How to Get a Motorcycle License in Michigan

Learn how to get a motorcycle license in Michigan from our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers.

According to the Secretary of State, in Michigan you need a motorcycle license endorsement on your driver’s license to legally operate a motorcycle. If you don’t have one, you could face a $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail for a first offense. The process for getting a motorcycle endorsement varies depending on your age.

Study the Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual. It is provided by the Michigan Department of State and provides useful information on the laws and regulations regarding motorcycle operation, safety tips, and important guidelines for obtaining a motorcycle license endorsement.

Michigan Motorcycle License Explained By Andrew Kryder, ESQ.

Who Is Eligible to Operate a Motorcycle in Michigan?

You must be at least 16 years old to operate a motorcycle. Applicants under 18 need a valid Level 2 or 3 Graduated Driver’s License. You must complete an approved motorcycle rider education course, then present the motorcycle safety training certificate to the Secretary of State’s office, pass the vision test, get a parent or guardian’s signature, and pay the $16.00 motorcycle endorsement fee.

If you’re 18 or older, you must pass a motorcycle rider education course or successfully complete a skills test from an approved testing business. Then present your valid Michigan driver’s license at the Secretary of State’s office or add the endorsement online. You’ll also need to pass a vision test and pay the motorcycle endorsement fee.

How Do I Add a Michigan Motorcycle Endorsement to My License?

When you have passed a rider education course or skills test, you have several options to get your endorsement:

Add an Endorsement Online

If you are 18+, go to Michigan Secretary of State website MyLogIn to set up an account or log in.

You will need your driver’s license number, the last four digits of your social security number, and a credit or debit card.

Add an Endorsement at a Self-Service Station

To locate a self-service station near you, use the self-service station map.

Add an Endorsement in Person

Schedule an in-person appointment. There are 131 offices, including a mobile office, in Michigan.

Endorsement by Mail

Mail-ins are not available for motorcycle endorsements.

What Is a Motorcycle Temporary Instruction Permit?

A motorcycle Temporary Instruction Permit (CY TIP) allows new riders to practice on public roads under the supervision of an experienced, responsible rider coach before taking the basic skills test for endorsement.

To obtain a CY TIP, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Provide proof of enrollment in a motorcycle safety course and a parent’s signature, unless emancipated (only for applicants aged 16 or 17)
• Hold a valid Michigan driver’s license
• Pass the vision test
• Pass the motorcycle written knowledge test
• Pay the TIP fee

In Michigan, you can only get two motorcycle TIPs in 10 years. If your second TIP expires, or you fail two skills tests, you must complete a motorcycle safety course to get your endorsement.

How to Learn to Ride a Motorcycle

If you opt to enroll in a Michigan motorcycle safety course to get your motorcycle endorsement, you can choose among several administered by the Michigan Rider Education Program. The non-profit Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) offers comprehensive rider education and training programs.

• The Basic Rider Course (BRC) combines 15 hours of classroom and on-range motorcycle training. No bike is required, and students must pass a written and riding test to earn their endorsement.
• The 12-hour 3-Wheel Basic Rider Course is for those wanting to ride three-wheelers. Participants must bring a properly registered and insured bike. Passing the course permits operation of three-wheelers only (not two-wheeled motorcycles).
• The Basic Rider Course Two and Returning Rider Course are for experienced motorcyclists with their own bike. Completion earns a motorcycle endorsement.
• The Advanced Rider Course is a one-day program for a licensed, experienced rider to enhance their riding skills, using their own insured motorcycle.

Locate a Michigan Rider Education Program course near you.

The Michigan Rider Skills Test

The rider skills test evaluates your ability to safely operate a motorcycle in traffic. To take the test, you need a registered motorcycle and proper gear: a DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, boots covering your ankles, a long-sleeve shirt or jacket, and full-fingered gloves.

In the skills test you’ll need successful completion of seven exercises that focus on starting, accelerating, turning, and braking.

What Insurance Is Required of Motorcyclists in Michigan?

Michigan’s Auto No-Fault Law doesn’t classify motorcycles as “motor vehicles,” so motorcyclists aren’t required to buy no-fault auto insurance.

Under Michigan law Section 3103(1), motorcyclists are required to carry liability insurance, also known as PLPD coverage, to cover bodily injury, death, or property damage caused to others if they are at fault in an accident.

Liability insurance requirements are:

• Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident 
• Property damage liability: $10,000 per accident 
• No-fault coverage (PIP & PPI): not required for motorcycles
• Medical benefits: if a motorcyclist chooses not to wear a helmet, they must have at least $20,000 in medical benefits coverage 

Getting Help If You’re in a Motorcycle Accident

The Michigan State Police reports that over 3,000 motorcycle accidents involved Michigan residents in 2023. While these make up just 1% of all crashes, they account for 15% of fatalities. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries caused by someone else’s negligence, call the attorneys at our personal injury law firm to get help.