Want to know how to get your motorcycle endorsement in Colorado? We tell you how in this MTA Riders Today post.
Photo credit: Colorado Motorcycle Rides – The Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Have you seen motorcycle riders out on the road in Colorado and thought "wow, that looks like fun. I wonder if I can do that"? Want to learn how to ride, but don't know where to start? Or have you been riding for a while and want to find out what it takes to get an endorsement? Well here is your guide to getting your motorcycle endorsement (license) in the state of Colorado.
We are a local motorcycle safety training company and have been teaching people how to ride and how to improve their ride since 2007. We have years of experience helping people get their motorcycle endorsement right here in beautiful Colorado. We are approved by the Colorado Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) Program and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).
One of the questions we get asked the most is "how do I get my motorcycle license in Colorado?". Well look no further, the answer to your question has arrived!
In this post you will learn everything you need to know to get licensed in Colorado, who needs a motorcycle endorsement; what types of endorsements are available; who can get an endorsement; why you should get one; what are the steps to getting endorsed; why a motorcycle safety course is the way to go; and how we at MTA can help you get one.
Who Needs a Motorcycle Endorsement?
According to the Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook (CMOH), anyone who wants “to operate a motorcycle on a public street or highway in Colorado.”
What Are the Different Types of Motorcycle Endorsements in Colorado?
“The general motorcycle endorsement ‘M’ qualifies you to ride a 2- or 3-wheel motorcycle. Colorado also issues a separate endorsement ‘3’ that authorizes the operation of 3-wheel motorcycles, only. Low-power scooters (engine size of 50cc or less; or if electric, 4476 watts or less, 40 mph max) do not qualify as motorcycles but Colorado law requires that you have at least a basic driver’s license to operate a low-power scooter on public streets” (CMOH).
Who Can Get a Motorcycle Endorsement?
“You must be at least 16 years of age and pass all required examinations”(CMOH). You must also currently hold a regular or CDL license before you can receive the endorsement, there is not a “motorcycle only” license in Colorado. Additionally, if you are under 18 years of age, then you are required to hold your motorcycle instruction permit for 12 months before you can add the motorcycle endorsement to your license (CMOH).
Why Should I get a License?
Riding without a motorcycle endorsement could result in hefty fines, court fees, points on your regular license, and community service. It can also cause added stress and anxiety every time you see a police officer while riding your bike, that is valuable attention that could be directed at other hazards. Additionally, if you are involved in an accident while riding a motorcycle without an endorsement, your insurance will not cover it because you are riding illegally. This could leave you with paying thousands of dollars in medical bills and repairs to your bike and potentially for any other vehicles involved as well.
For Military members you could be responsible for your own medical bills as a result of the accident and could face UCMJ action for failure to follow a lawful order. Not to mention if you were to die as a result of a motorcycle accident, your family’s survivor benefits could be put into jeopardy if the Line of Duty (LOD) determines the accident did not occur in the line of duty.
What Do I Need to Do to Get Licensed in Colorado?
There are two options for obtaining your motorcycle endorsement according to the Colorado Department of Revenue:
Option 1:
Pass the motorcycle written exam.
Once you've passed the written exam, purchase a motorcycle instruction permit.
Schedule an appointment and pass a motorcycle drive skills test with a “third party motorcycle tester” (the DMV does not offer motorcycle drive tests).
Purchase a new driver license to add motorcycle endorsement at a driver license office.
Option 2:
Complete a Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) course.
Present your original MOST license waiver card during your appointment and purchase a new driver license to the add motorcycle endorsement.
Why Should I Complete a MOST Course?
Statistics: According to the 2022 MOST Annual Report, there were 1,892 crashes involving a motorcycle in 2021. Of those, 124 were CO MOST Students that had completed a motorcycle safety course to get endorsed. That is less than 7%.
Convenience: It is a one and done option for receiving your motorcycle endorsement. It is a two-day course for new riders, and a one-day course for experienced riders. You get your completion card at the end of completing the course and you can take it to the DMV to get the endorsement added to your license in one trip.
Skills Development: A motorcycle safety course will not only teach you how to ride if you’ve never ridden before, but it will also help you learn the skills and mindset that will make you a safer rider. New riders can show up to the course with no experience at all and be able to ride a motorcycle by the end. Experienced riders can get a healthy refresher to sharpen their riding skills and police their bad habits.
Insurance Discounts: a motorcycle safety course is designed to make you a safer and more responsible rider, for that reason most motorcycle insurance companies will give you a discount for completion of a motorcycle safety course. Usually 10% to 15% off your premiums. It is possible to even receive multiple discounts for continuing education courses as well. Check with your insurance company for details.
How Can the Motorcycle Training Academy help?
Motorcycle Training Academy is Colorado's top choice for motorcycle, scooter and 3-wheel education. Whether you have never touched a motorcycle, or you have been riding for years with or without your endorsement, this is the school for you! We have trained and helped over 15,000 riders get their motorcycle endorsements in the last 6 years alone.
We offer street classes for ages 15 and up. We are approved by the Colorado Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) Program and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).
We have three different RiderCourse options for obtaining your endorsement:
Basic RiderCourse (BRC): a 2-day course for learning to ride a motorcycle and completing the state required examinations to receive your motorcycle ‘M’ endorsement. This course is designed for people who have little or no experience riding.
Experienced RiderCourse (aka BRC2): a 1-day course for refining your riding skills and preparing you to ride safely and complete the state required examinations to receive your motorcycle ‘M’ endorsement. This course is designed for experienced riders who have been riding for a while and need an endorsement.
3-Wheel Basic RiderCourse (3WBRC): a 2-day course for learning to ride a 3-wheel motorcycle and completing the state required examinations to receive your 3-wheel motorcycle ‘3’ endorsement.
We also have over 20 training motorcycle and scooter models to choose from to use during your RiderCourse. There is no charge for retaking/retesting. Didn't pass your class the first time? No worries, we'll work with you free of charge until you have the skills to succeed.
As you can see there are many reasons to get your motorcycle endorsement and ride legally in the state of Colorado. An endorsed rider can ride the hundreds of scenic roads in our beautiful state without worrying about the consequences of "riding dirty". We may be a little biased when it comes to taking motorcycle safety courses to get your endorsement, but hopefully you can see the benefits of taking one. Not only can it make you a safer, better rider, it can also pay for itself by saving you money on your motorcycle insurance. Those discounts add up over time.
We at the Motorcycle Training Academy are here to help out in any way we can, from learning to ride and getting your endorsement, to improving your ride with additional safety courses. We are committed to training riders today for a safer tomorrow. Ride safe and keep the rubber side down!
Post by: GARRETT LARSON, MTA RiderCoach
Comments