Motorcycle rider leaning into a curve

Get your motorcycle endorsement

How to get a motorcycle endorsement

There are 2 ways to get a motorcycle endorsement:

Teen riders (under 18)

If you’re under 18 years of age, you must satisfactorily complete an approved rider course before you can apply for a motorcycle endorsement. You must have parental permission to take the course, and to apply for the endorsement.

How to get a sidecar/trike endorsement

3-wheel vehicle requirements

If you ride a 3-wheel vehicle in Washington, you must get a sidecar/trike endorsement unless your vehicle meets all of the following requirements:

  • The seat is in a partially or completely enclosed seating area.
  • The vehicle is equipped with safety belts.
  • The vehicle is steered with a steering wheel.

How to get your sidecar/trike endorsement

There are 2 ways to get a sidecar/trike endorsement:

  • If you don’t take an approved rider course, you must pass the sidecar/trike knowledge test to get an instruction permit (different than the 2-wheel motorcycle test), and pass the sidecar/trike riding test to get your endorsement.
  • If you complete and pass an approved rider course at a sidecar/trike training school, bring your completion card to any driver licensing office within 180 days to have the knowledge and riding tests waived.

Teen riders (under 18)

If you’re under 18 years of age, you must satisfactorily complete an approved rider course before you can apply for a sidecar/trike endorsement. You must have parental permission to take the course, and to apply for the endorsement.

Motorcycle instruction permits

Permits are valid for 90 days, and can be renewed 1 time. To apply, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years of age.
  • Have a valid Washington State driver license.
  • Pass a knowledge test on motorcycle operation.
  • If under 18 years of age, have a parent in attendance to sign the consent form.

Rules for riding with a permit

While riding with an instruction permit on a public roadway:

  • You may not carry passengers.
  • You may not ride a motorcycle during the hours of darkness.

Tests

Knowledge tests

You may take the knowledge test at any driver licensing office.

  • You don’t need an appointment to take a knowledge test for an instruction permit.
  • Knowledge testing hours end 30 minutes before the close of business in each licensing office.

Riding tests

You must schedule an appointment to take a riding test for your motorcycle or trike endorsement. Riding test times and locations will vary, depending on the licensing office. For information about available riding test dates and times, see:

Fees

  • Motorcycle instruction permit: $15
    This will be collected when your instruction permit is issued. There isn’t a fee to take the knowledge test for a motorcycle instruction permit.
  • Original motorcycle endorsement: $25
    This includes a $5 application fee, and $20 for your endorsement and new driver license. The $5 application fee is charged each time you apply for or take a skills test for an endorsement.
  • Renewal of motorcycle endorsement: $25
    This is paid in addition to the regular driver license renewal fees.

Vehicle impound law

By law, your motorcycle may be impounded if you operate it without the proper endorsement.

Questions?

If you have questions about getting your motorcycle or sidecar/trike endorsement, please send us an email at motorcycle@dol.wa.gov.

Related laws

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