Colorado requires a separate motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license
You cannot ride a motorcycle legally in Colorado with just a regular driver's license. You need a motorcycle endorsement, which is an addition to your existing license that shows you have passed a riding test and knowledge exam specific to motorcycles. Colorado's Department of Revenue handles this process, and you can add the endorsement to any class of driver's license you already hold.
The endorsement itself does not cost extra — you pay only when you renew your license next, which includes the endorsement fee. If you are under 18, the process is slightly different and requires a training course. If you are 18 or older, you have two paths: take an approved motorcycle safety course, or pass the state's written test and riding test on your own.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado requires a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license; a regular license does not permit motorcycle riding.
- Riders 18 and older can either complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course (which waives the state riding test) or take the written and riding tests through the Colorado DMV.
- Riders under 18 must complete an approved motorcycle safety course and hold a permit for at least 12 months before taking the riding test.
- The riding test takes place at a Colorado DMV office and uses either your own motorcycle or a loaner bike provided by the testing site.
- You pay the endorsement fee when you renew your license, not when you pass the test.
The two paths for riders 18 and older
If you are 18 or older, you can choose between a safety course or the state test route. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course is the faster and more popular option. You attend a two-day classroom and riding course (usually 10 to 16 hours total), and if you pass, you receive a completion certificate. You take that certificate to any Colorado DMV office, and they add the endorsement to your license without requiring you to take the state riding test.
The alternative is to skip the course and go straight to the Colorado DMV. You take the written test first — it covers road signs, motorcycle-specific rules, and safe riding practices. If you pass, you schedule a riding test at a DMV office. The riding test lasts about 20 minutes and includes basic maneuvers like figure-eights, braking, and turning. You can use your own motorcycle or a loaner bike if the testing site has one available (call ahead to confirm).
Most people choose the MSF course because it teaches you to ride safely before you take the test, and you skip the state riding exam. The course also often qualifies you for a motorcycle insurance discount. However, if you already ride and are confident in your skills, the state test route is free except for the written test fee (around $10 to $15) and the endorsement fee at renewal.
Requirements for riders under 18
If you are under 18, Colorado requires you to complete an approved motorcycle safety course before you can ride. You cannot take the state test route alone. The course must be a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course or another program approved by the Colorado Department of Revenue.
After you complete the course, you receive a permit that allows you to ride under certain restrictions — typically only during daylight hours and only with a licensed adult rider present. You must hold this permit for at least 12 months before you can take the state riding test. Once the 12 months have passed, you schedule the riding test at a Colorado DMV office, pass it, and the endorsement is added to your license.
Finding and registering for an MSF course in Colorado
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation maintains a list of approved course providers on their website. Search for courses in your area by zip code. Most courses are offered by community colleges, motorcycle dealerships, and independent riding schools. Courses typically cost between $200 and $350 and are offered on weekends or weekday evenings.
When you register, bring a valid driver's license and your own motorcycle helmet (or confirm the provider supplies one). The course covers classroom instruction on the first day and hands-on riding on the second day. You do not need to own a motorcycle — the provider supplies training bikes. At the end, if you pass both the written and riding portions of the course, you receive a completion certificate valid in Colorado.
Take that certificate to any Colorado DMV office. You do not need to schedule an appointment for this step — just bring the certificate, your driver's license, and proof of identity. The DMV staff will add the endorsement to your license. You will pay the endorsement fee at your next license renewal, not at this visit.
Taking the state written test and riding test
If you are 18 or older and choose not to take an MSF course, you can take the Colorado DMV's written test at any DMV office. The test has about 25 questions covering motorcycle operation, road signs, and safety. You need to score at least 80 percent to pass. The test fee is typically $10 to $15. You can study using the Colorado Motorcycle Operator Handbook, which is free and available on the Colorado Department of Revenue website.
After you pass the written test, you schedule a riding test at a DMV office that offers motorcycle testing. Call ahead to confirm the office near you has a testing program and to ask whether they provide loaner bikes. The riding test includes basic maneuvers: starting and stopping, figure-eights, quick stops, and turning. The examiner watches for smooth clutch control, proper braking, and safe handling. The test takes about 20 minutes.
Bring your own motorcycle if possible, or confirm the testing site has a loaner available. You will also need a helmet, eye protection, long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes. If you pass, the examiner gives you a form to take to the DMV office, and the endorsement is added to your license at your next renewal.
What happens after you pass the test or course
Once you pass either the MSF course or the state riding test, the endorsement does not appear on your license when ready. Instead, you receive a document or certificate showing you have passed. The endorsement is officially added to your license the next time you renew it. When you renew, you pay the endorsement fee along with your regular license renewal fee.
In the meantime, you can ride legally in Colorado with your passing certificate or document in your possession, along with your regular driver's license. Keep that certificate safe until your next renewal. If you lose it, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to request a replacement.
Costs and timeline
The total cost depends on which path you take. An MSF course costs $200 to $350. The state written test costs $10 to $15. The endorsement fee at renewal varies but is typically $20 to $30 (it is included in your regular renewal fee, not charged separately). If you already own a motorcycle and gear, the MSF course is your main expense. If you do not own a motorcycle, the course provider supplies one.
Timeline-wise, an MSF course takes two days to complete. The state test route (written test plus riding test) can be done in one to two weeks if you schedule both tests back-to-back. For riders under 18, add 12 months to the timeline because you must hold a permit for that long before taking the riding test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a motorcycle on my regular driver's license while I wait for the endorsement?
No. You cannot ride a motorcycle legally in Colorado without the endorsement on your license. If you have passed the MSF course or the state riding test, you can ride with your passing certificate and regular license in your possession, but you must carry both documents. Once you renew your license, the endorsement appears on the card itself.
What if I fail the riding test?
You can retake the riding test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee again each time you take it. Most DMV offices allow you to schedule another test within a few days or weeks. If you fail, ask the examiner what specific maneuvers or skills need improvement, then practice those before your next attempt.
Do I need to take the MSF course if I already know how to ride?
No. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the course and take the state written and riding tests instead. However, the MSF course waives the state riding test, so many experienced riders still take it to avoid the test hassle. The course also often qualifies you for an insurance discount that can pay for the course cost within a year.
Can I use a motorcycle from a friend or rental company for the riding test?
Yes, as long as it is street-legal and registered in Colorado. However, call the DMV testing site ahead of time to confirm they allow outside motorcycles. Some sites prefer you use a loaner bike they provide so they know the bike is in good working order. Bring proof of registration and insurance if you use your own bike.
What if I move to Colorado from another state with a motorcycle endorsement?
You can transfer your endorsement when you get a Colorado driver's license. Bring your out-of-state license showing the motorcycle endorsement to a Colorado DMV office, and they will add it to your new Colorado license without requiring you to take another test.