Do you want to take your motorcycle and go on fantastic trips in Golden Loop Historic Parkway, Skyline Drive, Gold Belt Scenic Byway, or other Colorado scenic locations? If your answer is yes, let me tell you that you’ll have the time of your life.
But not just yet. First, you must obtain a driver’s license and then add an endorsement for motorcycle driving. Since Colorado does not issue motorcycle-only licenses, you might think that legally driving a motorcycle is a difficult thing to reach, it’s not. Let’s see how you can easily and quickly do this.
Motorcycle License in Colorado
Colorado does not issue motorcycle-only licenses. Instead, the state adds an endorsement on your already-valid driver license. And all motorcycle drivers should have class M motorcycle licenses.
There are different steps and rules for different group ages. Let’s check this out.
Applicants Above 18 Years Old
If you’re above 18, you can apply for an endorsement. First, you must pass the written test. This test examines your knowledge of traffic signs, the signals, the law that applies to motorcyclists. It also tests if you know the safety regulations or not.
Then, you’re required to pass the skill exam that tests your driving skills. You’ll later take a vision exam. After that, you will enter the review of physical aptitude, have your driving record reviewed, and finally pay the fees.
Applicants Between 15 and 18 Years Old
If you’re above 15 and under 18 years old, you’re allowed to add an endorsement only if you’re at least 16 years old and have had a motorcycle instruction permit for at least one year.
If this is the case, you should also submit an Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship and then follow the same steps required for people above 18.
How to Get the Instruction Permit
Applying and receiving a motorcycle instruction permit is pretty straightforward. Applicants should enroll in a Motorcycle Operator Skills Training (MOST) program and then provide proof of attending the course.
Upon receiving the permit, you’ll be able to use it to practice your driving skills, yet there are some restrictions.
Restrictions of Motorcycle Instruction Permit
There are some restrictions for people who will drive their motorcycles using their permit. These restrictions are mainly issued to ensure everyone’s safety.
- They should drive with MOST instructors or the parent or guardian who has signed the Affidavit of Liability.
- They should drive with the presence of another person above 21 with an M-endorsed driving license, and they should get their parent’s approval on this person.
Above 21
If you are above 21, you can get a license via two ways that we’ll discuss below.
- Passing a written test at the DMV office and then purchasing the instruction permit. You can then enter the driving test either at the DMV office or at an authorized third party. You can now pay the fees of adding an M-endorsement to your license.
- If you don’t want to do the above, you can pass the training course provided by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and submit your completion certificate to the DMV office. Then, after your driving and written tests are waived, you should pay the fees to get the motorcycle endorsement.
Under 21
If you’re under 21, you should abide by the following rules:
- You must have had your permit for at least a year
- You should prove that you’ve completed the Motorcycle Operator Skills Training (MOST) program.
- Bring an insured and registered motorcycle.
New Resident In Colorado
The above rules apply to the residents of Colorado, but what if you’re new there? Let’s check together what new residents of Colorado need to do to drive their motorcycles legally.
First of all, you should get a Colorado driving license. Then, you shall transfer your license and pay the needed fees for getting a motorcycle endorsement.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining a permit or adding an endorsement to your driving license in Colorado is very straightforward. Let’s go over them rather quickly.
You should be over 18 and if you’re still under 18, you must get a permit. Then, you shall pass a written and a skills test. Upon passing the exam, you’ll pay the fees and get the M endorsement.