Motorcycle license costs range from $20 to $300 depending on your state and whether you take the test at the DMV or through a third-party course
The total cost breaks down into two parts: the written test and the riding skills test. Most states charge between $20 and $50 for the written exam at the DMV. The riding test costs $0 to $100 at a state facility, or you can pay $150 to $300 to take an approved motorcycle safety course that waives the riding test entirely. Some states also charge a separate endorsement fee of $10 to $50 to add the motorcycle class to your existing license.
The cheapest route is usually the DMV path: pass the written test, pass the riding test at a state facility, pay the endorsement fee. This typically costs $40 to $100 total. The most expensive route is a private safety course in a state with high course fees, which can reach $300. Your state's DMV website lists the exact fees and which courses are approved in your area.
Key Takeaways
- Written tests at the DMV cost $20 to $50 in most states, and you can retake them if you fail without paying again.
- Riding tests at state facilities are free or cost up to $100, but approved motorcycle safety courses ($150 to $300) let you skip the riding test entirely.
- An endorsement fee of $10 to $50 is added to your license once you pass, and this fee varies by state.
- Taking a safety course costs more upfront but saves time because you do not have to schedule a separate riding test at the DMV.
DMV Written Test Fees
The written test is the first step and the cheapest. Most states charge $20 to $50 to take the motorcycle knowledge test at your local DMV. A few states charge less—some are as low as $10—and a few charge more, up to $75. The fee covers one attempt; if you fail, you can retake it, and most states do not charge again for retakes within a certain period (usually 30 to 90 days).
You study from the state motorcycle manual, which is free online or at the DMV. The test covers road rules, hazard recognition, and motorcycle-specific handling. You do not need to own a motorcycle or have insurance to take the written test. Bring your ID and proof of residency, and the test takes about 30 minutes.
Riding Test Costs at State Facilities
After you pass the written test, you take the riding test on your own motorcycle or a borrowed one. State DMV facilities charge $0 to $100 for this test, depending on the state. Some states include it free with the written test fee; others charge a separate riding test fee of $25 to $100. A few states do not offer riding tests at all and require you to take an approved course instead.
The riding test lasts 15 to 30 minutes and covers basic control, turning, braking, and hazard avoidance. You must bring a street-legal motorcycle with a valid registration and insurance. If you fail, retake fees vary—some states charge the full fee again, others charge a reduced retake fee of $10 to $25.
Motorcycle Safety Course Fees and the Test Waiver
An approved motorcycle safety course costs $150 to $300 and typically takes one or two days. The course includes classroom instruction and hands-on riding practice, usually on smaller training motorcycles provided by the course. Once you pass the course, you receive a certificate that waives the DMV riding test entirely—you only pay the written test fee and endorsement fee at the DMV.
The course fee varies by provider and state. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) runs courses in most states through local providers, and prices tend to cluster around $200 to $250. Some community colleges and vocational schools offer courses for $150 to $200. A few states subsidize courses for residents, bringing the cost down to $100 or less. Check your state's DMV website for a list of approved providers and their current fees.
The safety course route costs more upfront but saves time because you skip the DMV riding test queue, which can have long wait times in busy areas. It also gives you hands-on instruction before you ride on public roads, which many riders find valuable.
Endorsement and License Fees
Once you pass the riding test or safety course, the DMV adds a motorcycle endorsement to your license. This endorsement fee is separate from the test fees and ranges from $10 to $50 depending on your state. Some states include it in the written test fee; others charge it as a line item when you submit your passing test results.
If you already have a driver's license, the endorsement is usually added to your current license without renewing the whole license. If your license is expiring soon, the DMV may require you to renew it at the same time, which adds the standard license renewal fee (typically $20 to $100) to your total cost.
State-by-State Cost Ranges
Costs vary significantly by state. The following table shows typical total costs for the DMV route (written test + riding test + endorsement) and the safety course route in different regions. Actual fees change annually, so check your state DMV website for current amounts.
| Region / Example States | DMV Route Total | Safety Course Route Total |
|---|---|---|
| Low-cost states (e.g., some Midwest and Southern states) | $30–$60 | $150–$200 |
| Mid-range states (e.g., Northeast and West Coast) | $60–$100 | $200–$280 |
| High-cost states (e.g., California, New York) | $80–$120 | $250–$300 |
These ranges assume you pass all tests on the first attempt. Retakes add $10 to $50 per attempt. Some states offer discounts for military members, seniors, or students; check your state DMV for current discounts.
Hidden Costs Beyond the License Fee
The license itself is only part of the cost. You will also need motorcycle insurance before you can legally ride, and insurance premiums for new riders typically start at $300 to $600 per year for basic coverage. You will also need a helmet (required in most states), which costs $50 to $200 depending on quality and brand. A used motorcycle costs at least $1,500 to $3,000, though you can borrow one for the test.
If you take a safety course, factor in travel time and any meals during the course day. If you take the DMV route, you may need to take time off work for the riding test appointment, which can have a wait time of several weeks in busy areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take a motorcycle safety course, or can I just go to the DMV?
In most states, you can choose either route. The DMV route is cheaper if you pass the riding test on the first try. The safety course route costs more but skips the DMV riding test and gives you instruction. A few states require the safety course or do not offer DMV riding tests; check your state DMV website to see which routes are available.
What if I fail the riding test?
You can retake it. Most states charge a reduced retake fee of $10 to $25, though some charge the full riding test fee again. You typically have 30 to 90 days to retake it before you have to pay the written test fee again. If you fail multiple times, taking a safety course may be worth the cost because an instructor can identify what you are doing wrong.
Can I use someone else's motorcycle for the test?
Yes. The motorcycle must be street-legal with current registration and insurance in your name or the owner's name. You do not need to own the motorcycle. Many riders borrow a friend's bike or rent one from a motorcycle shop for the test day. Rental costs $30 to $100 per day if you go that route.
Does the safety course cost include the DMV fees?
No. The safety course fee ($150 to $300) covers instruction and the certificate that waives the riding test. You still pay the DMV written test fee ($20 to $50) and endorsement fee ($10 to $50) separately when you submit your certificate to the DMV.
How long is the motorcycle license valid?
Motorcycle endorsements are valid for the same period as your driver's license, which is typically four to eight years depending on your state. Renewal fees are the same as a standard license renewal and do not require retesting.