If you want to explore the Magnolia State on the back of a motorcycle, gorgeous views and good times await you! But before you do, you’ll need to get a motorcycle endorsement added to your regular Mississippi driver’s license.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) has made the process pretty simple, and this article is here to walk you through just how to get it done. We’ll go over just what you need to do to get your

Mississippi

motorcycle endorsement!

Do you need a license to operate a motorcycle in Mississippi?

Yes! In order to ride a motorcycle or a scooter in Mississippi, you’ll need to get a motorcycle endorsement added to your driver’s license.

You must be at least 16 years old and you must already have your regular Mississippi driver’s license. There is no option to just get a “motorcycle only” license in Mississippi.

Make safe driving pay

Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.

Start earning now

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

The process is pretty simple! First, you’ll need to already have a valid Mississippi driver’s license. Once you have that, there are a few more things you’ll need to do:

Pass the written test. Obtain a copy of the

Mississippi Motorcycle Manual

and study up! Then, take the written test at a DPS location—it’s highly recommended that you

make an appointment

. Make sure you bring your driver’s license and any other

documents required

for ID purposes.

Pay the $1 permit fee. After you pass the written test, you’ll be issued a motorcycle learner’s permit.

Pass the road skills test. If you’re confident in your skills, you can take your road test the same day that you take your written test. You can also opt to practice a bit first—but you must always be accompanied by a person over 21 who has their motorcycle endorsement and is in a separate vehicle.

Pay the $5 endorsement fee. Once you pass the road skills test, you pay your fee and you earn your endorsement!

Pretty easy, right? Mississippi doesn’t require that you take any educational or safety courses to get your motorcycle endorsement. But if you successfully complete a motorcycle safety course endorsed by the

American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators

, you’ll only have to take the written test—no road skills test is required.

If you have a motorcycle endorsement on a valid out-of-state license, then you most likely won’t have to take the written motorcycle or road skills test to get it transferred over but check with the Mississippi DPS to be sure.

MORE:

Mississippi car insurance laws, explained

How to save on car and motorcycle insurance in Mississippi

No matter what you're driving or riding, you’ll want to make sure you get the best possible insurance coverage in Mississippi. Super app

Jerry

makes short work of finding you the best rate for

car insurance

through the fast and easy app, but we can also help you get motorcycle coverage too!

Once you’ve downloaded the app, just shoot a message to one of Jerry’s friendly licensed brokers. They’ll get some details on your bike, and then they’ll get to work finding you the coverage you need at a price that fits your budget.

The process is fast and easy, and the average Jerry shopper saves more than $800 a year on their car insurance costs!