Before you can go and start riding your motorcycle in public, you will have to get a motorcycle license. This is the law in most states, as the government cannot have inexperienced people drive motorcycles and threaten lives.
That being said, the government has not made it easy to get motorcycle licenses either, especially if you are moving across states. Each state has its rules, and you must adhere to them to get your motorcycle license.
For this reason, I will be writing about how to get a motorcycle license in Minnesota and going over the main rules you have to follow.
The easiest way to get a license is to get a learner’s permit and take a few tests or a motorcycle course.
There are a few more things that you will need to do if you want your motorcycle license in this state, which is why I recommend reading this article till the end. That way, you will get all the relevant information you need.
Motorcycle License Requirements In Minnesota
Before you can begin your path to getting a motorcycle license, you must be aware of your age and the state’s standing in your age group.
This is integral as this most likely will affect the type of license you will get, depending if the state has multiple licenses.
Knowing Your Age
All of this begins by knowing your age. Depending on your age, not only will you be required to submit specific documents, but you will also be limited in your selection of licenses.
For now, I’ll talk about the documents you need to start getting your motorcycle license.
Age 16 And Below
The minimum age for you to get your license in the state of Minnesota is 17.
If you are below 17, here is what you will need to bring to get started:
- Provide written permission and signatures of your legal guardian and/or parents.
- You will also have to provide standard documents needed by the DMV for your license.
- These documents will include your birth certificate and driver’s license.
- You will have to give your ID, passport, and social security number.
- You can then proceed to the next part of getting your motorcycle license.
Age 17 And Above
Once you have reached the minimum age to be eligible for getting a license, you will have to submit this set of documents to get moving on your motorcycle license:
- You will also have to provide standard documents needed by the DMV for your license.
- These documents will include your birth certificate and driver’s license.
- Give your ID, passport, and social security number.
- Need to give a document that proves your marital status.
- You can then move on to the next part of getting your motorcycle license.
Types Of Motorcycle Licenses
As I mentioned above, depending on the state that you are in, you may be offered the choice to select different licenses.
Each of these comes with different perks and restrictions. Fortunately for the citizens of Minnesota, the state only has one license, but for clarity’s sake, I will also discuss the learner’s permit.
M Class Motorcycle License
This license is typically the one you want to get if you apply for a motorcycle license.
This is because it does not pose any restriction on you whatsoever. You can ride freely, and you can do so on any legal motorcycle at any time.
Learner’s Permit
This is not considered a license but can allow you to ride a motorcycle on public roads. You can only do so during the day and must be accompanied by an adult.
Furthermore, the adult must also have a motorcycle license and must have had it for at least three years.
How To Apply For Your Minnesota Motorcycle License
While getting the learner’s permit is much easier, getting yourself a motorcycle license is a way to go, even though it may be slightly more tedious.
At this point, you should know whether you want a license or a permit. If you decide to get a motorcycle license, here are the steps you can follow.
Step 1: Get A Driver’s License
- At this point, you should have a good idea as to what you need if you want to get a motorcycle license, but how should you proceed?
- The first thing you will need is a standard driver’s license.
- Getting a standard driving license is necessary for you to get a motorcycle license which is why you will have to apply for one if you do not have one already.
- Getting a driver’s license will involve many of the same things you will be doing for your motorcycle, so it will be good practice for getting your next license.
Step 2: Testing For Your Motorcycle License
Once you have your driver’s license and have applied for a motorcycle license, you will have to conduct a couple of tests.
Here is what you can expect:
1. Motorcycle Written Test
This first test will test your basic knowledge about the road and the motorcycle. You will need to answer 80% of the questions in this test correctly if you want to proceed. This is from a total of 25 questions.
To learn the contents of this test, you will have to read the motorcycle driver manual issued by the state.
2. Motorcycle Road Test
The road test will see your practical application of all your knowledge and see how you apply it as a capable driver
You will be asked to perform simple tasks such as accelerating, braking, u-turns, swerving, and sudden stops.
This test will be taken either on a course or public roads in the presence of a supervisor.
3. BRC Course
If you want to skip the tests, you can apply for a Basic Rider Course. You will have to attend classes from start to finish and pass a skills test by the end of them all.
The course will also cost you a separate amount and usually comes at around $160. If you are under 18, you must take this course to get your learner’s permit.
Step 3: Collecting Your Paperwork
Now that all of your tests have been completed, you will have to collect all your paperwork.
Make sure that all of the documents are accounted for as they contain crucial information. Fill out any forms they give you as well.
Step 4: Go To Your Local Driver’s License Office
Once this is done, your final task will be to head back to the office and collect your license.
Before doing so, you will have to pay a fee. Once you have paid for all your tests and the license, you will be granted a temporary license.
Your permanent license will be sent to your home within 1 to 2 weeks.
Ways To Get A Motorcycle Endorsement In MN
Getting a motorcycle endorsement in Minnesota is the same as getting a license. The only difference is that it is added to your driver’s license.
Here is how you can get a motorcycle endorsement:
Step 1: Apply For An Endorsement
Start by going to your local DMV and then applying for a motorcycle endorsement. Make sure that you bring all of the documents listed above so that there are no issues at all.
Step 2: Give The Tests Or Take A Course
Now you will have to give the same tests mentioned above. Of course, you can also just as easily skip them if you apply for a motorcycle safety course at the basic level.
Step 3: Pay The Fees And Collect
Once all of that is done, you will have to make all of the necessary payments and the fees, and then you can collect your motorcycle endorsement from the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How Long Will It Take To Get A Motorcycle License In Minnesota?
At a minimum, it should take you a week to get yourself a motorcycle license if you opt to take the tests.
If you decide to take the basic rider course, you may increase your time frame by 1 to 2 weeks. This means that at max, you can expect four weeks for your motorcycle license.
Q2. How Much Will It Cost To Get A Motorcycle License In Minnesota?
The base fee for getting yourself a motorcycle license in the state of Minnesota is a flat $21. However, this does not include the fees you will likely end up paying for the tests that you will carry out.
Q3. Should I Have A License To Ride A Motorcycle In Minnesota?
I already mentioned this at the start of this article, but just to reiterate, you need to have a motorcycle license if you want to ride your motorcycle in public.
This is a law that is present in all states, and you will need to follow it; otherwise, you risk getting a fine and your motorcycle impounded.
Conclusion
While states may differ in minuscule ways, the main steps that you need to follow are mostly the same in most states. This is true in the case of Minnesota, which simply asks you to carry out a few tests and pay a fee.
In this regard, the method can further be simplified if you decide to skip the tests in favor of getting yourself a basic motorcycle course.
While this may cost you more, it is definitely a valid strategy. Now, you should have all the information you need to know how to get a motorcycle license in Minnesota.
I am a passionate blogger who wants to spread my interest in motorcycles. Fueled by my love for motorcycles, I provide readers with valuable insights and updates on motorcycles’ informative and engaging topics and document the latest happenings in the biking community. Despite my hectic schedule, I can provide these blogs, which involve regular trips to the gym and sports like mountain biking and BMX. I am usually available most of the time, so be sure to join me on my journey of motorcycles and bikes! I appreciate a quiet and simple life and am always eager to interact with my readers to provide helpful information on my blog site.
