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Department of Licensing Brochure

Like any other sport, motorcycling requires specialized physical and mental skills; training and practice are required to develop and maintain those skills. You should take training at regular intervals to refresh and build upon your acquired skills, and to maintain muscle memory.

What can training do for you?

Self-taught riders, or those taught by their peers, miss out on important lessons from professional motorcycle instructors such as defensive riding techniques, street strategies, and roadway management skills. In Washington State, the top three causes of motorcycle crashes are speeding, improper cornering, and impairment. Taking additional courses may help you learn how to avoid making these fatal errors. Courses are designed to be fun and engaging, and they may even save you money on your insurance rates!

Course Topics Include:

Risk management Situational awareness Street strategies Hazard anticipation

Dynamic lane positioning

Training schools and Testing Sites

To find an approved training school/testing site near you, visit our website at www.dol.wa.gov

 

Can I take additional training if I already have my permit or endorsement?

YES! There are a variety of courses available for riders to continue their education, and some are subsidized by the Motorcycle Safety Program. Check with your nearest schools for course availability.

Motorcycle skills are perishable. You should take continuing education/training courses as often as possible. Additional training will teach you new skills and refresh the skills you have; it can help you become the best rider you can be, no matter how long you have been riding.

Additional Training Course Examples:

On-street courses

Advanced cornering courses Off-road classes

Private training

Bike bonding courses

Training Course Fees

Permit and endorsement fees collected by the Department of Licensing are used to subsidize motorcycle training to keep costs affordable for Washington residents and military members stationed in Washington. Please reach out to your local school for rider course fee information.

Nonresidents or residents who take a non-subsidized course pay full tuition costs as determined by the motorcycle safety school.

Contact us by email or phone:

Email ..............motorcycle @dol. wa.gov

Phone............... (360) 902-3900

TTY.................. (360) 664-0116

WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF

LICENSING

For more information, please visit our website at: www.dol.wa.gov.

We are committed to providing equal access to our services. For information visit dol.wa.gov/access

{TDD/TTY call 711).

2000-560-102 (R/12/21)

 

MOTORCYCLE PERMITS AND ENDORSEMENTS

 

TRAINING FOR LIFE

The more you know, the better you ride

 

 

 

Legal Requirements

Because two- and three-wheeled motorcycles handle differently, separate training, testing, permits and endorsements for each are required by RCW

46.20.515.

To legally operate a motorcycle on Washington State roadways, you must:

Have a motorcycle endorsement or permit

Wear eye protection and a DOT-compliant helmet

Have a minimum of liability insurance coverage for your motorcycle.

If you operate a motorcycle on a public roadway without having the required endorsement or permit, your motorcycle can be impounded, and you may face a fine up to $389.

     
 

IF YOU ARE UNDER 18

 
 
 

You must be at least 16 years of age to obtain a motorcycle permit or endorsement

 

You must pass an approved motorcycle safety course (RCW 46.20.100) before you can apply for a motorcycle endorsement. You need parental or guardian permission to take the course and apply for the endorsement

 


Getting Your Permit

To get a two-wheel permit, you must pass the permit knowledge and skills tests.

To get a three-wheel permit, you must pass a knowledge test.

A permit is valid for 180 days

You can renew it once for an additional 180 days before the first permit expires

You must retest if you don't renew before your first permit expires

You cannot get more than two permits within a 5-year period.

There are two ways you can get a permit:

By successfully completing an approved motorcycle safety course

By successfully completing the required testing at an approved motorcycle safety school.

Adding a Permit to Your Driver License

You must wait 3 business days for the school to enter your course/test results into the DOLlicensing system before applying for a motorcycle permit

You must apply for your permit within 180 days of successful test completion

You must have a valid WA State driver license

You must apply for a motorcycle permit online or at a licensing office

You must pay the required fees to add a permit to your driver license.

 

Getting Your Endorsement

You can get a two-wheel endorsement if:

You have passed the permit tests and the endorsement knowledge and skills tests within the last 180 days

OR

You have a valid 2-wheel permit and have passed the endorsement knowledge and skills tests within the last 180 days.

You can get a three-wheel endorsement if:

You have passed the 3-wheel knowledge and skills tests

OR

You have a valid 3-wheel permit and have passed the skills test within the last 180 days.

You can get an endorsement:

By successfully completing the required knowledge and skills tests which may be included in a motorcycle safety course.

Adding an Endorsement to Your Driver License

You must wait 3 business days for the school to enter your course/test results into the DOLlicensing system before applying for a motorcycle endorsement

You must apply for your endorsement within 180 days of successful test completion

You must have a valid WA State driver license

You must apply for a motorcycle endorsement online or at a licensing office

You must pay the required fees to add an endorsement to your driver license.

 

You are not eligible to complete a transaction online. You must visit a licensing office with your parent or guardian to obtain a motorcycle permit or endorsement.

 

                                                                                                                                                                

   

    

For more information visit our website at www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/motorcycles.html.

 

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