Motorcycle endorsement

Michigan offers two options for obtaining a motorcycle endorsement:

• Complete an approved Michigan Rider Education Program (MI-REP) training course, or
• Obtain a motorcycle Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) at a Secretary of State office, practice riding with an experienced motorcyclist for up to 180 days and pass a Rider Skills Test offered by an approved driver testing business.

We offer a variety of classes for motorcyclists of all skill levels.

Basic RiderCourse (BRC) is for the novice rider and covers the fundamentals of operating a motorcycle. Successful completion will allow riders to obtain a motorcycle endorsement.

Intermediate Rider License Waiver/Basic RiderCourse 2 (IRLW/BRC2) is a one-day waiver class for motorcyclists with riding experience who want to brush up on their skills and obtain their motorcycle endorsement.

Three-Wheel Basic RiderCourse (3WBRC) is specifically designed for three-wheeled motorcycles. The course includes four hours of classroom activities and up to eight hours of on-cycle riding exercises. Students passing the course are eligible only for the three-wheel restriction on the motorcycle endorsement.

Advanced RiderCourse (ARC) is for experienced, endorsed riders looking to improve their skills, including swerving, turning, and quick stops. Motorcycling organizations may require this course before participants can register for group rides. The ARC is for riders with a motorcycle endorsement (CY) already on their license.

If you previously had a motorcycle endorsement that was dropped within the last four years and proof of the endorsement can be established, the endorsement can be reissued (the knowledge and skills tests are waived).

If the motorcycle endorsement was dropped more than four years ago, you must pass a motorcycle rider safety course, or pass a motorcycle knowledge test, obtain a motorcycle TIP, and pass a rider skills test.

A motorcycle Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) is a two-step process used to obtain a motorcycle endorsement. It gives new riders an opportunity to practice riding on public roads under the constant supervision of an experienced motorcyclist before taking the motorcycle skills test. To obtain a TIP, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old
• If you are 16 or 17, you must also show proof of enrollment in a motorcycle rider safety training course. A parent’s signature is also required unless the applicant is an emancipated minor.
• Hold a valid Michigan driver’s license
• Pass the vision test
• Pass the motorcycle written knowledge test
• Pay the TIP fee

The TIP is valid for 180 days. While driving on a motorcycle TIP, you cannot ride at night or carry passengers, and you must be under the constant visual supervision of a licensed motorcycle operator who is at least 18 years old.

If you are under the age of 18 years in Michigan, you must successfully complete the motorcycle safety course to get the endorsement.

Michigan law allows the issuance of no more than two motorcycle TIPs within a 10-year period. If your second TIP has expired or if you have failed two motorcycle skills tests, you must pass a motorcycle safety course to obtain your motorcycle endorsement.

Schedule an office visit

Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual

The second step to attaining your motorcycle endorsement with the TIP process is to complete the motorcycle skill test (Rider Skill Test RST) offered through a driver testing business examiner.

Search for driver testing business locations

You can request a duplicate for a motorcycle TIP that was lost, stolen, or mutilated for a replacement fee of $9.

To operate a moped on public roads, you must have either a moped license or a standard, enhanced or chauffeur’s license, a GDL Level 1 license with a moped privilege added, or a GDL Level 2 or Level 3 license.

If your moped has an engine larger than 100 cc and travels faster than 30 miles per hour, by definition it becomes a motorcycle, and you will need a motorcycle endorsement.

A motorcycle is a two- or three-wheeled motor vehicle, equipped with a saddle or seat, that can attain speeds greater than 30 mph on a level surface. Some vehicles, such as "pocket rockets" or "mini choppers" may meet this definition but don't have all the equipment required by Michigan law to be legally driven on public roads and will not be registered by the Michigan Department of State.

A moped has an engine displacement not exceeding 100 cc, no manual gearshift, and is capable of no more than 30 mph on a level surface.

A scooter may be classified as either a moped or a motorcycle, depending on its size and performance.

Your name will appear on two separate lines. Your first and middle name will appear on the first line, and your last name will appear on the line directly below.

• Michigan’s system allows up to 36 characters in the full name fields. If your name exceeds this limit, it will be automatically shortened.
• Apostrophes cannot be included on a Michigan driver’s license or state ID. Hyphens can be used for multiple names and will appear on the card.
• Suffixes such as JR, SR, and Roman numerals up to X may be included. These suffixes will appear at the end of the first line after your first and middle name.