Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a specific question about motorcycle riding techniques, please try the Safety Tips page.
1. Can I get my motorcycle endorsement through the safety class? Yes. Licensed Minnesota drivers 18 years of age or older with a valid motorcycle permit can earn their endorsement by passing the basic rider course. The MMSC basic course also fulfills safety course requirements for Wisconsin and North Dakota residents. The advanced course (ERC Skills Plus) does not qualify for the license encorsement.
2. How do I sign up for a motorcycle class? Contact the school at which you would like to take the class. See the course schedule for class locations and contact information, or call 800-407-6677 to find a class near you.
3. Do I need to have a motorcycle?
In the basic class, you may bring your own motorcycle or scooter that is street legal and insured, or you can use one of our training bikes. All of our bikes are between 125 and 500 cc. In the advanced class, you must ride your own motorcycle that is street legal and present proof of insurance. The moped class is classroom only, no moped is needed.
4. Where and when are the motorcycle classes offered? Classes are offered throughout the state of Minnesota from mid-April through September. There are 21 state colleges and universities offering classes at more than 30 locations. Basic classes (14.5 hours) usually run on a one-weeknight, two-weekend-day schedule. Weekday and evening classes are available in June. Advanced classes (5 hours) run on weekends and weeknights. Moped classes (4.5 hours) usually run on weeknights. See the course schedule for more details.
5. How much do the motorcycle classes cost? The basic course costs $160. The advanced course costs $55. The moped course costs $35.
6. How long of a wait is it to take a motorcycle class? The waiting period for the basic and advanced classes is usually two to three weeks. However, classes fill up fast in April and May, so the wait can be up to two months during that time. To enroll in a class in April or May, you should register no later than the first week in February. The wait for moped classes is usually less than a week.
7. What do I need to bring for my motorcycle class? For the basic class, you’ll need to bring your drivers license or drivers permit, helmet, eye protection, long pants and sleeves, full-fingered gloves, and shoes or boots that cover your ankles. If you’re a Minnesota resident 18 years of age or older and planning to obtain your motorcycle license endorsement, you’ll also need a motorcycle permit. For the advanced class, you’ll need all of the above plus your own motorcycle, a motorcycle endorsement or permit, and proof of insurance. You don’t need to bring anything to the moped class.
8. Do I need my motorcycle permit to take the basic class? No. You only need a driver’s license or driver’s permit to take the basic class. However, if you want to earn a motorcycle endorsement through the class, Minnesota drivers must be 18 or older and have a valid motorcycle permit (Wisconsin and North Dakota residents do not need a permit to take the course for endorsement.) Those with expired motorcycle permits can still get their license if the permit has been expired for less than one year and they have not tested on it since expiration.
9. What do I need to study for the motorcycle permit test? The permit test is based on the Minnesota Motorcycle/Motorized Bicycle Manual. To download an electronic copy, click here.
10. Where do I go to take the motorcycle permit test? Go to the nearest state exam station to take the written permit test. The fee is $21. For a list of exam station locations, click here.
11. I lost my course completion card. How do I get another one? If you took the course before 2003, contact Comprehensive Safety Systems at 763-757-3478 or http://www.comprehensivesafety.org/ for a replacement card. If you took the course in 2003 or later, contact the school at which you took the course. For school contact information, click here.
12. What is the difference between a motorcycle and a moped (or a scooter)? Riding a motorcycle requires a motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle permit. A moped can be ridden on the street by any licensed driver, or anyone 15 years of age or older with a moped permit. A scooter is either a moped or a motorcycle, depending on its size: A moped is defined as having 50 cc or less, having 2 hp or less, and capable of no more than 30 mph. If it does not meet all three requirements, it is considered a motorcycle. For information on electrically assisted bicycles, see the online motorcycle manual.
13. How do I get a motorcycle endorsement? For adults (18 years of age or older), who have a valid Minnesota or Wisconsin driver’s license, there are two ways: 1) Take the knowledge (permit) test and the riding (endorsement) test at a state exam station. For a list of state exam stations, click here. 2) Take the knowledge (permit) test at a state exam station, and then take our basic rider course. If you pass, you’ll qualify for your motorcycle endorsement without having to take the riding test at the state exam station. If you are a minor (younger than 18 years of age), you must take our basic course first, then take the knowledge (permit) test and the riding (license) test at a state exam station. To view full details of the motorcycle endorsement process, click here.
14. How do I get a moped permit? If you are 15 years of age or older or you do not have a driver’s license, you must take a moped safety class, then take the knowledge and riding tests at a state exam station. For a list of exam stations, click here.
15. Where can I get one of those “Start Seeing Motorcyclists” bumper stickers? Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Bumper Sticker, Motorcycle Safety, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, 444 Cedar Street, Suite 155, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101. To view all available MMSC safety materials, click here.
16. How do I become a motorcycle instructor? The MMSC trains new rider coaches once a year during the spring. If you have taken a basic or experienced rider course within the last two years and have a good driving record, contact the MMSC and ask to be placed on the mailing list for rider coach candidates. Information packets and application forms are distributed once a year in the fall. If selected, you will receive 64 hours of unpaid training and be required to pass a knowledge test, skill test, student teaching assignment, and DPS license-examiner test. Once certified, you will become a part-time state employee, licensed to teach at any MMSC site in the state. For detailed information about the rider coach preparation course, click here.
17. Is dirt bike training available through the MMSC? No. However, Dirtbike Tech (763-757-3478) offers dirt bike schools. You can also find dirt bike schools by calling 877-288-7093.
18. Does anyone else offer motorcycle training in Minnesota? Yes. Harley-Davidson dealerships offer Rider’s Edge BRC and ERC courses in Elk River, Faribault, St. Paul, and Winona. Visit the Rider's Edge Web site for more details or to find a dealer providing training. RiderAcademy provides the BRC, ERC, and Total Control ARC in St. Paul, Fridley, Delano, and Little Falls. Ride Safe, Ride Smart offers the MSF BRC and ERC course in the Windom and Fairmont area. Other organizations provide advanced training at Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount, Minn. For a full listing of other providers, click here.
19. I am from Wisconsin. Can I get my endorsement through the Minnesota basic class? Yes. You will need to complete a Wisconsin waiver form and submit it to your instructor. Once you have successfully completed the class, an official Wisconsin waiver form will be mailed to you. If necessary, the proof of enrollment form can be mailed to you before the start of the class.
20. What personal safety equipment is required to ride a motorcycle in Minnesota? Eye protection is required for all motorcycle or moped operators in Minnesota. A DOT-approved helmet is required for operators younger than 18 and for riders with an instruction permit. Adults with valid motorcycle endorsements can choose whether or not to wear a helmet in Minnesota.
Last Updated 3/30/2010
