What a motorcycle endorsement is, who needs one, and how to add it to your Minnesota driver license.
In Minnesota the motorcycle privilege is an endorsement added to your existing driver's license — not a separate license class. Every person who operates a motorcycle on public roads must carry a valid driver's license with the appropriate motorcycle instruction permit or endorsement (MN Manual, License Endorsement and Permit).
Testing on a three-wheeled motorcycle restricts you to operating three-wheelers; you can remove that restriction by taking the skills test on the type of motorcycle you want to ride. Autocycles can be driven with a regular driver's license and need no endorsement.
| Endorsement | Motorcycle-Only License | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Drivers who already hold a Minnesota license | Riders without a regular driver license |
| Added to | Your existing license | Issued as its own license |
| Knowledge test | Motorcycle knowledge test | Motorcycle knowledge test |
| Lets you drive a car | Yes — keeps your car privileges | No — motorcycle only |
A rider 18 years of age or older who holds a valid motorcycle instruction permit can earn the endorsement by passing the skills test at the end of a state-approved Basic Rider Course — a skills-test waiver (MN Manual, Rider Training and Education).
Riders younger than 18 must take the Basic Rider Course before the state motorcycle knowledge and skills tests, not as a waiver. Training is administered through the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center (800-407-6677, motorcyclesafety.org), and training motorcycles are provided.
The motorcycle instruction permit/endorsement fee is $29. New residents transferring a valid out-of-state motorcycle endorsement take a knowledge test (the skills test is waived) and pay a $29 endorsement fee added to the Minnesota license cost.
When you renew your Minnesota license that carries a two-wheel motorcycle endorsement, you pay the license fee plus a $17 motorcycle endorsement fee. New residents have 60 days to register their motorcycle.
Source: Test details reflect the consensus of major rider-education sources — confirm with the state agency before your visit. The motorcycle knowledge test is 25 questions — 20 correct (80%) to pass. The 40-question exam is for the standard Class D license, not the motorcycle test.