What a Minnesota motorcycle permit is and who needs one

A motorcycle permit in Minnesota is a learner's license that lets you operate a motorcycle on public roads before you take the riding test for a full endorsement. You need a permit if you want to ride a motorcycle and don't already hold a valid motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license.

The permit is not the same as the endorsement itself. The permit allows supervised practice; the endorsement (Class M) is what you get after passing the riding exam and is valid for eight years. Most riders get the permit first, practice for a few weeks or months, then test for the endorsement.

If you already have a valid motorcycle endorsement from another state, you may be able to transfer it without getting a permit first — but you'll still need to visit a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office to do so.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old to get a motorcycle permit in Minnesota, and you'll need to pass a written knowledge test at a DVS office.
  • The permit costs $20 and is valid for one year from the date you receive it.
  • While holding a permit, you must wear a helmet, cannot carry passengers, and must display a red "M" plate on your motorcycle.
  • You can take the riding skills test at any time after receiving your permit, but many riders practice for several weeks first.
  • If your permit expires before you pass the riding test, you'll need to retake the written test and pay the fee again.

Age requirements and documents you'll need

You must be at least 15 years old to get a motorcycle permit in Minnesota. There is no upper age limit. You'll need to bring proof of identity and proof of your Minnesota residency to a DVS office.

Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, a birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, or a school ID with a birth certificate. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days, or a property tax statement from the current year.

If you're under 18, you'll also need a parent or guardian to sign a consent form at the DVS office. Bring that adult with you when you go.

The written knowledge test

The motorcycle knowledge test covers Minnesota traffic laws, motorcycle-specific rules, and safe riding practices. It has 40 multiple-choice questions, and you need to answer at least 32 correctly to pass (80 percent). The test is offered in English and several other languages at DVS offices.

You can study using the Minnesota Motorcycle Operator Manual, which is free and available on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website. Many riders also use the practice tests available through the same site. The manual covers topics like how to handle curves, what to do in bad weather, helmet laws, and how to share the road with other vehicles.

You take the test at a DVS office on a computer. Results are when ready — you'll know whether you passed before you leave. If you don't pass, you can retake the test the same day or come back another time. Each attempt costs $20.

Permit restrictions and what you can and cannot do

While you hold a motorcycle permit, Minnesota law places specific limits on how and where you can ride. You must wear a helmet at all times, even if you're riding in your driveway or parking lot. You cannot carry passengers — it's just you and the motorcycle.

You must display a red "M" plate on the rear of your motorcycle so other drivers and law enforcement know you're a permit holder. You cannot ride between sunset and sunrise (nighttime riding is not allowed). You also cannot ride on limited-access highways like Interstate 94 or Interstate 35.

Some riders find these restrictions frustrating, but they're designed to let you build skills in lower-risk conditions. Once you pass the riding test and get your endorsement, these restrictions go away.

How to take the riding skills test

You can take the riding skills test at any time after you receive your permit — there's no mandatory waiting period. However, most new riders spend at least two to four weeks practicing before testing. The test itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes and is conducted by a Minnesota DVS examiner.

The test happens at a closed course (usually a parking lot or training facility), not on public roads. You'll be asked to perform basic maneuvers like starting the motorcycle, riding in a straight line, making turns, stopping, and swerving. The examiner is looking for smooth control, awareness of your surroundings, and safe handling.

You must bring your own motorcycle or use one provided by a training school. If you use your own, it must be street-legal and registered in Minnesota. You'll also need to bring your permit, proof of insurance, and a helmet. The test costs $20.

What happens if you fail the riding test

If you don't pass the riding test on your first attempt, you can retake it. There's no waiting period between attempts, and you can test again as soon as the next available appointment. Each test costs $20.

Your permit remains valid for one year from the date you received it. If your permit expires before you pass the riding test, you'll need to go back to a DVS office, retake the written knowledge test, and pay the $20 permit fee again. This is why some riders choose to take a motorcycle safety course before testing — the course teaches the skills the examiner is looking for and can reduce the number of attempts needed.

Motorcycle safety courses and the MSF course option

Minnesota recognizes the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course as an alternative to the state riding test. If you complete an MSF-approved course, you can get your endorsement without taking the DVS riding exam. You'll still need to pass the written knowledge test first and get your permit.

MSF courses are offered by private training schools throughout Minnesota and typically cost between $150 and $250. The course is usually two or three days long and includes classroom instruction and hands-on riding practice. Many insurance companies offer discounts for riders who complete an MSF course, which can offset the cost.

To use an MSF course to get your endorsement, bring your course completion certificate to a DVS office along with your permit. The office will issue your endorsement without requiring you to take the riding test.

Renewing or replacing your permit

Your motorcycle permit is valid for one year. If you don't pass the riding test within that year, the permit expires and you'll need to start over. Go back to a DVS office, retake the written knowledge test, and pay the $20 fee for a new permit.

If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DVS office. Bring your identity and residency documents. A replacement permit costs $20 and is valid for the remainder of the original one-year period — it doesn't reset the clock.

Once you pass the riding test and receive your endorsement, your permit is no longer needed. Your endorsement is printed on your driver's license and is valid for eight years, just like the rest of your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride a motorcycle without a permit if I already have a regular driver's license?

No. A regular driver's license does not allow you to operate a motorcycle. You must have either a motorcycle permit or a motorcycle endorsement (Class M) on your license. Riding without one is illegal and can result in a citation.

What if I move to Minnesota from another state with a motorcycle endorsement?

You can transfer your out-of-state endorsement to a Minnesota driver's license without taking the written test or riding test. Visit a DVS office with your out-of-state license and proof of Minnesota residency. You'll pay a transfer fee, and your new license will show the Class M endorsement.

Do I need insurance to get a motorcycle permit?

You don't need insurance to get the permit itself, but you must have insurance before you ride on public roads. Minnesota requires all motorcycle riders to carry liability insurance. When you take the riding test, you'll need to show proof of insurance.

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. The written knowledge test must be taken in person at a Minnesota DVS office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or at a third-party testing center. Visit the DVS website to find an office near you and check their hours.

What happens to my permit if I get a traffic ticket while riding?

A traffic ticket doesn't automatically cancel your permit. However, if you're cited for a serious violation (like reckless driving or riding without a helmet), it could affect your ability to get your endorsement when you test. Be honest with the examiner about any citations you've received.