How To Get a Minnesota Motorcycle License

You must have the proper endorsement on your Minnesota driver’s license in order to legally operate a motorcycle.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Getting a motorcycle license in Minnesota requires taking both a knowledge and a riding skills test, and, if you’re under 18 years of age, completing a Basic Rider Course.
Dying to recreate all those iconic Minnesota Purple Rain motorcycle scenes? We get it! But before you don your puffy blouse and speed off into the night, you’ll need to get a motorcycle license endorsement first. Don’t worry, it’s not hard when you have
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Come along with the top-rated
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Do you need a license to operate a motorcycle in Minnesota?

Yes. To legally operate a motorcycle in Minnesota, you need to have the proper endorsement added to your Minnesota driver’s license. 
You’ll need to be at least 16 years old and already have a valid driver’s license
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How to add a motorcycle endorsement to your Minnesota driver’s license

There’s no option to just get a motorcycle license in Minnesota, so you’ll need to have a valid Minnesota driver’s license first. The other steps you’ll need to take vary depending on your age. 
If you are under 18 years old, here’s what you’ll need to do: 
And voila! A motorcycle endorsement is all yours—congratulations! Remember that if you’re under 18, Minnesota law requires that you wear an approved helmet when you’re operating your motorcycle. 
If you’re 18 years of age or older, the process is just a little different. 
You won’t be required to take the BRC, but if you do, then you won’t have to take the riding skills test at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Service office. Without the class, you’ll need to pass both the knowledge test and the riding skills test. Upon completion of those, you pay your fees and you’re ready to go. 
Wearing a helmet is optional if you are 18 or older in Minnesota, but it’s strongly recommended that you do so. No matter what age you are, Minnesota law does require that you wear eye protection when you are operating a motorcycle. A windshield doesn’t count—it must be a face shield, goggles, or glasses. 
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How to save on car and motorcycle insurance in Minnesota

Motorcycle riders in Minnesota don’t have to carry as much insurance as those who drive cars, but they still have to have basic liability coverage. So the good news is that if you only need
motorcycle insurance
, it’s generally
cheaper than car insurance
Jerry
is the best way out there to get fantastic savings on your
car insurance
, but we can help out with your motorcycle coverage as well! After you’ve downloaded the top-rated app, just text one of the friendly Jerry agents with some basic info about your motorcycle, and they’ll get to work finding you a selection of great policies to choose from. 
No matter what kind of car or motorcycle you have or where you live, you can count on super app Jerry to get you the coverage you need at the lowest possible price. On average, drivers who get car insurance through the Jerry app save an average of $800 a year
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FAQs

Yes. You must pass a motorcycle knowledge test in Minnesota. In addition, there is a rider skills test, but that can be waived if you complete the appropriate educational course.
Operating a motorcycle without the proper endorsement in Minnesota can result in up to 90 days in jail and/or fines of up to $1,000. In addition, you also risk having your motorcycle towed and impounded.
No. While the requirements are a little lower than for a car, you are still required to have bodily injury and property liability insurance as a Minnesota motorcyclist.
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