Michigan Motorcycle Knowledge Test — FAQ

You must carry a motorcycle endorsement, shown on your license as 'CY,' on your operator's or chauffeur's license. Riding without it is a civil infraction, and your motorcycle can be towed and impounded.

There are two paths. You can pass an approved motorcycle rider education course, then visit a Secretary of State office, show the completion certificate, and pass the vision test. Or you can pass the written knowledge and vision tests, get a temporary instruction permit, practice, and pass the rider skills test through a driver testing business.

The Secretary of State does not publish an exact count. The questions come from the Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual and the rules of the road in 'What Every Driver Must Know.' Practice tests commonly use 20 questions with 16 correct (80%) to pass.

Yes. If you complete a motorcycle rider education course approved by the department, both the written knowledge test and the rider skills test are waived (MCL 257.309(10)). You then visit a Secretary of State office and pass the vision test to get the endorsement.

A TIP lets you legally practice on public roads for 180 days. Michigan issues only two TIPs in any 10-year period. If your second TIP expires before you pass the skills test, you must complete a rider education course to get your endorsement.

You must carry the permit, ride only in daylight, carry no passengers, and stay under the constant visual supervision of a licensed motorcycle operator who is at least 18 years old.

The skills test can be attempted only twice. If you do not pass the second attempt, you must pass an MSF Basic Rider Course to obtain your endorsement. The second attempt must be at least 24 hours after the first and before your TIP expires.

Riders under 21 must always wear a U.S. DOT-approved helmet, as must anyone taking a course or skills test. A rider 21 or older may ride without a helmet only if they have held the CY endorsement for more than two years (or passed an approved course) and carry at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits (MCL 257.658(5)).

If you operate a motorcycle over 35 mph and it is not equipped with a windshield, you must wear goggles, eyeglasses, or a transparent, shatter-resistant face shield large enough to protect your eyes (MCL 257.708a).

You must be at least 16 to apply for a motorcycle endorsement. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian's signature is required.

No. It is a separate motorcycle test. The Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual is a supplement to 'What Every Driver Must Know,' so the test also covers the rules of the road, signs, and signals from the regular driver handbook.

It uses four scored riding exercises: a cone weave and normal stop, a right turn from a stop with a marked left turn, a quick stop, and an obstacle swerve. You must bring a legally equipped, registered motorcycle and wear a DOT-approved helmet, or the test will not be given.

If you are eligible, the CY endorsement can be added to your license using the Secretary of State's online services at Michigan.gov/SOS or at a self-service station once you have met the requirements.

An endorsement issued for a three-wheeled motorcycle carries restriction code 20 and is restricted to that operation. It does not allow you to operate a two-wheeled motorcycle (MCL 257.312b(3)).

To register your motorcycle with the Secretary of State you must show proof of insurance with at least $20,000/$40,000 public liability and $10,000 property damage coverage.

No. You may not operate a motorcycle with less than a 125 cubic centimeter engine, or a moped, on a limited-access highway (MCL 257.679a).

The Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116) is published by the Michigan Department of State and is available free at Michigan.gov/Motorcycling, which also lists rider education courses and testing businesses.