Montana Motorcycle Rider Safety: Licensing FAQs

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Licensing FAQs

Q: When is a motorcycle endorsement required?
A: A motorcycle endorsement is required to legally operate a motorcycle or scooter on Montana’s streets and highways. However, it is not required to legally operate an ATV.

Q: What are the restrictions of a motorcycle learner’s permit?
A: Motorcycle learner’s permits are good for one year and are non-renewable. A motorcycle learner’s permit holder must be in immediate possession of the permit, under immediate & proximate visual supervision of motorcycle endorsed licensed adult driver, and is not allowed to carry passengers.

Q: What tests must be passed to obtain a motorcycle endorsement for a Montana driver’s license?
A: A person must pass both a written test and a riding skill test. A Motorcycle Operator’s Manual is available at any Driver Examination Station to help you prepare for these tests.

Q: Does a person that has successfully completed a motorcycle rider safety course taught by Montana Motorcycle Rider Safety need to take the tests to obtain a motorcycle endorsement?
A: Yes and no. The motorcycle riding skill test is waived for those people that successfully complete a Basic or Experienced RiderCourse® taught by Montana Motorcycle Rider Safety, but the written knowledge test is still required to obtain an endorsement.

Q: Is the riding skill test waived if the motorcycle rider safety course is taken and successfully completed in another state?
A: No. Montana does not waive the riding skill test for those people that have successfully completed a motorcycle rider safety course taken in another state.

Q: Is the riding skill test waived by other states with the successful completion of a motorcycle rider safety course taught by Montana Motorcycle Rider Safety?
A: Some states waive the riding skill test or knowledge test with proof of completion of a motorcycle rider safety course taught by Montana Motorcycle Rider Safety. Check with that state!