How To Get Motorcycle License In Mn – Complete Guide
To get a motorcycle license in Minnesota, start with a valid Minnesota driver’s license. Then apply for a motorcycle instruction permit at a driver exam station.
You’ll pay the $29 fee and take a 40-question knowledge test. You must score at least 32 correct to pass.
If you’re under 18, you’ll also need to complete an approved rider course. After that, finish the Basic Rider Course or pass the DMV skills test.
Once you pass, you can get your endorsement. Then you’ll be able to ride legally.
How to Get a Motorcycle License in MN
To get a motorcycle license in Minnesota, you first need a valid Minnesota driver’s license. You also must pass the 40-question motorcycle knowledge test at a driver examination station, with at least 32 correct answers.
You need a valid Minnesota driver’s license and must pass the 40-question motorcycle knowledge test with at least 32 correct answers.
Study the Minnesota motorcycle manual, then practice riding to prepare for the DMV motorcycle test. After you pass, apply for an instruction permit and pay the required fee.
If you’re under 18, you must complete a state-approved rider course before getting it. With the permit, ride safely: no passengers, a DOT-approved helmet only, and no night riding.
To earn your motorcycle endorsement, you can take the DMV on-cycle skills test. Or, you can finish the Basic Rider Course, which waives that test.
What You Need for the Minnesota Motorcycle Permit
Before you apply for a Minnesota motorcycle instruction permit, make sure you already have a valid Minnesota driver’s license. You’ll need that first before you can move forward.
To meet the Minnesota motorcycle permit instruction permit requirements, you’ll need to:
- Bring proof of your license and pay the $29 permit fee.
- Pass the written knowledge test at a driver exam station using the Minnesota Motorcycle Manual.
- If you’re under 18, complete a Basic Rider Course and present your completion certificate.
- Follow the safety limits, including wearing a DOT-approved helmet. You can’t carry passengers, and you must follow the helmet and night restrictions until you earn the endorsement.
Your permit is valid for one year.
Use that time to ride carefully, build skills, and prepare for full riding privileges.
How to Pass the Minnesota Motorcycle Knowledge Test
Passing the Minnesota motorcycle knowledge test starts with thorough study of the Minnesota Motorcycle Manual and the Minnesota Driver’s Manual. The exam has 40 questions, and you need at least 32 correct to pass. Start with the official motorcycle manual, then reinforce it with practice tests that match Minnesota DMV motorcycle content. Focus on road rules, signs, motorcycle laws, protective gear, and permit restrictions.
| Study focus | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| DOT helmet rules | Keeps you legal and safer |
| Road signs | Prevents avoidable errors |
| Permit limits | Protects your DVS motorcycle permit progress |
Check 2026 updates on the Minnesota DVS website, especially helmet and lane filtering changes. If you’re under 18, confirm rider training requirements. Study smart, answer confidently, and you’ll be ready.
Take the Basic Rider Course and Skills Test
Next, you’ll need to choose between the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center’s Basic Rider Course and the DMV skills test.
The Basic Rider Course, or BRC, helps you build control in a safe setting. It can also waive the riding test for your motorcycle endorsement.
If you’re 18 or older, submit proof of completion to DVS.
If you’re under 18, you still need to follow DVS rules.
If you skip the course, bring a valid instruction permit.
Also bring a street-legal, licensed, insured motorcycle and DOT-approved helmet plus gloves to the exam station.
The DMV skills test checks:
- figure-8 control
- cone weave
- quick stop
- obstacle swerve
You must brake smoothly and avoid rear-wheel lock.
Keep your feet up, too.
Practice only within permit limits.
Use a course bike if you don’t own one.
Get Your Minnesota Motorcycle Endorsement
Once you’ve completed the written knowledge test and met the riding requirement, you can move forward with your Minnesota motorcycle endorsement.
Complete the written knowledge test and riding requirement, then you can move forward with your Minnesota motorcycle endorsement.
First, confirm you hold a valid driver’s license and keep your instruction permit current. It lasts one year.
If it expires, you’ll retake the written knowledge test and pay again.
Riders 18+ can earn the Minnesota motorcycle endorsement by passing the motorcycle skills test at the DMV. You can also finish the Basic Rider Course (BRC), which waives the test.
If you’re under 18, you must complete state-approved rider training and the riding evaluation.
For the DMV test, bring a street-legal, licensed, insured motorcycle plus a DOT-approved helmet and protective gear.
Then pay the $29 permit/endorsement fee. After that, add the endorsement so you can ride legally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Ride With a Permit Before Earning the Endorsement?
Yes, you can ride with a Minnesota motorcycle instruction permit, but there are limits.
You must already have a valid driver’s license. You also can’t carry passengers.
You can’t ride from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. You’ll need a DOT-approved helmet, insurance, and registration.
To ride without restrictions, you’ll need to pass the skills test or complete the Basic Rider Course and earn your endorsement.
How Long Is a Minnesota Motorcycle Permit Valid?
A Minnesota motorcycle permit is valid for one year from the date it’s issued.
Track that deadline closely. If it expires, you’ll need to retake the written knowledge test and pay the fee again.
Ride responsibly while your permit’s active. Keep your training current.
If you’re under 18, you also must complete a state-approved rider course. This helps you move toward endorsement safely and legally.
Can Out-Of-State Training Count Toward Minnesota Endorsement Requirements?
Yes. If you’ve completed an out-of-state Basic Rider Course or an equivalent MSF-approved training, Minnesota can count it toward your endorsement requirements and waive the riding skills test.
You’ll need to bring the original completion certificate to a DVS office.
If you’re under 18, extra Minnesota requirements still apply.
If your course isn’t accepted, you’ll have to pass the state skills test on a street-legal, licensed, insured motorcycle before you can get endorsed.
Do I Need Motorcycle Insurance Before Taking the Skills Test?
Yes—you need insurance before you take the skills test.
In Minnesota, your test bike must be street-legal, registered, plated, and insured.
Riding uninsured can lead to serious penalties.
Nearly 1 in 5 motorcycle crashes involve unlicensed or improperly prepared bikes, so don’t risk it.
Bring proof of insurance, or use a training-school motorcycle if the school covers it.
If you’re borrowing a bike, confirm the owner’s policy first.
Can I Renew a Motorcycle Endorsement Separately From My Driver’s License?
No, you can’t renew a motorcycle endorsement separately in Minnesota.
You renew it when you renew your driver’s license, and you’ll pay the normal license fees together.
If your license expires, you may need to retake the written test, skills test, or both to restore the endorsement.
If you’re 18 or older, an approved Basic Rider Course can waive the skills test.
Check DVS for the exact requirements.
Conclusion
Getting your Minnesota motorcycle license is straightforward when you follow the steps and ride safely. Start with the permit, study for the knowledge test, and then complete the Basic Rider Course and skills test to earn your endorsement.
Remember, motorcycles make up only about 3% of registered vehicles in the U.S., but account for a much higher share of traffic fatalities. Proper training matters, so stay alert and ride smart.
Practice often and keep safety your top priority.
