How To Get a Colorado Motorcycle License

To get a Colorado motorcycle license, you’ll need to either pass written and driving tests or a state-approved Motorcycle Operator Safety Training course.
Written by Meaghan Branham
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Updated on Oct 24, 2022
To operate a motorcycle in Colorado, you’ll need to add a motorcycle endorsement to your existing driver’s license. That means you either need to complete a course known as MOST—the Motorcycle Operator Safety Training course—or pass both a written and skills test.
Whether you enroll in courses or get a motorcycle instruction permit to take some tests, a lot can go into getting your Colorado motorcycle license. But once you complete at least one of these options, you’re more than ready to purchase a new license with your motorcycle endorsement at the Colorado DMV.
If you’re looking to get your motorcycle license in Colorado,
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Do you need a license to operate a motorcycle in Colorado?

Yes. To drive either a two- or three-wheeled motorcycle with an engine over 50 ccs in Colorado you will need a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license.  That means you’ll need to have an existing valid driver's license from the state to drive a motorcycle. 
If you’re under the age of 18, though, those rules look a little different. Those under 18 need to purchase and have a motorcycle instruction permit for 12 months before they can add a motorcycle endorsement to their license. Drivers have to be at least 16 years old to get an independent endorsement, but drivers under 16 can practice with an instruction permit under the supervision of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructor. 
If you have a motorcycle license from another state, you will first need to get a Colorado driver's license, then pay the $21 license fee as well as the $2 fee for the motorcycle endorsement.  

How to add a motorcycle endorsement to your Colorado driver’s license

As long as you already have a valid driver’s license in Colorado, you can get a motorcycle endorsement added. In the Centennial State, there are two ways to go about that: 
  • You can take and pass the written exam, purchase a motorcycle instruction permit, then schedule and take a motorcycle driving skills test. Once you pass, you can head to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to purchase a new driver's license and add the motorcycle endorsement, OR 
  • You can complete a Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) course, then bring the MOST license waiver card to the DMV to purchase a new driver's license with the motorcycle endorsement. 
There are a few nuances to the process, however. First, you need to know which kind of endorsement you are looking for. In Colorado, you can either get a “3” or an “M” endorsement on your license. 
  • “M” endorsement: You can operate either a two- or a three-wheeled motorcycle, but you have to take your driving skills test on a two-wheeled vehicle.
  • “3” endorsement: You are only authorized to drive a three-wheeled motorcycle. In this case, you will take your driving skills test or complete your training course on a three-wheeled vehicle. 
If you decide to get your endorsement by exam, you can take the written test at the DMV, then take the driving test at either theDMV or an approved
third-party tester
. You will need to purchase a motorcycle instruction permit for $14 before you can take the skills test. 
If you opt for the MOST course, you will need to find a course with a
qualified instructor
and pay the associated fees. 
Once you have either passed both tests or received your waiver from a MOST course, you can present them at your local DMV and purchase your new license with a motorcycle endorsement. Make sure to bring your:
  • Proof of course completion
  • Your valid Colorado driver’s license
  • Cash or check for any endorsement and licensing fees 
In Colorado, you’ll need to pay $2 for your motorcycle endorsement, and $21 for a new license.
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Can you get a motorcycle-only license in Colorado?

No, the state of Colorado does not offer a motorcycle-only license. If you don’t have an existing Colorado driver’s license, and you want to drive your motorcycle in the state, you will need to get a driver’s license and add the endorsement. 
That means you’ll have to pay the $21 for a Colorado license, and the additional $2 for the motorcycle endorsement. 

How to save on car and motorcycle insurance in Colorado

Colorado car insurance is just slightly more expensive than that in other states. Plus, if you’re a motorcycle driver, the state requires you to carry additional motorcycle insurance. Luckily,
motorcycle coverage tends to cost less
than traditional car coverage. If you’re looking to insure a car in addition to your bike, the Jerry app can help. 
Jerry
takes the hard work out of comparison shopping to get you the best rates on the car insurance policy you need. Just download the app, answer a few questions, and then sit back and watch as we scour our network of over 55 top providers to find your most competitive customized offers. 
Jerry users save an average of $800 a year or more on their policies—you may even be able to use those savings to cover your motorcycle policy! 
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