How to Get a Motorcycle License in Michigan

The Michigan Motorcycle License Process

Michigan issues a motorcycle endorsement on your regular driver's license rather than a separate license. You will need to pass a written test on motorcycle rules, pass a riding skills test, and pay a fee. The whole process takes a few hours if you already have a valid Michigan driver's license, or longer if you need to get your regular license first.

You can take the riding test through the Michigan Motorcycle Safety Institute (MMSI), which runs the state's official training program, or you can bring your own motorcycle to a Secretary of State office and take the test there. Most people choose MMSI because the instructors provide the motorcycles and the training covers what the test will ask.

Key Takeaways

You must have a valid Michigan driver's license before you can add a motorcycle endorsement.
The Michigan Motorcycle Safety Institute offers a two-day training course that includes both the written and riding tests, and you do not need to own a motorcycle to take it.
If you take the MMSI course, you skip the written test at the Secretary of State and go straight to getting your endorsement.
The fee for the endorsement itself is $11.50, plus the cost of the MMSI course (usually $200 to $300) or the cost of bringing your own bike to a Secretary of State test.

Getting Your Regular Driver's License First

If you do not yet have a Michigan driver's license, you will need to get one before you can add a motorcycle endorsement. This means passing the written test on traffic laws and the driving test in a car. You can find the steps for that process on the Secretary of State website under "Driver's License".

Once your regular license is in hand and valid, you are ready to pursue the motorcycle endorsement. You do not have to wait any specific amount of time between getting your license and adding the endorsement.

Taking the MMSI Course (Fastest Route)

The Michigan Motorcycle Safety Institute runs two-day courses throughout the year at locations across the state. On the first day you learn classroom material about motorcycle laws, hazard awareness, and riding techniques. On the second day you ride motorcycles provided by MMSI on a closed course while instructors watch and score your performance.

The course costs between $200 and $300 depending on the location. You do not need to own a motorcycle, have a motorcycle endorsement yet, or even have ridden before. MMSI provides all the bikes, helmets, and protective gear. You only need to bring your valid driver's license and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.

When you pass both days of the course, MMSI gives you a completion certificate. You take that certificate to any Secretary of State office, pay the $11.50 endorsement fee, and they add the motorcycle endorsement to your license on the spot. No additional test is required.

Testing at a Secretary of State Office Without MMSI

If you already own a motorcycle and want to skip the MMSI course, you can go directly to a Secretary of State office. You will need to pass the written test on motorcycle rules and the riding skills test using your own bike.

First, take the written test. It covers Michigan motorcycle laws, safe riding practices, and how to handle your specific bike. You can study using the Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, which the Secretary of State provides free online. The test has 50 questions and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass.

After you pass the written test, you schedule a riding test at the same office or a different one. Bring your motorcycle, a valid helmet, and proof of insurance. The examiner watches you perform specific maneuvers like figure-eights, emergency stops, and turns. The test takes about 15 minutes. If you pass, you pay the $11.50 fee and the endorsement is added to your license when ready.

What to Bring and Fees

For the MMSI course, bring your valid Michigan driver's license, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and plan to spend two full days. MMSI provides the motorcycle, helmet, and protective gear. The course fee is $200 to $300.

If you test at a Secretary of State office without MMSI, bring your valid driver's license, your motorcycle, a DOT-approved helmet, and proof of insurance on the bike. You will pay $11.50 for the endorsement fee when you pass. There is no separate fee for the written or riding tests themselves.

If you need to replace a lost endorsement or add it to a renewed license, the fee is still $11.50.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not show up to test without a valid driver's license. The Secretary of State will turn you away. Make sure your regular license is not expired and is a Michigan license.

If you are taking the riding test with your own bike, do not forget proof of insurance. Michigan requires all motorcycles to be insured, and the examiner will ask to see it. A screenshot on your phone counts as long as it shows your name, the bike's information, and the policy dates.

Do not assume the MMSI course is available everywhere at all times. Courses fill up, especially in spring and summer. Check the MMSI website for dates and locations near you and register early if you have a specific date in mind.

What Happens After You Get Your Endorsement

Once the endorsement is added to your license, you can legally ride a motorcycle on Michigan roads. Your license will show an "M" restriction code. You must carry your license with you whenever you ride.

Michigan law requires you to wear a helmet if you are under 21, or if you are 21 or older and do not have at least two years of riding experience or proof of a motorcycle safety course. Even if you are not required to wear one, wearing a helmet is the safest choice.

You must also maintain insurance on any motorcycle you own. The minimum coverage is the same as for cars: $20,000 bodily injury per person, $40,000 per accident, and $10,000 property damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a motorcycle endorsement if I am under 18?

Yes, but you must have a valid Michigan driver's license first. If you are under 18, you will have a Graduated Driver License (GDL), and the motorcycle endorsement will be added to it. You still must pass the same written and riding tests as adults.

Do I have to take the MMSI course or can I just test at the Secretary of State?

You can do either one. MMSI is faster because you skip the written test and get both tests done in two days. Testing at the Secretary of State takes longer because you schedule the written and riding tests separately, but it costs less if you already own a motorcycle.

What if I fail the riding test?

You can retake it. If you fail at a Secretary of State office, you can schedule another test. If you fail the MMSI course, you can retake the course or test at a Secretary of State office instead. There is no limit on how many times you can try.

Does my motorcycle endorsement expire?

No, the endorsement itself does not expire. However, your driver's license does. When you renew your license, the motorcycle endorsement renews with it. You do not have to retake any test to renew the endorsement.

Can I ride a motorcycle with just a permit?

Michigan does not issue motorcycle permits. You must have the full endorsement on your license before you can ride on public roads. You can practice on private property without a license, but not on streets or highways.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.