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Motorcycle Wheel

MINNESOTA MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT

Understanding Minnesota Legislaton

HOW DO I EARN A MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT IN MINNESOTA?

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Every person who operates a motorcycle on public roads in Minnesota must have a valid driver's license before they can earn a motorcycle instruction permit or license endorsement. If you are under 18 years of age, you are required to take the MMSC BASIC RIDER COURSE.

 

To earn your endorsement, you must:

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  • Have a Minnesota driver’s license or an instruction permit. It is necessary to have a license or permit to enroll in the Basic Rider Course. PREPARE FOR PERMIT TEST.

  • Successfully complete the Basic Rider Course. This requires 100 percent attendance and completion of a knowledge test and skill test. Upon completion, you will receive two certificates to take to a Driver and Vehicle Services exam station along with your valid Minnesota driver's license. One certificate will allow you to take the state knowledge test for the motorcycle instruction permit. The other certificate will allow you to take the state skill test for the motorcycle endorsement. 

  • Have a Minnesota driver’s license—you cannot earn a motorcycle permit or endorsement with a driver’s instruction permit.

  • Pass the state knowledge test for the motorcycle instruction permit. You must present the completion certificate. The fee is $29. To study for the motorcycle permit test, pick up a copy of the Minnesota Motorcycle/Motorized Bicycle Manual at an exam station or DOWNLOAD AN ELECTRONIC COPY HERE.

  • Pass the state skill test for the motorcycle endorsement. You must present the completion certificate.

  • Pay the $11.75 fee and receive your endorsement.​

 

CLICK HERE TO FIND AN EXAM STATION

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If you are 18 years of age or older, there are two ways to earn your motorcycle endorsement.

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  • Go to a Driver and Vehicle Services exam station. You must:

    • Have a Minnesota driver’s license.

    • Pass the state knowledge test for the motorcycle instruction permit. To study for the motorcycle permit test, pick up a copy of the Minnesota Motorcycle/Motorized Bicycle Manual at an exam station or download an electronic copy.

    • Pass the state skill test for the motorcycle endorsement. (Some exam stations are open late for motorcycle skill tests. See “Evening Hours” below.)

    • Pay the fees. The fee is $29 for the motorcycle instruction permit and $11.75 for the duplicate license.

    • CLICK HERE to find a state exam station. To schedule a motorcycle skill test at a state exam station online, CLICK HERE. 

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  • Use the Skill Test Waiver/Third Party Testing option. If you are 18 years of age or older and have a valid Minnesota driver’s license and motorcycle instruction permit, the skill test for your motorcycle endorsement will be waived if you successfully complete the Basic Rider Course. You must:

    • Pass the STATE KNOWLEDGE TEST at a Driver and Vehicle Services exam station to earn a motorcycle instruction permit. The fee is $29. To study for the motorcycle permit test, pick up a copy of the Minnesota Motorcycle/Motorized Bicycle Manual at an exam station or DOWNLOAD AN ELECTRONIC COPY HERE.

    • To qualify for the skill test waiver, you must have your permit before taking the Basic Rider Course skill test. Expired permits are accepted if they have been expired for less than one year.

    • Successfully complete the MMSC BASIC RIDER COURSE. This requires 100 percent attendance and you must pass the Basic Rider Course skill test. Driver and Vehicle Services reserves the right to retest any student, even if he or she passed the course.

    • Note: riders who have already failed a state and/or MMSC skill test twice are not eligible for the State Skill Test Waiver. All subsequent skill tests for a motorcycle endorsement must be taken at a DVS exam station.

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  • Special Evening Hours for the State Riding Test:​​

    • The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Driver and Vehicle Services has a convenient evening testing program for motorcyclists. Several exam stations are open from 5 to 7 p.m. one night per week for motorcycle endorsement skill testing. CLICK HERE to see the Evening Testing schedule for dates, times, and contact information.

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