Minnesota requires a separate motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license

You cannot ride a motorcycle on Minnesota roads with a regular driver's license. You need a motorcycle endorsement, which is an addition to your existing license or a separate license class. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety issues this endorsement after you pass a written test, a vision test, and a riding skills test.

The process takes between one and three weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you schedule your tests and whether you pass on your first attempt. You can take the written test at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. The riding skills test must be scheduled separately and is administered by a third-party testing vendor contracted by the state.

If you do not yet have a Minnesota driver's license, you will need to get one first. The motorcycle endorsement cannot stand alone.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota requires you to pass a written test, vision screening, and a riding skills test before you can ride a motorcycle legally.
  • You can take the written test at any DVS office without an appointment, but the riding skills test must be scheduled in advance through a contracted testing vendor.
  • The riding skills test uses a motorcycle provided by the testing vendor, so you do not need to bring your own bike.
  • The fee for the motorcycle endorsement is $20.25 at a DVS office, plus the cost of the riding skills test, which varies by vendor but is typically $30 to $50.
  • You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle endorsement in Minnesota.

What you need before you take the written test

Bring your current Minnesota driver's license or state ID card to the DVS office. If you do not have one, you will need to get a standard driver's license first. You will also need proof of your Social Security number and proof of your Minnesota residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 30 days.

You do not need to study a specific textbook. The Minnesota DVS publishes a free motorcycle handbook on its website that covers all the topics on the written test. The test itself has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. Questions cover road signs, right-of-way rules, braking and turning, and motorcycle-specific hazards like gravel and potholes.

There is no appointment needed for the written test. Walk into any DVS office during business hours, pay the $20.25 fee, and take the test on a computer terminal. Most people finish in 20 to 30 minutes. You will know your score when ready.

How to schedule and pass the riding skills test

After you pass the written test, you will receive a temporary permit that allows you to ride under certain conditions. The DVS office will give you a list of approved testing vendors in your area. Call the vendor directly to schedule your riding skills test. Wait times vary by location and season; in summer, vendors often book out two to three weeks in advance.

The test takes about 30 minutes and is conducted in a closed course, not on public roads. The vendor provides a motorcycle for you to use during the test, so you do not need to own a bike or bring your own. The motorcycle is typically a small-displacement bike, usually 250cc or less, that is straightforward to handle. You will be asked to perform basic maneuvers: starting and stopping, figure-eights, swerving, and braking from different speeds.

Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, over-the-ankle shoes, and a helmet. The vendor will provide the helmet if you do not have one. You do not need to wear motorcycle gear beyond these basics, though it is a good idea. The test is pass-or-fail; there is no partial credit. If you do not pass, you can retake it, but you will pay the vendor fee again.

The cost and timeline for getting your endorsement

The DVS charges $20.25 for the motorcycle endorsement itself. The riding skills test fee is set by the testing vendor and ranges from $30 to $50 depending on which vendor you use. Some vendors charge extra if you need to retake the test. In total, expect to spend $50 to $70.

The timeline depends on how quickly you move through each step. You can take the written test the same day you decide to get your endorsement. Scheduling the riding skills test is where the wait happens; vendors in busy areas may not have an opening for two to four weeks. Once you pass both tests, the endorsement is added to your license when ready, and you can ride legally that same day.

If you fail the riding skills test, you will need to schedule another attempt. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will have to pay the vendor fee again.

What happens if you already have a motorcycle license from another state

If you hold a valid motorcycle license or endorsement from another state and you move to Minnesota, you can transfer it without retaking the tests. Bring your out-of-state license to a DVS office along with proof of Minnesota residency. The DVS will issue you a Minnesota license with the motorcycle endorsement. The fee is $20.25.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to retake the written test and the riding skills test. An expired license does not transfer.

Restrictions on your motorcycle endorsement when you first get it

If you are under 18 years old, your motorcycle endorsement comes with restrictions. You cannot ride between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot carry a passenger. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18. Once you turn 18, the restrictions are automatically removed; you do not need to visit a DVS office or pay a fee.

If you are 18 or older when you get your endorsement, there are no restrictions. You can ride at any time and carry a passenger.

Where to find DVS offices and testing vendors near you

The Minnesota DVS website has a locator tool where you can enter your zip code and find the nearest office. Most cities have at least one DVS office. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during business hours and some are open on Saturday mornings.

Testing vendors are listed on the DVS website under "Motorcycle Testing." The list includes the vendor's name, phone number, and location. Call ahead to confirm they are still in business and to ask about their current wait times and fees. Some vendors operate only during certain seasons; a few close in winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the riding skills test without passing the written test first?

No. You must pass the written test and receive a temporary permit before you can schedule the riding skills test. The permit proves you know the rules of the road. Some testing vendors will not even schedule you without proof that you passed the written test.

What if I fail the riding skills test?

You can retake it as many times as you need. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the vendor fee each time. Most people pass on the second or third attempt. The test is designed to check basic safety skills, not to be difficult.

Do I need to own a motorcycle to get the endorsement?

No. The testing vendor provides a motorcycle for the riding skills test. You do not need to own a bike or have any experience riding before you take the test. Many people get their endorsement and then buy a motorcycle afterward.

Can I ride a motorcycle on public roads with just the temporary permit?

Yes, but only during daylight hours and only if you are 18 or older. If you are under 18, you cannot ride on public roads at all with the temporary permit. You must wait until you pass the riding skills test and receive your full endorsement.

How long is the motorcycle endorsement valid?

Your motorcycle endorsement is valid for as long as your driver's license is valid. When your license expires and you renew it, the endorsement renews automatically. You do not need to retake any tests.