Michigan requires a separate endorsement on your driver's license to ride a motorcycle legally
You cannot ride a motorcycle on public roads in Michigan with only a standard driver's license. You need an M endorsement added to your existing license, or you need to obtain a motorcycle-only license if you do not already drive a car. The state offers two paths: you can pass the written and riding tests through the Michigan Secretary of State, or you can complete an approved motorcycle safety course and use that certificate to waive the riding test.
The endorsement costs $11 and is valid for the same renewal cycle as your regular driver's license. If you are under 18, Michigan has additional restrictions on when and where you can ride, and you must hold a regular driver's license first.
Key Takeaways
- Michigan requires an M endorsement on your driver's license to ride a motorcycle legally on public roads.
- You can test through the Secretary of State or complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course to waive the riding test.
- The written test covers Michigan motorcycle laws, and the riding test is performed on a closed course with an examiner.
- Riders under 18 must hold a regular driver's license first and face restrictions on night riding and passenger rules.
- A motorcycle safety course typically costs $150 to $300 and takes one or two days to complete.
The two main routes to get your M endorsement
The direct testing route means you schedule an appointment with a Michigan Secretary of State office, pass a written test on motorcycle laws and safe riding, and then pass a riding test on a closed course. You bring your own motorcycle or a borrowed one; the state does not provide a test bike. This route is free except for the $11 endorsement fee, but you must own or have access to a motorcycle and be comfortable riding it under test conditions.
The motorcycle safety course route means you take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course or an equivalent state-approved course. You complete classroom and hands-on riding instruction, usually over one or two days. The course provider gives you a certificate of completion, which you bring to the Secretary of State office. You still take the written test, but the certificate waives the riding test. You do not need to own a motorcycle; the course provides one for training.
Most riders choose the safety course because it teaches you to ride before you test, and you do not need your own bike. The course also often qualifies you for motorcycle insurance discounts. If you already ride confidently and want to save money and time, the direct testing route works if you can access a motorcycle.
What you need to bring to the Secretary of State office
Bring your current driver's license or state ID, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your Michigan address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You also need to bring the $11 fee in cash or card, depending on the office.
If you are taking the safety course route, bring your course completion certificate along with these documents. If you are testing directly, bring your motorcycle and proof of insurance or registration for that bike. Some Secretary of State offices require you to schedule a test appointment in advance; call your local office or check the Michigan Secretary of State website to confirm their process and current wait times.
The written test covers Michigan motorcycle laws and riding hazards
The written test has 50 questions and covers Michigan motorcycle laws, safe riding practices, hazard recognition, and how to handle your bike in different conditions. You need to score at least 80 percent to pass. The test is available in English and several other languages; ask at your local Secretary of State office if you need an interpreter or alternative format.
Study materials are free on the Michigan Secretary of State website, including the motorcycle operator manual and practice tests. The manual covers topics like proper helmet use, lane positioning, braking, turning, and what to do if your brakes fail or your tire blows out. Most people spend a few hours reviewing the manual before testing.
The riding test: what the examiner watches for
If you test directly without a safety course, you ride a closed course while an examiner observes. The test includes basic maneuvers like starting, stopping, turning, and swerving to avoid an obstacle. The examiner is looking for smooth control, proper use of brakes and throttle, awareness of the bike's position, and safe decision-making. You must wear a DOT-approved helmet and protective gear; the examiner will not let you ride without them.
The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes of actual riding. If you fail, you can retake it, usually within a few days or weeks depending on the office's schedule. If you take a safety course instead, you skip this test entirely because the course instructors have already verified your riding ability.
Restrictions for riders under 18 in Michigan
If you are under 18, you must hold a valid driver's license or permit before you can get an M endorsement. You also cannot ride a motorcycle between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot carry a passenger. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18, even if you already have your endorsement.
Riders aged 16 and 17 can take a motorcycle safety course and test for the endorsement, but the time and passenger restrictions explore when ready. Once you turn 18, you can ride at any hour and carry passengers, but the endorsement itself does not change.
Motorcycle safety courses in Michigan: what to expect
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course is the most common option and is offered by riding schools and community colleges across Michigan. The course typically runs for two days (Saturday and Sunday) or sometimes as an evening class spread over several weeks. Cost ranges from $150 to $300 depending on the provider. You do not need to own a motorcycle; the course provides training bikes.
The course covers classroom instruction on motorcycle controls, balance, braking, and hazard awareness, plus hands-on riding practice on a closed range. Instructors teach you how to mount and dismount, how to brake smoothly, how to turn at different speeds, and how to handle common emergency situations. By the end, you ride at highway speeds and practice swerving and quick stops. You receive a certificate of completion that you bring to the Secretary of State to waive the riding test.
Some insurance companies offer discounts of 10 percent or more on motorcycle premiums if you complete an approved safety course, which can pay back the course cost within the first year or two of coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a motorcycle with just a learner's permit?
No. A learner's permit allows you to drive a car, but it does not allow you to ride a motorcycle. You must pass the written and riding tests (or complete a safety course) and receive the M endorsement on your actual license before you can ride on public roads.
What if I fail the riding test?
You can retake it. The fee is the same, and you can usually schedule another test within a few days or weeks. Many people pass on the second attempt after practicing more. If you fail multiple times, taking a safety course is often a better investment because instructors teach you what you are doing wrong.
Do I need a motorcycle license if I only ride off-road?
No. The M endorsement is required only for public roads. Off-road riding on private land or designated trails does not require a license. However, if you ever ride on any public road, you must have the endorsement.
Can I use an out-of-state motorcycle license in Michigan?
If you hold a valid motorcycle endorsement from another state, you can ride in Michigan with that license. If you move to Michigan and want to add the endorsement to a Michigan license, contact your local Secretary of State office about transfer options.
How long does the M endorsement last?
The M endorsement is valid for the same period as your driver's license — typically four or eight years depending on your age. When you renew your driver's license, the endorsement renews automatically if you pay the renewal fee.