Minnesota has two tracks for obtaining a motorcycle license: the under-18 and over-18 tracks. Both sets of applicants must pass a written test to get a Minnesota motorcycle permit. Some of the applicants must also pass a driving test with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Still other applicants for a MN motorcycle license can take a special motorcycle safety course put on by Minnesota to get a waiver of the normal driving part of the Minnesota motorcycle exam.
In all cases, the first thing an applicant for a motorcycle license in Minnesota should do is get a regular Minnesota driver’s license. This license is a prerequisite whether or not you are 18.
Additional Requirements for Applicants Under 18
Those under 18 have more stringent requirements to get a MN motorcycle license. All of these applicants must complete a Basic Rider course, which is provided by the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center. If you fall in this group, you will have to take a course plus a driving test. But you must take the course first before taking any tests with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services Division. You can find out how to enroll in this Minnesota motorcycle class at motorcyclesafety.state.mn.us/latest/mmschome.asp?cid=1.
After you complete this course (a motorcycle and helmet will be provided for you), you then need to take a written test to get a permit. Proceed to the nearest exam center to take the written test.
You will get a MN motorcycle permit if you pass the written test. Presumably, you should be ready at that time to take your motorcycle driving test since you already took the Basic Rider course. Schedule a driving test at the same Minnesota DPS driver’s license exam center. When you pass this test, you will then get your Minnesota motorcycle license.
Additional Requirements for Applicants 18 and Over
The basic requirements are the same for applicants over 18 except for a training waiver and the fact that the Basic Rider course is not mandatory. However, the state promotes the safety course by providing a waiver.
If a waiver is sought, then the applicant will follow a different order to get the waiver than applicants under 18. Instead of taking the course first, a MN motorcycle license applicant seeking a waiver must first take the written test with the Minnesota DPS to get a motorcycle permit.
After earning that permit, the applicant can then attend the Basic Rider Minnesota motorcycle course to get the driving-test waiver. Of course, these applicants can skip the training completely and just take both the written and driving Minnesota motorcycle tests with the DPS to earn a license.
Study Tip
You can use the Minnesota motorcycle manual to study for both the MN written and driving motorcycle tests. Pick up a copy from a Minnesota DPS Driver and Services Division exam station or download it online from dps.state.mn.us/dvs/DLTraining/DLManual/PDF/MotorcycleManual.pdf.
Finding an Exam Center
To schedule written and driving tests for your motorcycle permit or license, go to the DPS’s “Service Locations” page at https://dutchelm.dps.state.mn.us/dvsinfo/info/locations/locations.htm. Select “Knowledge Test” for the written portion or “Road Test” for the driving portion. The tool will then find local Minnesota driver’s license exam centers.
Resources:
Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center Main Web Page (with Training Details)
Minnesota Motorcycle Manual
