How to Get a Motorcycle License in Missouri

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

You cannot ride a motorcycle legally in Missouri on a standard driver's license. You need a motorcycle endorsement, which is an addition to your existing license or a new license if you do not have one yet. The endorsement is marked with an "M" on your license and costs a one-time fee when you add it.

Missouri offers two paths: you can pass the written test and riding skills test through the Department of Revenue, or you can complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course and use that certificate to waive the riding test. Most riders choose the MSF route because the course teaches you to ride safely and you skip the skills test at the DMV.

Key Takeaways

You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle endorsement in Missouri, though riders under 18 have restrictions on engine size and must wear a helmet.
The MSF Basic Rider Course takes two days, costs between $150 and $250 depending on the provider, and lets you skip the DMV riding test.
If you take the MSF course, bring your certificate to the DMV along with your driver's license, proof of residency, and the endorsement fee to add the "M" to your license.
Without the MSF course, you must pass a written test and a riding skills test at the DMV, which requires you to bring your own motorcycle or use one provided by the testing facility.
Missouri does not require a separate motorcycle license — only an endorsement added to your existing driver's license.

Age requirements and restrictions for riders under 18

You must be at least 16 years old to ride a motorcycle in Missouri. If you are under 18, you face engine size limits: your motorcycle cannot exceed 500cc. You must also wear a helmet at all times, even if you are riding on private property.

Riders 18 and older can operate any motorcycle and are not required by state law to wear a helmet, though the MSF course and most safety experts recommend it regardless of age. If you are under 18 and want to get your endorsement, you still follow the same process — either the MSF course or the written and riding tests — but your license will carry the age restriction until you turn 18.

Taking the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course

The MSF Basic Rider Course is the most common path to a motorcycle endorsement in Missouri. The course runs for two consecutive days, usually Saturday and Sunday, and covers classroom instruction, video, and hands-on riding practice. You learn how to start, shift, brake, and handle a motorcycle in real conditions, and instructors teach you to recognize hazards and ride defensively.

The course costs between $150 and $250 depending on which MSF provider you choose. Missouri has multiple providers across the state — you can find them through the MSF website or by searching "MSF motorcycle course near me." Providers include community colleges, motorcycle shops, and independent training centers. When you register, bring your driver's license and proof of residency. You do not need to own a motorcycle; the course provides one for you.

At the end of the course, you receive a certificate of completion. This certificate waives the riding skills test at the DMV. You still need to pass the written test, but most riders find the MSF course teaches you what you need to know to pass it easily.

Passing the written test at the DMV

Whether you take the MSF course or not, you must pass a written test at your local Missouri DMV office. The test covers motorcycle operation, safety, road signs, and Missouri traffic laws. It is the same test for all riders, and you have 30 minutes to complete it. You need a score of at least 80 percent to pass.

If you took the MSF course, the course material covers everything on the test. If you did not take the course, Missouri publishes a free study guide on the DMV website called the "Motorcycle Operator Manual." You can read it and study at home. The manual covers braking, turning, shifting, hazard awareness, and the rules of the road specific to motorcycles.

You can take the written test at any Missouri DMV office. Bring your driver's license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If you are taking the test without the MSF certificate, you will also need to schedule a riding skills test on the same visit or a separate one.

Taking the riding skills test without the MSF course

If you do not take the MSF course, you must pass a riding skills test at the DMV. The test takes about 20 minutes and is conducted in a closed course, not on public roads. You must demonstrate that you can start the motorcycle, shift gears smoothly, brake safely, turn, and avoid obstacles.

You have two options for the motorcycle used in the test: bring your own, or use one provided by the DMV. Not all DMV offices provide motorcycles, so call ahead to ask. If you bring your own, it must be street-legal, registered, and insured. The examiner will check that it is safe to ride before the test begins.

You get one attempt at the test. If you do not pass, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day and pay the test fee again. Many riders who fail the DMV test later take the MSF course and use the certificate to waive the riding test on their second attempt.

Documents and fees you need at the DMV

When you go to the DMV to add the motorcycle endorsement to your license, bring the following: your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you completed the MSF course, bring your certificate of completion.

The endorsement fee is $10.50 if you are adding it to an existing license. If you do not have a Missouri driver's license yet, you will need to get one first, which involves a separate written test on general driving rules and a vision screening. The total cost for a new license plus the motorcycle endorsement is around $30 to $40, depending on the license type you choose.

Processing takes about 15 minutes at the DMV. Your new license with the "M" endorsement is printed on the spot. You can ride legally as soon as you leave the office.

What to expect on your first ride

Once you have your endorsement, you are legally allowed to ride, but the first few rides should be on quiet roads where you can practice what you learned. If you took the MSF course, you have already ridden under instruction. If you did not, your first rides on your own motorcycle will feel different from the test bike — every motorcycle handles differently depending on its weight, engine power, and brakes.

Wear protective gear every time: a helmet, jacket, gloves, and boots. Helmets reduce the risk of death by 37 percent and serious injury by 69 percent, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Even though Missouri does not require a helmet for riders 18 and older, the risk of riding without one is not worth it.

Start with short trips in daylight on roads you know. Practice braking, turning, and shifting until the bike feels natural. Many new riders benefit from a second MSF course called the Experienced Rider Course, which teaches advanced techniques like emergency braking and cornering at higher speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a motorcycle endorsement if I do not have a driver's license yet?

No. You must have a valid Missouri driver's license first. If you do not have one, you need to pass the written test on general driving rules and get your license before you can add the motorcycle endorsement. You can do both on the same visit to the DMV.

How long does the MSF course take?

The MSF Basic Rider Course is two days, usually Saturday and Sunday. Each day runs about 8 hours including breaks. Some providers offer evening courses that spread the training over more days, so check with your local provider for scheduling options.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the next day. There is no waiting period between attempts. You pay the test fee each time you take it. Most people pass on the second try if they study the Motorcycle Operator Manual between attempts.

Do I need insurance before I get my endorsement?

No, but you must have insurance before you ride on public roads. Missouri requires all motorcycle riders to carry liability insurance. You can get a quote from any insurance company once you know what motorcycle you plan to buy. Insurance costs vary widely based on the bike, your age, and your driving record.

Can I ride with passengers once I get my endorsement?

Yes, but only if your motorcycle is equipped with a passenger seat and footrests. Your endorsement does not restrict passenger riding. However, the MSF course recommends that new riders practice alone for at least 1,000 miles before carrying a passenger, so you have time to build confidence and skill.

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.