When can I ride a motorcycle?
There is no "motorcycle license" in Michigan. You must obtain a motorcycle endorsement which is added to your Michigan Drivers License.
There are two ways to obtain a motorcycle endorsement. There are basic rider safety courses that are offered throughout Michigan where a rider can obtain skills on how to operate a motorcycle safely. The other option is to take a road skills test.
Motorcycle Road Skills Test
A potential rider must obtain a Michigan motorcycle Temporary Instructional Permit (T.I.P) before they can take the road skills test. This allows a new rider to operate a motorcycle with another licensed motorcycle operator to practice their skills.
When a new rider is ready to take the road skills test they may scheule it for a day and time that is convenient for them.
The road skills test takes about a half hour to complete and the exercises are all conducted in a parking lot. There is no on-road operation of the motorcycle during the skills test.
When a rider successfully completes the road skills test, they may return to the Secretary of State office to obtain their motorcycle endorsement for their license.
For complete information on what the motorcycle test consists of and what is expected of you, there is a copy of the Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual available for download. Simply click on the icon below to download a copy of the manual.
Who can obtain a motorcycle endorcement?
Any person with a valid Michigan drivers license can obtain a motorcycle endorsement. If a person is UNDER 18, they must take a State of Michigan approved motorcycle operators safety course. There is no exception to this. If a person is 18 or older, they have the choice to either take the basic safety course or take the road skills test. In either case, the potential operator must obtain a Michigan motorcycle Temporary Instructional Permit (T.I.P.) from the Secretary of State's Office.
What does the Motorcycle Skills Test Cost?
The fee for the test is $35.00. If you do not own your own motorcycle yet, or don't have a motorcycle to test on, we do offer a motorcycle for rent. The cost to rent our motorcycle is $35.00
