How to Get a Motorcycle License in Michigan

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How to Get a Motorcycle License in Michigan

How to Get a Motorcycle License in Michigan

Get Your Motorcycle Endorsement So You Can Get On The Road!

Are you looking to experience the thrill of open-air riding that a motorcycle offers? If you live in Michigan, there are some incredible roads and destinations to travel to! Getting your motorcycle endorsement varies from state to state. In Michigan, it's fairly straight forward. Still, it is important to know that you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Michigan driver's license, and have passed either an approved motorcycle rider education course offered by a public or private sponsor, or a rider skills test offered by an approved driver testing business. Here at BMW Motorcycles of Detroit, we love helping newly endorsed riders get their first bike! You may not be exactly sure which model is best for you, and we are here to help. Follow these steps and you will be on your way to cruising the open roads of Michigan, and beyond!

Obtain a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP)

If you're at least 16 years old, you can apply for a TIP at a Secretary of State office. You will need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test specifically for motorcycles. A motorcycle Temporary Instruction Permit is a transitory tool used to obtain the 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. The TIP differs from a full motorcycle endorsement in that with the 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. The TIP is valid for 180 days.

Complete a rider education course

Michigan law requires all new riders to complete an approved motorcycle safety course. The Basic Rider Course (BRC) offered by the Michigan Department of State is one such option. Successful completion of the course will provide you with a Skills Test Waiver Certificate (STWC).  If you don't complete the rider education course, you'll need to schedule a skills test at a Secretary of State office. This test evaluates your ability to operate a motorcycle safely. Here are a few options in the greater Detroit area:

Gather required documents and visit the Secretary of State office

Before heading to the SOS office, make sure to bring the documents listed below. Next, schedule an appointment or visit a Secretary of State office with your documents, TIP (if applicable), and STWC (if you completed the rider education course). You'll need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test specifically for motorcycles. If you completed the rider education course, the STWC will exempt you from taking the skills test. You will also have to pay the required fees for your license.

  • Proof of identity (such as a certified birth certificate or valid U.S. passport)
  • Social Security Number (SSN) or a letter of ineligibility if you don't have an SSN
  • Proof of Michigan residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement)

Receive your Michigan motorcycle endorsement

Upon successfully completing the required tests and providing the necessary documents, you will receive a motorcycle endorsement on your Michigan driver's license, indicating that you are legally permitted to operate a motorcycle. Now comes the fun part, becoming the owner of a motorcycle! There are a large variety of bike sizes, power levels, price-points, and styles. So, spend some time to really figure out what is for you. If you want some guidance, just reach out to us at BMW Motorcycles of Detroit. It is also important to remember the gear you will need to stay safe. This includes a DOT helmet, riding jacket, pants, gloves, and motorcycle boots, to name a few. 

Find your dream motorcycle at BMW Motorcycles of Detroit

If you have your motorcycle license, or are close to getting it, visit us here at our BMW Motorcycle dealership in Michigan! We have a huge selection of models, including both new and used. BMW Motorrad offers various categories of bikes, including Touring, Adventure, Heritage, Urban Mobility, Sport, and Cruiser. View all inventory online, or stop in during our business hours to check out in person!