Motorcycle Endorsement
Adding the motorcycle (M) endorsement to your Utah driver license allows you to operate a motor vehicle, except farm tractors, that has a saddle for the rider and is designed to travel with not more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground.
A motor-driven cycle is a motorcycle, motor scooter, moped, electric-assisted bicycle, motor-assisted scooter, and every motorized bicycle having an engine with less than 150 cubic centimeters displacement or a motor that produces not more than five (5) horsepower.
If you are interested in adding a motorcycle (M) endorsement to your Utah license you will need to take a 25-question motorcycle written knowledge test (scores are good for one year.) Study this handbook to prepare. Once passed, you will be issued a motorcycle learner permit that allows you to operate your car and any size motorcycle.
Step 1: Schedule an appointment for your visit:
- If your license expires in the next six (6) months you will renew your license.
- If your license does not expire within the next six (6) months you will apply for a replacement.
- If this is your first time Utah license you will apply for an original.
If you failed the motorcycle written knowledge test, click here to reschedule.
Step 2: Once you have your motorcycle learner permit you will need to complete the motorcycle driving skills test and you have two (2) options:
- Option 1: Take the test with the Driver License Division - schedule an appointment.
- Option 2: You can take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Beginning Rider Course (BRC.) Once the course has been completed, you will be given a completion card to bring with you when applying for the motorcycle endorsement. This card waives the driving skills test portion at the Driver License Division. Click the Motorcycle Course button below for more information.
The Utah Rider Education teaches in South Jordan, Ogden, Park City, and St. George. Salt Lake Community College teaches at the Redwood and South Jordan Campuses, Ogden, and St. George. Utah Tech University teaches in St. George.
This is a 15-hour course; ten (10) hours are spent on the motorcycle. The schools provide motorcycles and helmets. The schools use 150cc and 250cc motorcycles; if you take the course on one of those motorcycles, you will be restricted to that size of motorcycle. If you want to ride motorcycles larger than what you tested on with the school, you can re-test with the school or the Driver License Division.
Those schools also provide an Experienced Rider Course (ERC.) This course is five (5) hours long. If you have recent motorcycle riding experience and have over 2000 miles, you may take the ERC and ask to be tested on your motorcycle. If you complete the ERC test, you will receive a riding skills test waiver card that you can take to the Driver License Division. You must show your completion card (BRC) or (ERC) to the Driver License Division within six (6) months of course completion to receive the riding skills test waiver.
Motorcycle Schools (call or visit the website for fees and information):
- Salt Lake Community College
http://www.utahmotorcycletraining.com/
801.957.5200 - Salt Lake Harley-Davidson
https://www.harleydavidsonofsaltlakecity.com/Riding-Academy
801.487.4647
2928 South State Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84115 - Summit Harley-Davidson
https://summitharley.com/harleydavidson-riding-academy
801.434.4647
555 South Geneva Road
Lindon, Utah 84042 - Utah Rider Education
https://www.utahridered.com/
801.394.6564
Classes taught in South Jordan, Ogden, Park City, St. George - Utah Tech University
https://ce.utahtech.edu/motorcycle/
435.652.7675
225 South 700 East
St. George, Utah 84770 - Zion Harley-Davidson
https://zionhd.com/Services/Learn-To-Ride
888.329.2682
2345 North Coral Canyon Road
Washington, Utah 84780
**All riders under 21 years of age must wear a helmet.
Depending on the size of the motorcycle you are tested upon, you may be restricted to what size motorcycle you are permitted to drive. These restrictions are:
0 = 99 cc or less
2 = 249 cc or less
3 = 649 cc or less
If you are tested on a motorcycle with 650 cubic centimeters or more, you will have no restriction on your license and may ride any motorcycle of any size.
If you are tested on a three-wheeled motorcycle, you will have a restriction on your license, allowing you only to ride three-wheeled motorcycles. This includes two (2) wheels on the front or the rear of the motorcycle.
For the first two (2) months of the motorcycle learner permit, you will be restricted to riding a motorcycle with:
- No passengers.
- No riding between the hours of 10:00 pm and 6:00 am unless it is to or from the rider's residence, place of employment, agricultural operation, or in an emergency.
- No riding on highways posted more than 60 miles an hour.
- There are no restrictions for the third through six (6) months.
Riders less than 19 years of age are required to hold the motorcycle learner permit for a minimum of two (2) months unless the rider provides evidence that the Motorcycle Safety Foundations Basic Rider Education course has been successfully completed.
Note: If you are 15 years and six (6) months old and hold a valid learner permit or license for any classification, you may enroll in and complete a motorcycle rider course.
“Lane filtering” is the process of a motorcyclist moving between two (2) lanes in the same direction to the front of traffic stopped at an intersection, and speeds of 45 mph and lower is legal.
Watch this example of lane filtering created by the Layton PD.
Motorcycles can only filter when:
- You are on a roadway, or an off-ramp, divided into two (2) or more adjacent traffic lanes in the same direction of travel.
- You are on a roadway with a speed limit of 45 MPH or less, or an off-ramp. Lane filtering is not permitted on an on-ramp.
- Your traveling speed is 15 MPH or less.
- The vehicle you are overtaken in the same lane must be stopped.
Lane filtering is a choice and can present unique safety challenges for the inexperienced rider. If riders choose to lane filter, always use extreme caution.