How to Get a Motorcycle Endorsement in Michigan

What you need to do to ride a motorcycle legally in Michigan

A motorcycle endorsement is an addition to your driver's license that permits you to operate a motorcycle on public roads. In Michigan, you cannot legally ride a motorcycle without one, even if you already hold a standard driver's license. The endorsement requires passing both a written test and a riding skills test, or completing an approved motorcycle safety course that waives the riding test.

You have two main paths: take the tests through the Secretary of State, or complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course and submit the completion certificate. The MSF route is faster for most people because it skips the riding test at the Secretary of State office, though you still take the written test.

Key Takeaways

Michigan requires a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license; you cannot ride legally with just a standard license.
You can get the endorsement by passing the Secretary of State's written and riding tests, or by completing an MSF-approved safety course and then passing the written test.
The MSF course takes one to three days, costs between $150 and $300, and includes the riding test component, so you only need the written test afterward.
You must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid Michigan driver's license to pursue an endorsement.
Bring proof of identity, your current license, and your Social Security number when you visit the Secretary of State office.

The two routes to getting your endorsement

The Secretary of State route means you schedule an appointment at a Secretary of State office, take a written test about motorcycle laws and safe riding, and then take a riding test on your own motorcycle or a loaner bike. You must pass both tests. The written test covers Michigan motorcycle laws, hazard recognition, and safe riding practices. The riding test evaluates your ability to control the motorcycle, brake, turn, and navigate obstacles.

The MSF course route is what most people choose because it compresses the learning and testing into a single course. You enroll in a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course (BRC) offered through various training providers across Michigan. The course runs 15 to 20 hours over two or three days, includes classroom instruction and hands-on riding practice, and ends with a riding skills evaluation. If you pass, you receive a completion certificate that you bring to the Secretary of State along with your written test score. You still take the written test at the Secretary of State, but you skip the separate riding test.

Costs and timeline for each path

The Secretary of State route costs only the fee for the written test, which is $10 to $15 depending on your office. However, you must own or have access to a motorcycle to practice and take the riding test, and you may need to pay for training on your own. The entire process can take weeks if you need time to practice.

The MSF course costs $150 to $300 depending on the provider and whether you bring your own motorcycle or use a school bike. Most providers offer courses on weekends or weekday evenings. Once you complete the course, you have your certificate when ready and can take the written test at the Secretary of State within a few days. Total time from enrollment to endorsement is usually one to two weeks.

Some insurance companies and employers offer discounts on motorcycle insurance if you complete an MSF course, which can offset the course cost within the first year of coverage.

How to find and enroll in an MSF course

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation maintains a list of certified instructors and training locations on their website at msf-usa.org. You can search by state and zip code to find courses near you. Michigan has providers in most urban and suburban areas, though rural areas may require travel.

When you contact a provider, ask about course dates, whether you need to bring your own motorcycle, what protective gear is required, and whether the course is the Basic Rider Course (BRC) or an advanced course. The BRC is what you need for your first endorsement. Some providers also offer the BRC-2, which is for riders who already have an endorsement and want to improve skills.

You typically enroll online or by phone, and most courses require payment at the time of registration. Bring a valid driver's license, proof of identity, and your Social Security number on the first day of class. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes, and a helmet; most providers can loan you a helmet if you do not have one.

Taking the written test at the Secretary of State

After you complete an MSF course or decide to take the Secretary of State route, you must pass the motorcycle written test. You can take this test at any Secretary of State office during regular business hours. No appointment is required for the written test, though you may wait in line.

The test has 50 questions covering Michigan motorcycle laws, road signs, safe riding practices, and hazard awareness. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is on a computer at most offices. You receive your score when ready, and if you pass, you can proceed to add the endorsement to your license that same day or at a later visit.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of identity, and your Social Security number. If you completed an MSF course, bring your completion certificate. The test fee is $10 to $15.

Adding the endorsement to your license

Once you pass the written test, you can add the motorcycle endorsement to your license at the Secretary of State office. If you took the MSF route, bring your course completion certificate. If you took the Secretary of State route and passed both the written and riding tests, the office will process the endorsement on the spot.

The endorsement is added to your existing license; you do not receive a new card when ready in all cases. Ask the office whether you receive an updated license card the same day or whether it will be mailed to you. Some offices print cards on-site; others mail them within one to two weeks. You can legally ride once you pass the written test and the endorsement is recorded in the system, even if your physical card has not arrived yet.

There is no additional fee to add the endorsement beyond the written test fee you already paid.

What to bring and prepare before you go

For the written test and endorsement addition, bring:

Your current Michigan driver's license
Proof of identity (passport, state ID, or birth certificate)
Your Social Security number or Social Security card
Your MSF course completion certificate, if you took that route
Payment for the test fee ($10 to $15)

Study materials for the written test are available on the Michigan Secretary of State website. read the motorcycle operator manual, which covers all topics on the test. You can also take practice tests online through the Secretary of State site or through third-party study apps. Most people spend 5 to 10 hours studying before taking the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the riding test on a borrowed motorcycle?

Yes, if you take the Secretary of State route. The motorcycle must be street-legal, registered, and insured. Some Secretary of State offices have loaner motorcycles available, so call ahead to ask. If you take an MSF course, the school provides motorcycles for the riding evaluation.

Do I need a motorcycle license plate and insurance before I take the test?

You do not need them to take the test, but you must have both before you ride on public roads. Insurance is required by Michigan law. Once you have your endorsement, contact an insurance company to add motorcycle coverage to your policy or purchase a standalone motorcycle policy.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts in Michigan, so you can schedule another test as soon as you are ready. Most people pass on the second attempt after additional study.

Is the MSF course worth the cost if I already know how to ride?

The course teaches Michigan-specific laws and defensive riding techniques that the written test covers. Even experienced riders often learn something in the classroom portion. The main advantage is skipping the separate riding test at the Secretary of State, which saves time.

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

No. Your driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve that issue with the Secretary of State before you can add an endorsement.

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.