What you need to know about Washington's motorcycle permit

Washington requires a separate motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license before you can legally ride a motorcycle on public roads. You cannot straightforward ride with a regular driver's license. The endorsement is called an "M" endorsement, and you get it by passing a written test, a vision test, and a riding skills test at a Department of Licensing (DOL) office.

You have two paths: take the state's riding test directly, or complete an approved motorcycle safety course and skip the state riding test. The safety course route is faster for most people and costs less overall, even though the course itself has a fee. Either way, you must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid Washington driver's license or instruction permit.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington requires an "M" endorsement on your driver's license to ride a motorcycle legally, obtained through the Department of Licensing.
  • You can pass the state riding test directly at a DOL office, or complete an approved motorcycle safety course to waive the riding test.
  • The safety course route is usually faster and cheaper than the state test, and many insurance companies offer discounts for course completion.
  • You must pass a written test and vision test at DOL regardless of which path you choose.
  • The entire process typically takes one to three weeks if you take the safety course route, or several weeks if you schedule the state riding test.

Taking the state riding test at DOL

If you choose to test directly with the state, you start by scheduling an appointment at your local Department of Licensing office. Call ahead or check the DOL website to find the office nearest you and see their current wait times — some offices have backlogs of several weeks. You will need to bring your valid driver's license or instruction permit, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment for the endorsement fee, which is currently $20 for a five-year endorsement.

At your appointment, you will take a written test on motorcycle rules and safety, then a vision test. If you pass both, you move to the riding skills test, which happens on the same day at most offices. The riding test takes place in a controlled lot and includes basic maneuvers like figure-eights, quick stops, and turns. You must bring your own motorcycle or have someone bring one for you — the state does not provide test bikes. The motorcycle must be street-legal and registered in Washington.

If you pass the riding test, the endorsement is added to your license on the spot or within a few days. If you fail the riding test, you can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment and pay the fee again.

Completing a motorcycle safety course instead

The faster route for most riders is to take an approved motorcycle safety course. Washington recognizes courses from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and other state-approved providers. These courses typically run one or two days and cost between $150 and $250. The course covers classroom instruction and hands-on riding practice, and the provider supplies the motorcycles — you do not need to bring your own.

When you finish the course, the provider gives you a completion certificate. You take that certificate to any Department of Licensing office, along with your valid driver's license or instruction permit, proof of residency, and the $20 endorsement fee. You still take the written test and vision test at DOL, but you skip the riding test because the course completion counts as proof of riding ability. Most people complete this entire process — course plus DOL visit — within one to two weeks.

Many insurance companies offer a discount on motorcycle insurance if you have completed an approved safety course, which can offset the course fee within the first year of coverage. Check with your insurer before you enroll to confirm the discount amount.

Finding and registering for a motorcycle safety course

The Washington Department of Licensing maintains a list of approved motorcycle safety course providers on its website. Search for "motorcycle safety course" on the DOL site to find providers near you, along with their schedules and fees. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is the largest provider and offers courses at multiple locations throughout Washington; you can also find MSF courses through their national website.

Course schedules vary by location and season. Some providers offer weekend courses, evening courses, or full-day intensive courses. Register directly with the provider — you do not register through DOL. Most providers require payment at the time of registration and have a cancellation policy, so read the terms before you sign up. Bring a valid ID and proof of residency to the course itself.

The written test and what it covers

Whether you take the state riding test or a safety course, you must pass Washington's motorcycle written test at DOL. The test has 25 questions and covers motorcycle operation, safety rules, and Washington traffic laws specific to motorcycles. You need a score of at least 80 percent to pass, which means you can miss no more than 5 questions.

The test covers topics like proper braking technique, how to handle curves, what to do in an emergency stop, helmet laws, and right-of-way rules. You can study using the Washington Motorcycle Operator Manual, which is free on the DOL website. Many people also use online practice tests to prepare. The written test is given on a computer at the DOL office and you get your score when ready.

Vision test requirements

Washington requires a vision test for the motorcycle endorsement. You must have vision of at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you to your DOL appointment. If you fail the vision test, you cannot proceed with the endorsement that day, but you can return after you have had your vision corrected.

Fees and timeline

The motorcycle endorsement fee is $20 for a five-year endorsement. If you choose the safety course route, add the course fee (typically $150 to $250) to your total cost. If you take the state riding test, there is no additional fee beyond the $20 endorsement fee, but you may need to pay for fuel and wear on your own motorcycle during practice.

Timeline depends on your route. If you take a safety course, you can often find an opening within one to two weeks, complete the course in one or two days, and visit DOL within a few days after that — total time is often two to three weeks. If you take the state riding test, you may wait several weeks for an appointment at your local DOL office, depending on their backlog. Once you have your appointment, the test and endorsement happen the same day or within a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a motorcycle permit before I get the endorsement?

No. Washington does not have a separate motorcycle permit stage. You move directly from your regular driver's license to the motorcycle endorsement once you pass the tests or complete the safety course. If you want to practice riding before you test, you can ride with a licensed motorcycle rider on public roads, but this is not required.

Can I use an out-of-state motorcycle safety course certificate?

Washington recognizes certificates from Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses and other state-approved providers, even if taken out of state. Bring the certificate to DOL along with your other documents. If your course was from a provider not on Washington's approved list, DOL may not accept it — call your local office first to confirm.

What happens if I fail the written test or riding test?

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. If you fail the riding test, you must schedule a new appointment and pay the $20 fee again. There is no limit on how many times you can retake either test, but each attempt requires a new appointment and fee.

Do I need to renew my motorcycle endorsement?

Your motorcycle endorsement is valid for the same period as your driver's license — typically five years. When you renew your driver's license, the endorsement renews automatically at no additional cost, as long as you have not had any suspensions or revocations.

Can I get the endorsement if I have an out-of-state driver's license?

You must have a valid Washington driver's license or instruction permit to get the motorcycle endorsement. If you have an out-of-state license, you will need to get a Washington driver's license first. You can do this at any DOL office by providing proof of residency, identity, and Social Security number.