Riding a motorcycle through Minneapolis’s vibrant streets and scenic parkways is an exciting experience, but it is also a serious responsibility, and it starts with getting your motorcycle license in Minneapolis. You must complete the proper licensing process before legally hitting the road on two wheels.
At Nelson Personal Injury, our motorcycle accident lawyers have seen firsthand what happens when motorcyclists are unprepared or unlicensed. We want every rider to start their journey correctly: with the proper training, paperwork, and understanding of the law.
Whether you are a teenager eager to earn your first endorsement or an adult ready to pursue your motorcycle license in Minneapolis, this guide will help you understand the steps, safety protocols, and legal responsibilities of becoming a licensed rider in Minneapolis.
Step 1: Hold a Valid Minnesota Driver’s License
To apply for a motorcycle endorsement, Minnesota law requires that you already have a valid Minnesota driver’s license (Class D). Without this, you cannot begin the motorcycle licensing process. This requirement ensures you understand general traffic laws and can safely operate a motor vehicle on public roads.
If you are new to Minnesota or do not yet hold a license, you must apply for and pass the standard written knowledge test, vision screening, and road test to obtain your Class D license before proceeding.
Step 2: Apply for a Motorcycle Instruction Permit
Once you have your standard driver’s license, the next step is to obtain a motorcycle instruction permit. This involves passing a written knowledge test specific to motorcycle operation, which covers topics such as safe riding practices, Minnesota motorcycle laws, and proper equipment use.
To prepare, you should review the Minnesota Motorcycle and Motorized Bicycle Manual, available online through the Department of Public Safety. When ready, take the test at your local Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) exam station. If you pass, you will pay a small fee and receive a permit valid for one year.
Key restrictions while holding a permit include:
- You must wear a DOT-approved helmet at all times.
- You must use eye protection, such as goggles or a face shield.
- You cannot carry passengers.
- You may not ride on interstate highways.
- You may not ride at night (30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise).
These restrictions are designed to protect new riders while they gain experience and confidence in safe, lower-risk environments.
Step 3: Complete a Basic Rider Course (Required for Riders Under 18)
In Minnesota, if you are under 18, you must complete a Basic Rider Course (BRC) approved by the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center (MMSC) to be eligible for a motorcycle endorsement. The BRC consists of classroom instruction and practical, hands-on riding exercises in a controlled environment. The course covers clutch control, turning, braking, and hazard avoidance.
Even if you are 18 or older and not legally required to take the course, we strongly encourage you to enroll. Riders who complete the BRC are more confident and are statistically less likely to be involved in an accident. Additionally, completing the course allows you to bypass the skills test required for endorsement.
The course is offered at various training centers throughout the Twin Cities area, and motorcycles and helmets are typically provided.
Step 4: Pass the Skills Test (If You Did Not Take the BRC)
If you opt not to take the Basic Rider Course and are 18 or older, you must take and pass the motorcycle skills test at a DVS testing station. This exam evaluates your ability to control the motorcycle in real-time scenarios. The test includes tasks such as:
- Starting and stopping smoothly
- Turning and cornering
- Avoiding obstacles
- Controlled braking
You must provide a motorcycle for the exam and demonstrate proper safety gear and control over the vehicle.
If you pass, you will receive documentation to bring to a DVS licensing office to add the endorsement. If you fail, you may retest after a waiting period.
Step 5: Get Your Motorcycle Endorsement
After completing the necessary education or testing, your final step is to apply for the motorcycle endorsement on your Minnesota driver’s license. To do this, you must visit a DVS exam station and provide:
- Proof of passing the skills test or your BRC completion certificate
- Your valid Minnesota driver’s license
- Payment for the endorsement fee
As of 2025, the motorcycle endorsement fee is approximately $30. Once processed, your license will display the “M” designation, indicating that you are legally permitted to ride a motorcycle on public roads in Minnesota.
Step 6: Insure and Register Your Motorcycle
Minnesota law requires all motorcyclists to carry insurance that meets the minimum liability requirements:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $10,000 for property damage
Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles in Minnesota are not required to carry personal injury protection (PIP). If you are hurt in a crash, you may not have coverage for your medical expenses unless you take additional coverage or seek compensation from the at-fault driver. You can still purchase PIP coverage, and you should talk to your insurance agent about the process for doing so.
Your motorcycle must also be registered with the state and display a current license plate. Registration must be renewed annually through the DVS.
Step 7: Ride Responsibly and Stay Safe
Once you are legally licensed and insured, your responsibility as a rider truly begins. Motorcycles offer freedom and fun, but they also come with increased vulnerability. As a motorcycle accident lawyer in Minneapolis, we have represented riders who suffered serious injuries despite doing everything right. Minneapolis roadways can be unpredictable, and motorcyclists’ visibility is always a concern.
We encourage all riders—new and experienced—to wear proper gear, stay alert, and continuously improve their skills. They should also take advanced safety courses, avoid high-risk behaviors like speeding and lane splitting, and never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
What to Do If You Are Involved in a Motorcycle Accident
Despite your best efforts, motorcycle accidents can still happen. If you are involved in a crash, take the following steps:
- Move to safety if possible and call 911.
- Exchange insurance and contact information with all parties involved.
- Document the scene with photos and witness statements.
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some injuries are not immediately apparent.
- Contact a Minneapolis motorcycle crash attorney as soon as possible.
We understand at Nelson Personal Injury how devastating a motorcycle accident can be. Medical bills, time off work, and long-term injuries can quickly overwhelm you. As a Minneapolis motorcycle wreck lawyer, we work with injured riders and their families to pursue full compensation from the responsible parties.
We begin investigating your case, preserving evidence, and protecting your rights from the moment you contact us.
How Our Law Firm Helps Motorcycle Riders
- Investigating the cause of your crash
- Identifying all liable parties
- Handling insurance negotiations
- Calculating damages, including pain and suffering
- Representing you in court, if necessary
We have helped countless motorcycle riders recover compensation for their injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma. You deserve an advocate who knows the law and fights for justice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting a Motorcycle License in Minneapolis
Do I need my own motorcycle to take the Basic Rider Course (BRC)?
No. Most training centers that offer the Basic Rider Course in Minnesota provide motorcycles and helmets as part of the course. This allows new riders to learn without the pressure of buying a motorcycle upfront. However, you are welcome to use your own motorcycle if it passes a safety inspection and meets course requirements.
Is lane splitting legal in Minnesota?
No. Lane splitting—riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic—is illegal in Minnesota. Riders must remain in their designated lane and follow traffic laws like other motor vehicles.
Can I ride a scooter or moped without a motorcycle license?
It depends on the engine size. In Minnesota, scooters and mopeds with engines under 50cc can be operated with a standard Class D driver’s license. You must have a motorcycle endorsement if the engine is larger than 50cc or the vehicle exceeds 30 mph.
How long does it take to get a motorcycle license in Minneapolis from start to finish?
The timeline varies based on your experience level and age. For most adults, the process can be completed in a few weeks, especially if you take the Basic Rider Course. Teens under 18 may need additional time due to mandatory training and permit holding periods.
What happens if I ride without a motorcycle license in Minnesota?
Riding without a motorcycle endorsement is considered a misdemeanor offense in Minnesota. Penalties may include fines, points on your driving record, and in some cases, vehicle impoundment or license suspension. You may also be denied insurance coverage in the event of an accident.
Get Licensed, Get Protected, and Ride Smart
Earning your motorcycle license in Minneapolis is a meaningful achievement. It allows you to ride legally and enjoy the roads with confidence. But getting licensed is only the beginning. Responsible riding is a lifelong commitment, from wearing the right gear to understanding local laws and preparing for the unexpected.
At Nelson Personal Injury, we support Minnesota’s motorcycle community by helping injured riders recover and move forward after serious crashes. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, we are ready to help.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a trusted motorcycle accident lawyer in Minneapolis.
Let us help you get back on the road—and back on your feet.
