What Is a Motorcycle Endorsement?
A motorcycle endorsement is a legal authorization added to your Michigan driver’s license that permits you to operate a motorcycle on public roads. Under the Michigan Vehicle Code, riding without a valid endorsement is a civil infraction and can carry significant consequences if you are involved in an accident.
The Michigan Secretary of State issues motorcycle endorsements after the applicant demonstrates competency through testing or completion of an approved motorcycle safety course.
How to Obtain a Motorcycle Endorsement in Michigan
There are two paths to getting your endorsement:
Option 1: Secretary of State Testing. Visit a Secretary of State branch office and pass both a written knowledge test covering Michigan motorcycle laws and traffic signs, and an on-cycle skills test demonstrating basic riding competency.
Option 2: Complete an Approved Safety Course. Enroll in a Basic Rider Course at an approved training site. Upon successful completion, present your course completion card to the Secretary of State. This waives the on-cycle skills test requirement.
Applicants must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid Michigan driver’s license or permit. A Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) allows practice riding with certain restrictions before obtaining the full endorsement.
Riding Without an Endorsement: Legal Consequences
Operating a motorcycle without a proper endorsement is a civil infraction in Michigan. More critically, it can affect your legal rights if you are injured in an accident. Insurance companies routinely investigate whether an injured rider held a valid endorsement at the time of the crash.
While riding without an endorsement does not automatically bar you from recovering compensation under Michigan’s modified comparative negligence rules, the defense may argue it contributed to the accident. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can counter these arguments and protect your right to fair compensation. Contact us for a free consultation.