What you need to do to ride legally in Colorado
Colorado requires a separate motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license if you want to ride a motorcycle on public roads. You cannot straightforward use your regular driver's license — the state treats motorcycle operation as a distinct skill that requires its own testing and documentation. The process involves written knowledge tests, a riding skills test, and fees that vary depending on your age and whether you already hold a Colorado driver's license.
The Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all motorcycle licensing. You can complete the knowledge test at any DMV office, but the riding skills test must be scheduled through the Colorado Motorcycle Safety Program, which is run by the state but administered by third-party testing sites across the region. Alternatively, you can take an approved motorcycle safety course and use the completion certificate to skip both tests entirely.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado requires a motorcycle endorsement separate from your regular driver's license, obtained through the DMV and tested by the Colorado Motorcycle Safety Program.
- You must pass a written knowledge test covering motorcycle-specific rules and a practical riding skills test on your own motorcycle or a loaner bike.
- Taking an approved motorcycle safety course can waive both the written and riding tests, though you still pay the endorsement fee.
- The riding test must be scheduled in advance and typically has a wait time of several weeks depending on the testing site.
- You need to bring your current Colorado driver's license, proof of residency, and a valid motorcycle to the riding test.
The written knowledge test and what it covers
The Colorado motorcycle knowledge test has 25 questions and covers topics specific to motorcycle operation: how to handle curves and braking, what to do in emergency situations, how to position yourself on the road, and Colorado traffic laws as they explore to motorcycles. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. The test is offered at any Colorado DMV office during regular business hours, and you do not need an appointment.
The test is the same whether you are adding an endorsement to an existing Colorado license or obtaining your first license. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though some locations may require you to wait a few hours. There is a fee each time you take the test — currently $10 per attempt, though this can change. You can find the current test fee and your nearest DMV office on the Colorado Department of Revenue website.
The riding skills test: what happens and how to prepare
The practical riding test is administered by the Colorado Motorcycle Safety Program at testing sites throughout the state. You will ride a course that includes figure-eights, quick stops, swerving, and other maneuvers designed to show that you can control the motorcycle safely. The test takes about 20 minutes and is scored on your ability to complete each maneuver without dropping the bike, hitting cones, or losing control.
You must bring your own motorcycle to the test, or use a loaner bike provided by some testing sites (call ahead to confirm availability). The bike must be street-legal and in working condition — the examiner will do a brief safety check of brakes, lights, and tires before you start. You also need your current Colorado driver's license and proof of residency. Wear a DOT-approved helmet, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a jacket or long sleeves; the examiner will not let you ride without this gear.
Scheduling the riding test requires calling the Colorado Motorcycle Safety Program directly or booking through their website. Wait times vary by location and season, but typically run four to eight weeks. Plan ahead if you have a specific date in mind, as popular testing sites can have longer delays during spring and summer months.
How a motorcycle safety course can skip the tests
Colorado recognizes completion of an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course as proof that you have the knowledge and skills to ride. If you take and pass an MSF Basic Rider Course or equivalent, you can take the completion certificate to the DMV and skip both the written test and the riding test. You still pay the endorsement fee, but you avoid the scheduling wait and the stress of testing.
These courses typically run two to three days, cost between $150 and $250, and include classroom instruction and hands-on riding on a closed course with loaner motorcycles provided. Many community colleges and private riding schools in Colorado offer them. This route is often faster than the test-and-wait approach if you have time to attend a course before you need the endorsement. The MSF course also teaches defensive riding techniques that go beyond what the state test requires.
Fees and what documents you need
The motorcycle endorsement fee in Colorado is $20 if you are adding it to an existing driver's license. If you are obtaining your first Colorado license and adding a motorcycle endorsement at the same time, you pay the full driver's license fee plus the endorsement fee. Bring your current driver's license (or passport and proof of residency if you do not have one), proof of Colorado residency such as a utility bill or lease, and your Social Security number. For the riding test, also bring your motorcycle and proof of insurance.
The written test costs $10 per attempt. If you take a motorcycle safety course instead, the course fee replaces the test fees, and you bring the completion certificate to the DMV to finalize the endorsement. Payment methods and exact fees can be confirmed at your local DMV office or on the Colorado Department of Revenue website, as fees occasionally change.
Timeline: how long the whole process takes
If you take the test route, expect four to ten weeks from start to finish. The written test can be done when ready at any DMV office, but the riding test has a wait. After you pass both tests, the DMV issues your endorsement the same day or within a few days. If you take a motorcycle safety course, you can complete the course in a weekend or over a few weekday evenings, then visit the DMV the next day to finalize the endorsement — total time is one to two weeks.
The endorsement itself is valid for the same period as your driver's license. When your license renews, you renew the motorcycle endorsement at the same time. If you need the endorsement quickly, the safety course route is almost always faster than waiting for a riding test appointment.
What happens if you ride without a valid endorsement
Riding a motorcycle in Colorado without a valid endorsement is a traffic violation. You can be cited and fined, and your motorcycle may be impounded. Insurance may also deny a claim if you were riding without the required endorsement at the time of an accident.
The endorsement is inexpensive and straightforward to obtain, so there is no practical reason to delay. If you are currently riding without one, contact the Colorado DMV or a testing site to schedule your test or safety course as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a friend's motorcycle for the riding test?
Yes, as long as the motorcycle is street-legal, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, and tires before you ride. Some testing sites also offer loaner bikes, so call ahead to see if that option is available at your location.
What if I fail the riding test?
You can retake it, but you must schedule another appointment, which means waiting several more weeks. Many people take a motorcycle safety course after failing the test, both to improve their skills and to use the course completion certificate to bypass the test entirely on the next attempt.
Do I need insurance before I take the riding test?
You do not need insurance to take the test itself, but you must have it before you ride on public roads. Once you pass the test and receive your endorsement, you cannot legally ride without a valid motorcycle insurance policy.
Can I get a motorcycle endorsement if I have an out-of-state license?
You must have a valid Colorado driver's license first. If you hold an out-of-state license, you will need to transfer it to Colorado before you can add a motorcycle endorsement. Contact the Colorado DMV for the specific documents required for your state.
How long does the endorsement stay on my license?
The motorcycle endorsement is valid for the same period as your driver's license. When you renew your driver's license, the endorsement renews automatically unless you request to remove it.