Riding a motorcycle in Minnesota involves more than hopping on a bike and hitting the road. The state has specific licensing rules meant to ensure riders understand traffic laws and can safely control a motorcycle before riding independently.
If you’re wondering how to get a motorcycle license in Minnesota, the process involves a few steps: meeting age requirements, passing written and skills tests, and deciding whether to take a rider course. Here’s what you need to know.
Injured in a motorcycle crash? Call Meshbesher & Spence at (612) 339-9121 or contact us online for a free case review.
Start With the Motorcycle Instruction Permit
In Minnesota, riders must obtain a motorcycle instruction permit before practicing on public roads or taking the state motorcycle skills test. You apply through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), which includes passing the state motorcycle knowledge test.
Permit Basics:
- Fee: Minnesota’s published fee for a motorcycle instruction permit or endorsement is $29, with endorsement exam fees listed separately at $2.50.
- Practice restrictions: With a permit, you cannot carry passengers or ride at night. Eye protection and a DOT-approved helmet are required while riding on a permit.
- Insurance: Minnesota law requires minimum liability insurance while operating a motorcycle, including when riding under a permit.
The permit is valid for one year and can be renewed.
Minnesota Motorcycle License Requirements
To legally operate a motorcycle on Minnesota roads, you must have a valid Minnesota driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement. The remaining requirements depend on your age.
Riders Under 18
Minnesota law requires riders under 18 to:
- Complete the Basic Rider Course (BRC) through the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center, and
- Pass the state motorcycle skills test at a DVS exam station.
Completing the course alone does not replace the testing requirement for minors.
Riders 18 and Older
If you are 18 or older, Minnesota offers two ways to qualify for your motorcycle endorsement. You can choose between completing an approved Basic Rider Course or passing the state motorcycle skills test without taking the course.
- Training option: Successfully complete a Basic Rider Course approved by Minnesota DPS. This allows you to obtain a motorcycle endorsement without the separate state skills test requirement.
- Testing option: If you do not take an approved course, you must pass the motorcycle skills test at a DVS exam station to earn your endorsement.
Both options require you to hold a motorcycle instruction permit before proceeding. After satisfying either the training or testing requirement and paying the necessary fees, you will receive the motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license.
Riding legally is important, but it doesn’t protect you from careless drivers.
Motorcycles are less visible than passenger vehicles, and many Minnesota motorcycle crashes involve driver errors such as left-turn violations, unsafe lane changes, and distracted driving.
Holding a valid endorsement won’t prevent a negligent driver from causing a crash, but it helps show that you followed the law and took responsible steps to ride safely.
If a driver’s carelessness leaves you injured, Meshbesher & Spence can investigate the crash, handle insurer communications, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and long-term effects.
Call (612) 339-9121 for a free consultation with a Minnesota motorcycle accident lawyer
How to Get Your Motorcycle License in Minnesota Through Training
Many riders choose training because it provides structured instruction before riding in traffic. Minnesota’s DPS recognizes the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center’s Basic Rider Course, which is designed for both new and returning riders.
The course includes classroom and hands-on riding instruction. Completing it allows many riders to add their endorsement without taking the state skills test.
Training also helps riders develop essential skills that matter when reacting to sudden or unsafe moves by Minnesota drivers, such as controlled braking, safe cornering, and evasive maneuvers.
Getting a Motorcycle License in Minnesota Without the Training Course
If you do not take the Basic Rider Course, you must pass the state riding skills test to earn your motorcycle endorsement. You can schedule the test at a DVS exam station and pay the duplicate license fee to receive the endorsement.
Arrive with your documents, your valid driver’s license, and your current permit. If you are under 18, bring proof of course completion as required.
Once approved, you can legally operate a motorcycle on Minnesota roads.
Why Training Matters
A license confirms that you met the legal requirements. Staying safe on Minnesota roads takes experience and preparation.
Motorcyclists face hazards that drivers in enclosed vehicles do not, including limited visibility, road debris, exposure to the elements, and distracted motorists. Training helps riders build habits that reduce risk, such as proper lane positioning, defensive scanning, and controlled braking on uneven surfaces.
For many riders, understanding how to get a motorcycle license in Minnesota is just the start. Developing defensive riding skills matters just as much once you are on the road.
Hurt in a Minnesota Motorcycle Crash?
Getting licensed is the first step toward safe riding, but even careful motorcyclists can be hurt by negligent drivers. Distracted driving, failure to yield, and left-turn collisions remain the leading causes of motorcycle crashes in Minnesota.
For more than 60 years, Meshbesher & Spence has represented riders injured across the state. We understand how these crashes happen, the injuries they cause, and how insurance companies try to shift blame onto motorcyclists.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, call (612) 339-9121 or contact us online for a no-cost consultation.
Proudly Representing Minnesota Residents
| Related Resources |
| If you found this motorcycle accident content helpful, please view the related topics below: Minneapolis Motorcycle Accident Attorney Minnesota Motorcycle Helmet Law Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Tips Contact us if you have specific questions on the matter or if you’d like to schedule a free consultation. |