have working brakes, lights, horn, and mirrors, and it must be registered and insured. The motorcycle does not have to be new or fancy; instructors work with all types of bikes as long as they are safe to ride. If you do not own a motorcycle, ask the course provider whether they rent bikes for students. Some programs include a rental motorcycle in the course fee, while others charge extra or do not offer rentals.
Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes, and a helmet. Many courses require a DOT-approved helmet; if you do not have one, some providers sell or rent helmets. Bring gloves if you have them — they protect your hands during practice drills. Dress for the weather, because you will be outside for most of the course.
Bring your driver's license or state ID and any paperwork the course provider sent you. You do not need a motorcycle endorsement yet to take the course — your regular driver's license is enough.
Course length and what happens during training
Most DOL-approved courses run for one or two days. A typical one-day course runs from early morning to late afternoon, with a lunch break. Two-day courses usually meet on consecutive days or on a weekend. Some providers offer evening courses that meet for several hours on weeknights over a longer period — these are less common but work better for people with daytime schedules.
The first part of the course covers motorcycle controls, how to start and stop, and basic riding techniques. An instructor demonstrates each skill, then you practice on a closed course — usually a parking lot or small track — with cones and marked lanes. You practice low-speed maneuvers like figure-eights and emergency stops. The course does not involve riding on public roads.
The second part covers hazard awareness, road positioning, and how to handle common riding situations. The instructor discusses what to do when you encounter gravel, potholes, other vehicles, and weather. You also learn Washington's motorcycle laws — things like helmet requirements, lane-splitting rules, and when you can and cannot ride on certain roads.
Cost and what is included
Course fees vary by provider and course length. One-day courses typically cost between $150 and $250. Two-day courses usually run $200 to $350. Some community colleges charge less than private providers. Prices change, so check the provider's website for current rates.
Most courses include classroom instruction, on-bike training, and the completion certificate you need for DOL. Some include a helmet rental or sale. Few include motorcycle rental — if you need a rental bike, ask before you register, because not all providers offer them and rental fees are usually separate.
The course fee does not include the DOL written test or endorsement fee. After you finish the course, you pay DOL's fee to take the written exam and receive your endorsement. That fee is separate and paid at the DOL office.
After you complete the course: getting your endorsement
When you finish the course, the provider gives you a completion certificate. This certificate is valid for a set period — usually one or two years — so you have time to take the DOL test without rushing. Bring the certificate to any Washington DOL office along with your driver's license.
At DOL, you take a written test about motorcycle safety and Washington traffic laws. The test has multiple-choice questions and covers topics like braking distance, how to lean in turns, what to do if your brakes fail, and Washington-specific rules. You need to pass with a score of at least 80 percent on most versions of the test. If you do not pass, you can retake it after a waiting period.
Once you pass the written test, DOL adds the motorcycle endorsement to your driver's license. You can then legally ride a motorcycle on Washington roads. The endorsement appears on your license as an "M" class.
Alternatives if you do not take a course
You can get a motorcycle endorsement without taking a safety course. You go to a DOL office and take both a written test and a riding test. The riding test happens on a closed course at the DOL office — an examiner watches you perform the same maneuvers you would practice in a safety course. You must bring a street-legal motorcycle to the test.
The riding test is harder for most people than a safety course because you have no instruction beforehand — you are expected to already know how to ride. Many people fail the riding test on their first try and have to pay to retake it. Taking a DOL-approved course costs less than paying for multiple riding test attempts and gives you professional instruction along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take a safety course to ride a motorcycle in Washington?
No. You can get a motorcycle endorsement by passing the written and riding tests at DOL without taking a course. However, a course teaches you the skills the test measures and lets you skip the riding portion, so most people find it the easier route.
What if I fail the written test after completing the course?
You can retake the written test. There is usually a waiting period between attempts — check with your local DOL office for the exact timeline. You do not need to retake the safety course; your completion certificate remains valid.
Can I take a motorcycle safety course if I already have my endorsement?
Yes. Many experienced riders take refresher courses to improve their skills or learn new techniques. These courses are not required, but they may lower your motorcycle insurance rates — ask your insurance company whether they offer discounts for completing an approved safety course.
What if the motorcycle I own is too big or heavy for me to handle in the course?
Talk to the course provider before you register. Some instructors can help you find a smaller bike to use during training, or they may rent a lighter motorcycle. Bringing a bike you are uncomfortable with makes the course harder and less safe, so it is worth asking about options.
How long is my course completion certificate good for?
Most certificates are valid for one to two years from the date you complete the course. Check your certificate or ask the provider for the expiration date. You must take the DOL written test before the certificate expires, or you will need to retake the course.