How to Get Your Motorcycle Licence or Endorsement

A motorcycle endorsement (added to your existing driver's licence) or a standalone motorcycle licence (required in some states) is your legal authorisation to operate a motorcycle on public roads. Every state requires one — riding without it is a violation in every jurisdiction.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic RiderCourse is the gold standard for new rider training. It covers both the knowledge and hands-on riding skills you need, and in most states its completion waives the DMV road skills test entirely.

MSF Basic RiderCourse — what happens

The MSF BRC (Basic RiderCourse) consists of two components: ERCOURSE (online or classroom) — theory, traffic strategies, and riding concepts (3-4 hours); RANGE — actual riding on a closed course with instructor coaching (10-12 hours, typically spread over two days). You do not need to own a motorcycle — all bikes are provided on the range. The course covers basic operation (clutch, throttle, brakes), low-speed maneuvers (turns, figure-8), braking techniques (trail braking, quick stops), and hazard avoidance. At the end, you complete a riding skills evaluation — pass it and you receive an MSF completion card that waives the DMV road test in most states.

What the written knowledge test covers

The motorcycle written test is separate from the car knowledge test and covers motorcycle-specific content: countersteering (pushing the left bar to go left at speed); proper cornering technique (look through the turn, slow before, roll on smoothly through); lane positioning for visibility and safety; protective gear (helmet standards, ATGATT philosophy); group riding etiquette and formation; mechanical inspection (T-CLOCS); and the unique hazards motorcyclists face (gravel in curves, left-turn accidents, road surface conditions). Study the state motorcycle handbook specifically — it's different from the car handbook and some questions don't overlap at all.

Step-by-step path

1. Read the state motorcycle operator handbook. Every state publishes a free motorcycle handbook (usually available as a PDF from the DMV website). This is the only source you need for the written knowledge test. Read it cover to cover — don't just use practice tests.
2. Pass the motorcycle knowledge test at the DMV. The written test is typically 25-40 questions; 80% pass required. You can take this before or after the MSF course (check your state's requirements). Once passed, you receive a motorcycle learner's permit/instruction permit.
3. Enrol in and complete the MSF Basic RiderCourse. Find a course near you at msf-usa.org. Book early — courses fill up quickly in spring and summer. Complete the eCourse or classroom portion, then the two-day range portion. Pass the riding evaluation at the end.
4. Visit the DMV with your MSF completion card. Present your MSF BRC completion certificate (valid for typically 12 months) to the DMV. In most states, this waives the road skills test. Pay the endorsement fee ($5-$50 depending on state) and the endorsement is added to your licence.
5. Continue developing skills. The BRC teaches the basics — it is a starting point, not a mastery certification. Continue practising in low-traffic environments, take an advanced MSF course (BRC2 or Advanced RiderCourse) after 6-12 months of riding, and ride within your skill level. Most motorcycle crashes involve experienced riders who exceeded their own skill limits — humility is a safety strategy.

Prepare for the exam