How To Get A Motorcycle License In Michigan [Easy Guide]


How to Get a Motorcycle License in Michigan

Whenever Michigan is mentioned, you’ll always think about the four Great lakes that encircle this fantastic state. Actually, this little fact gives Michigan 3,288 miles of shoreline for residents and tourists to enjoy alike.

If you own a motorcycle, you’ll be able to have a greater enjoyment of not just the breathtaking shorelines but also the countless mills and farmlands that bless the land as well. Yet, the first thing you need to do is understand how to get a motorcycle license in Michigan.

Surprise, there’s no such thing as a motorcycle license in Michigan! Instead, you just need to have a standard driver’s license or apply for one if you don’t. Then, you’ll go through a set of procedures in order to obtain what’s called a CY endorsement, and that’s equivalent to a motorcycle license.

Step One: Normal License

As we’ve mentioned before, to obtain the CY endorsement, you need to either present or acquire a valid level 1 or level 2 Michigan driver’s license. We’ll quickly walk you through the steps to getting that.

Requirements

While the process is fairly straightforward, the challenging part can sometimes be gathering the documents you’ll need to present. Here’s what you’ll need: 

  • Proof of identity 
  • Proof of Michigan residency 
  • Proof of US citizenship
  • Your Social Security status

Tests

Next, you’ll have to undergo some tests to assess your knowledge of the road rules and, of course, your driving capabilities. At this point, you’ll have to take a written examination covering traffic sign signals, how to operate your motorcycle, and the basic traffic laws. The good news is that if you happen to fail the test, you can wait one day and retake it.

Following that, you’ll have to take the road test or present proof that you’ve completed a certified motorcycle safety course, such as the basic rider course. The second option becomes obligatory if you fail the test twice.

P.S: if you’ve recently moved to Michigan and you already have a valid license, you may very well not need all of the documentation that we’ve mentioned before. The Michigan Secretary of State office might automatically transfer your license from your previous state to Michigan.

Step Two: CY Endorsement

Now, you must work towards obtaining your CY endorsement, and the first step to that is to get a TIP (Temporary Instruction Permit) or, in our case, Temporary Motorcycle Permit.

Temporary Motorcycle Permit

First, you must have your regular Michigan license on you, and if you’re under 18 years old,  you’ll have to take a safety training course. Next, you’ll pay $13.5 and get your permit, which is valid for 180 days.

Tests

Just like the steps to obtaining your regular driver’s license, you’ll have to take a road test for the road and traffic laws, signs, and safety precautions, plus a vision test.

Safety Courses

Every state differs from the other in offering a set of safety courses for four-wheeled and two-wheeled vehicles. 

Nonetheless, if you wish to undertake the test that will prepare you best for cruising Michigan with your motorcycle, a basic rider course is your best choice. It’ll teach you how to work with your motorcycle and make the most out of it as a whole.

Other options that you can go for include an on-road skills test with the Secretary of State, Basic Rider Course 2, a returning Rider Basic Rider Course, or a three-wheel Basic Rider Course.

Certificate Representation

Finally, you’ll pack up your certificate, which verifies that you have completed any of the courses mentioned above, present it at the Secretary of State Office, and make a payment of $16 to get your CY endorsement.

Final Words

As you can see, things are a little bit different in Michigan. You need to have your normal drivers’ license on you before you think about doing anything else. Moreover, there’s a variety of routes that you can take, and they all lead to the same results either way. 

Find the one that suits you best, and don’t hesitate, as the beauties offered by the Great Lake state are unparalleled. We hope that you’ve learned all you can about how to get a motorcycle license in Michigan. Last but certainly not least, be safe at all times. 

Oliver Nolan

Being a biking fanatic, I decided to be your source for all things motorcycling, with a specialty in motorcycle gear. Let’s navigate the motorcycle gear world!

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