What You Need to Know About the Michigan Motorcycle Safety Course (2025)

To legally ride a motorcycle on public roads in Michigan, most riders must complete a certified Michigan Motorcycle Safety Training Program. This course follows standards set by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) to ensure consistent and high-quality training across the state.

✅ Who Needs the Michigan Motorcycle Safety Course?

You must take a motorcycle safety course or pass a rider skills test to get your motorcycle endorsement (CY). However, a certified safety course lets you waive the skills test. Training is required for:

• Riders aged 16 or 17
• Riders 18 or older who have failed the skills test twice

🧾 What to Bring to Your Motorcycle Safety Class

All safety courses require riders to bring specific gear for protection during training. Be prepared with:

• ✔️ DOT-approved motorcycle helmet (required for all participants)
• ✔️ Long-sleeve jacket or thick shirt
• ✔️ Heavy-duty long pants
• ✔️ Eye protection (goggles or glasses—even with a full-face helmet)
• ✔️ Full-fingered gloves
• ✔️ Over-the-ankle boots with hard soles (no high heels or gym shoes)
• ✔️ Rain and cold-weather gear, if needed
• ✔️ Pen or pencil for paperwork

🛣️ How to Get Your Michigan Motorcycle Endorsement

1. To obtain a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP), visit a Michigan SOS branch to take both a vision test and a written test, which has a fee of $16.
2. Practice riding with a CY-endorsed motorcyclist for up to 180 days
3. Complete a certified safety course OR pass a rider skills test
4. Submit your certificate at a branch office to get your CY endorsement

🛡️ Safety Tips from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourages riders to remember the following tips for safe motorcycle operation:

• 🚗 Always double-check blind spots—motorcycles are easy to miss
• 🏍️ Don’t assume a bike is speeding just because it looks fast
• 💡 Motorcycle turn signals may not auto-cancel—use caution
• 🚦 Maintain extra stopping distance between your vehicle and a bike
• 🛣️ Riders may shift within the lane to avoid debris or improve visibility

📍 Find a Local Michigan Motorcycle Training Site

Use the official Motorcyclist Training Site Locator from the Michigan Department of State to find an approved provider near you.

📣 Final Tip

After completing your training and earning your endorsement, please ensure you have the appropriate motorcycle insurance coverage in place.
See what Michigan Motorcycle Insurance covers by clicking the link.

🏍️ Get a Free Michigan Motorcycle Insurance Quote