What you need to do to ride legally in Michigan
Michigan requires a separate endorsement on your driver's license to operate a motorcycle on public roads. You cannot ride legally with just a standard driver's license. The process involves passing a written test on motorcycle rules, a vision test, and a riding skills test — either through the state's Motorcycle Safety Foundation course or the Department of State's road test.
You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle endorsement in Michigan. If you are under 18, you need parental consent and must follow additional restrictions during your first year of riding. The entire process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, depending on which testing route you choose and how quickly you can schedule appointments.
Key Takeaways
- Michigan requires a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license, obtained through either a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course or the state road test.
- The Motorcycle Safety Foundation course costs money but waives the state riding test and gives you insurance discounts; the road test route is free but requires you to pass the riding exam at a Secretary of State office.
- You must pass a written test on motorcycle rules and a vision screening before either riding test.
- Riders under 18 need parental consent and face restrictions including a midnight curfew and a ban on carrying passengers for the first year.
The two paths: MSF course or state road test
Michigan offers two ways to earn your motorcycle endorsement. The first is completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course, which is a two-day classroom and hands-on program. The MSF course costs between $200 and $300 depending on the provider, but it includes the riding test — you do not have to take the state's road test afterward. Most insurance companies give discounts to riders who complete the MSF course, often 10 percent or more on your motorcycle premium.
The second path is taking the state's written and riding tests directly at a Secretary of State office. This route is free, but you must pass both tests on your own. The written test covers Michigan motorcycle laws, safe riding practices, and hazard recognition. The riding test is conducted by a state examiner and includes basic maneuvers like figure-eights, emergency braking, and obstacle avoidance. Many riders find the state test harder than the MSF course because you do not get two days of instruction first.
If you choose the MSF course, you still need to pass the written test before or after the course, depending on the provider. Some MSF courses include the written test; others do not. Contact the course provider to confirm what is included in their fee.
Steps before you can take either test
Before you schedule a riding test or MSF course, you must have a valid Michigan driver's license or learner's permit. If you do not have one, you need to get that first through your local Secretary of State office. You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
Next, you must pass the written motorcycle test. You can take this at any Secretary of State office. The test has 50 questions covering Michigan motorcycle laws, road signs, and safe riding techniques. You need a score of 80 percent or higher to pass. Study materials are available free on the Michigan Secretary of State website, including the motorcycle operator manual. You can retake the written test if you fail, but you must wait one day between attempts.
You also need to pass a vision screening at the Secretary of State office. This is a basic eye exam to make sure you can see well enough to ride safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
Choosing and registering for an MSF course
If you decide to take the MSF course, search for providers near you on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation website. Michigan has dozens of approved providers across the state, including community colleges, motorcycle dealerships, and independent riding schools. Each provider sets its own schedule and price, so compare a few before signing up.
When you register, confirm that the course includes the riding test waiver for Michigan. Some MSF courses in other states do not transfer, so you want to make sure you are taking a course that satisfies Michigan's requirements. Ask whether the written test is included or if you need to take it separately at a Secretary of State office.
Bring your own motorcycle or helmet, or ask the provider whether they loan equipment. Most providers loan motorcycles and helmets, but policies vary. Wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes — this is a safety requirement, not optional.
Taking the state road test at a Secretary of State office
If you choose not to take the MSF course, you schedule the riding test directly with your local Secretary of State office. Call ahead or check their website to see when they offer motorcycle tests and how to book an appointment. Some offices offer tests only on certain days of the week.
You must bring your own motorcycle to the state test. The motorcycle must be street-legal, registered in Michigan, and insured. You also need a valid helmet that meets Department of Transportation standards. The examiner will inspect your motorcycle before the test to make sure it is safe to ride.
The riding test takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The examiner watches you perform basic maneuvers in a closed course, including starting and stopping, turning, swerving around obstacles, and emergency braking. You must follow all instructions and demonstrate control of the motorcycle. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait one day and pay the test fee again.
What happens after you pass
Once you pass the riding test — either through MSF or the state road test — you take your completion certificate to a Secretary of State office to add the motorcycle endorsement to your driver's license. Bring your driver's license or learner's permit, your test completion certificate, and a valid form of identification. The endorsement is added to your license on the spot, usually at no extra cost.
Your motorcycle endorsement appears on your license as an "M" restriction code. This allows you to operate any motorcycle on Michigan roads. If you are under 18, your license will also show the restrictions that explore to you during your first year.
Restrictions for riders under 18
If you are under 18 when you get your motorcycle endorsement, Michigan law imposes a one-year probationary period. During this time, you cannot carry passengers on your motorcycle. You also cannot ride between midnight and 5 a.m., except to travel to or from work or school. These restrictions lift automatically after one year.
You must also wear a helmet at all times while riding, regardless of age. Michigan does not have an age exemption for helmet use — all motorcycle riders must wear a DOT-approved helmet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a motorcycle with just a learner's permit?
No. A learner's permit allows you to operate a motorcycle only during daylight hours and only when supervised by a licensed motorcycle rider who is at least 21 years old and riding their own motorcycle nearby. You cannot ride alone or at night with a permit. You need the full endorsement to ride unsupervised.
What if I fail the riding test?
You can retake the test after waiting one day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pay the test fee each time. If you fail the state test, consider taking the MSF course instead — the two-day instruction often helps riders who struggled with the state exam.
Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a driver's license?
Yes. The motorcycle written test is separate from the driver's license written test. You must pass the motorcycle-specific test even if you have held a driver's license for years. The test covers motorcycle-only rules and hazards that do not appear on the driver's license exam.
How much does the whole process cost?
The state written and vision tests are free. If you take the state road test, that is also free. If you choose the MSF course instead, expect to pay $200 to $300 for the two-day program. After you pass, adding the endorsement to your license is free.
Can I transfer a motorcycle endorsement from another state?
Michigan does not automatically recognize motorcycle endorsements from other states. If you move to Michigan with an out-of-state endorsement, you must pass Michigan's written test and either the MSF course or the state road test to get a Michigan endorsement. Contact your local Secretary of State office to confirm the current process.