Arizona motorcycle licensing requires a written test, a riding skills test, and an endorsement on your driver's license

Arizona issues motorcycle endorsements through the Department of Transportation (ADOT). You cannot ride a motorcycle legally on public roads without an "M" endorsement on your driver's license. The process involves passing a knowledge test about motorcycle safety and traffic laws, then passing a riding skills test on an actual motorcycle. You can take both tests at an ADOT office, or you can skip the riding test by completing an approved motorcycle safety course.

The entire process typically takes a few hours if you already hold a valid Arizona driver's license. If you do not yet have a license, you will need to get one first. Most people complete everything in one or two visits to an ADOT office.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid Arizona driver's license before you can add a motorcycle endorsement.
  • The knowledge test covers motorcycle operation, road signs, and Arizona traffic laws specific to riders.
  • You can pass the riding skills test at an ADOT office or skip it by completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course.
  • The endorsement fee is a one-time charge added to your license renewal cost.
  • You must be at least 16 years old to ride a motorcycle in Arizona, though riders under 18 face restrictions on engine size and riding hours.

What you need before you test

Bring your valid Arizona driver's license and proof of identity to the ADOT office. You will also need to bring a motorcycle for the riding skills test unless you are taking the safety course route. The motorcycle must be street-legal and registered in Arizona or another state.

If you are under 18, you must have a parent or guardian sign a consent form. Riders under 18 are also restricted to motorcycles with engines no larger than 250 cubic centimeters and cannot ride between sunset and sunrise.

The knowledge test

The written test covers Arizona motorcycle laws, safe riding practices, and road signs. You answer 20 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the ADOT office. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

ADOT provides a free study guide called the Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual, available on the ADOT website. The manual covers everything on the test: how to operate a motorcycle, how to handle different road conditions, what to do in an emergency, and what Arizona law requires. You can read it online or request a printed copy at an ADOT office.

The riding skills test or safety course option

After you pass the knowledge test, you take the riding skills test at an ADOT office. An examiner watches you perform basic maneuvers: starting the motorcycle, riding in a straight line, turning, braking, and swerving. The test takes about 10 to 15 minutes and happens in a closed course, not on public roads. You must score at least 70 percent.

Alternatively, you can complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course instead of taking the riding test. The MSF course is a classroom and hands-on training program that usually runs for two or three days. You learn motorcycle safety and operation from an instructor, then take a riding test as part of the course. If you pass the MSF course, you can bring your completion certificate to an ADOT office, and they will waive the riding skills test and add the endorsement to your license.

Many riders choose the MSF course because it teaches safety skills before you test, and you do not have to bring your own motorcycle — the course provides one. The course costs money (typically $150 to $300), but some insurance companies offer discounts to riders who complete it, which can offset the cost.

Where to test and how long it takes

ADOT has offices throughout Arizona. You can find the nearest one on the ADOT website and check their hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require you to make an appointment online or by phone. Call ahead to confirm whether you need an appointment and what documents to bring.

The knowledge test takes 15 to 20 minutes. If you pass and take the riding skills test the same day, add another 10 to 15 minutes. If you are taking the MSF course route, you will schedule that separately — courses run on weekends or weekday evenings at various locations around Arizona.

The endorsement fee and what happens next

Adding a motorcycle endorsement costs a one-time fee. The exact amount depends on when your driver's license expires. If your license is valid for several more years, you pay a smaller fee for just the endorsement. If your license is expiring soon, you may pay a combined renewal and endorsement fee. ADOT will tell you the total cost when you arrive at the office.

Once you pass both tests (or submit your MSF certificate), ADOT issues you a new driver's license with the "M" endorsement printed on it. You can ride a motorcycle legally as soon as you receive it. If you are under 18, the endorsement comes with the restrictions mentioned above: no engine larger than 250cc and no riding between sunset and sunrise.

Riders under 18 and permit requirements

Arizona requires riders under 18 to hold a motorcycle permit for at least six months before they can get a full endorsement. To get a permit, you pass the knowledge test but do not take the riding skills test yet. With a permit, you can ride only during daylight hours and only on motorcycles with engines no larger than 250cc. You must also wear a helmet and eye protection.

After six months, you return to an ADOT office and take the riding skills test. Once you pass, the permit becomes a full endorsement. If you complete an MSF course while holding a permit, you can get the full endorsement when ready without waiting the six months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a motorcycle endorsement to ride a moped or scooter?

It depends on engine size. In Arizona, you do not need an endorsement for a motorized bicycle (engine 50cc or smaller). For anything larger than 50cc, you need the motorcycle endorsement. If you are unsure whether your scooter requires one, check the engine displacement in your owner's manual or contact ADOT.

Can I take the riding skills test on someone else's motorcycle?

Yes. The motorcycle does not have to be registered in your name, but it must be street-legal and registered in Arizona or another state. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, and horn work before the test begins.

What happens if I fail the riding skills test?

You can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you may need to schedule another appointment. Each attempt has a separate fee. Most people pass on the second try after practicing the maneuvers.

Does an MSF course cost less than taking the ADOT riding test?

The course itself costs $150 to $300, while the ADOT riding test fee is much smaller. However, many insurance companies give discounts of $100 to $200 per year to riders who complete an MSF course, so the course often pays for itself in the first year.

Can I get a motorcycle endorsement if I have a suspended or revoked driver's license?

No. You must have a valid, unrestricted driver's license to add a motorcycle endorsement. If your license is suspended or revoked, you will need to resolve that with ADOT before you can test for the endorsement.