Motorcycle Endorsement Requirements by State

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026

Whether a state-approved rider training course is required, whether a road skills test is required (or waived upon course completion), and the minimum age for a motorcycle license or endorsement.

50 States2 data columnsLast updated: May 2026

Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to reverse, and a third time to reset.

Training Course	Road Test	Minimum Age
Optional	Yes	16
Optional	Yes	14
Optional	Yes	16
Optional	Yes	16
Required <21	Yes	16
Required	Yes	16
Required	Yes	16
Optional	Yes	16
Required	Waived w/ MSF	16
Optional	Yes	17
Optional	Yes	15
Optional	Yes	15
Required	Waived w/ MSF	16
Optional	Yes	16.5
Optional	Yes	14
Optional	Yes	14
Optional	Yes	18
Required <18	Yes	15
Required <18	Yes	16
Required	Waived w/ MSF	15.75
Optional	Yes	16.5
Required	Waived w/ MSF	16
Required <18	Waived w/ MSF	16
Optional	Yes	16
Optional	Yes	16
Optional	Yes	16
Optional	Yes	16
Optional	Yes	16
Required	Waived w/ MSF	16
Required	Waived w/ MSF	17
Required <18	Waived w/ MSF	15.5
Optional	Yes	16
Optional	Yes	16
Optional	Yes	14
Required	Waived w/ MSF	16
Optional	Yes	16
Required	Waived w/ MSF	16
Optional	Yes	16
Required	Waived w/ MSF	16
Optional	Yes	15
Optional	Yes	14
Required <18	Waived w/ MSF	15
Required	Waived w/ MSF	15
Required <19	Waived w/ MSF	16
Required	Waived w/ MSF	16
Required <19	Waived w/ MSF	16
Required	Waived w/ MSF	16
Optional	Yes	16
Required	Waived w/ MSF	16
Optional	Yes	16
Required	Yes	18

Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic RiderCourse completion typically substitutes for the DMV road test. The federal Motorcycle Safety Act provides grant funding to state training programs. Minimum age requirements often differ for learner permits versus full endorsements. All 50 states issue REAL ID-compliant motorcycle endorsements that are recognized by other states under the Driver License Compact.

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.