Colorado Motorcycle License & Endorsement FAQ Page
How to Get a Motorcycle License in Colorado
Getting your Colorado motorcycle endorsement doesn't have to be complicated.
Colorado riders generally have two paths to adding a motorcycle endorsement to their driver's license: complete the required testing through the Colorado DMV or successfully complete an eligible Colorado Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) course and receive a Motorcycle License Waiver.
Shift Happens Motorcycle Rider Training provides Colorado state-approved motorcycle training in Denver for both new and experienced riders.
Below you'll find answers about Colorado motorcycle endorsements, license waivers, motorcycle training, and choosing the right course for your riding experience.
How do I get a motorcycle license in Colorado?
Colorado riders can earn a motorcycle endorsement by completing the required testing through the Colorado DMV or by successfully completing an eligible Colorado MOST motorcycle training course.
One path through motorcycle training looks like this:
1. Choose the motorcycle course appropriate for your experience level.
2. Complete the required motorcycle training and evaluations.
3. After successful completion, eligible students receive a Colorado Motorcycle License Waiver.
4. Complete the required Colorado DMV licensing process to have the motorcycle endorsement added to your driver's license.
Shift Happens offers state-approved motorcycle courses for both beginning and experienced riders in Denver, Colorado.
How do I get a Colorado motorcycle endorsement?
A motorcycle endorsement is added to your Colorado driver's license after you meet the applicable Colorado licensing requirements.
Instead of taking the motorcycle riding skills test through the DMV, eligible riders may successfully complete an approved Colorado MOST motorcycle training course.
After successful completion of the required course and evaluations, eligible students receive a Motorcycle License Waiver, which can be used when completing the endorsement process through the Colorado DMV.
Can I get my Colorado motorcycle endorsement by taking a motorcycle safety course?
Successfully completing an eligible Colorado MOST motorcycle training course and its required evaluations can qualify you to receive a Motorcycle License Waiver.
Shift Happens offers state-approved motorcycle training in Denver for riders who are learning to ride as well as experienced riders who need their motorcycle endorsement.
Do I have to take the Colorado DMV motorcycle riding test?
Not if you successfully complete an eligible Colorado MOST course and receive a Motorcycle License Waiver.
The waiver allows eligible students to bypass the Colorado DMV motorcycle riding skills test when completing the process to add the motorcycle endorsement to their driver's license.
You will still need to complete the applicable Colorado DMV licensing requirements.
What is a Colorado Motorcycle License Waiver?
A Colorado Motorcycle License Waiver is issued to eligible students after successful completion of an approved MOST motorcycle training course and its required evaluations.
The waiver verifies successful completion of the required motorcycle training and testing and allows the eligible student to bypass the DMV motorcycle riding skills test when applying for a motorcycle endorsement.
Both the Shift Happens 2-Day Beginner Rider Course and 1-Day Motorcycle Endorsement Course provide eligible students the opportunity to earn a Colorado Motorcycle License Waiver.
Which motorcycle course should I take?
Never ridden before or still learning?
Choose the 2-Day Beginner Rider Course.
This course is designed for new riders and starts with the fundamentals before progressively developing your motorcycle control skills.
You do not need previous motorcycle experience, and you do not need to own a motorcycle.
Motorcycle use is included in the course price.
What happens if I don't pass the motorcycle course?
Students have two opportunities to successfully complete the Written Knowledge Test and two opportunities to successfully complete the Riding Skills Evaluation.
If you do not successfully complete your first riding evaluation and remain eligible for another attempt, Shift Happens includes one structured practice session and your eligible retest at no additional cost.
The practice session gives you an opportunity to work with a RiderCoach on the skills that caused difficulty before making your second attempt.
Your included practice session and eligible retest are part of your original course price. There is no additional retest fee.
If either required evaluation is failed twice, the course must be repeated before another evaluation can be administered.
Already ride confidently?
The 1-Day Motorcycle Endorsement Course may be the better option.
This course is designed for experienced riders who already have confident control of the clutch, throttle, brakes, shifting, turning and low-speed motorcycle operation.
The 1-Day course is not a shortcut for learning how to ride. It is a faster endorsement option for people who already know how to ride.
Contact Shift Happens before registering. We'd rather help you choose the appropriate course than put you in a class that doesn't match your riding experience.
Not sure which course is right for you?
The Beginner Rider Course is designed for new riders, including students who have never operated a motorcycle or used a motorcycle clutch.
You'll begin with the fundamentals and progressively develop your skills over two days.
The 1-Day Motorcycle Endorsement Course is different. It is designed for experienced riders who already know how to operate a motorcycle confidently.
If you're still learning clutch and throttle control, shifting, braking, starting, stopping or basic turning, choose the 2-Day Beginner Rider Course.
Do I need motorcycle experience?
What if I used to ride but haven't ridden in years?
A significant break from riding can affect skills such as clutch control, braking, turning and low-speed motorcycle control.
For riders returning after several years away, we generally recommend the 2-Day Beginner Rider Course rather than trying to fit years of lost practice into a short private lesson or an experienced-rider course.
The two-day course provides substantially more riding time and an opportunity to rebuild foundational skills before progressing into more demanding exercises.
Our goal isn't simply to get you through a course. We want you prepared to ride safely when you leave.
No.
Shift Happens provides training motorcycles for the 2-Day Beginner Rider Course at no additional cost.
For the 1-Day Motorcycle Endorsement Course, experienced riders may use their own qualifying motorcycle or request to use one of ours.
Motorcycle use is included in the course price.
Do I need my own motorcycle?
Experienced riders taking the 1-Day Motorcycle Endorsement Course may use their own qualifying, street-legal motorcycle.
Students taking the 2-Day Beginner Rider Course may also ask about using their own motorcycle when appropriate.
Contact us before class if you plan to bring your own motorcycle so we can confirm that it meets the applicable course requirements.
Can I use my own motorcycle?
Does everyone pass the motorcycle course?
No. And we don't believe any responsible motorcycle school should promise that.
Successful completion means demonstrating the required knowledge and riding skills.
What we can promise is a fair opportunity to learn, practice, receive coaching and demonstrate those skills.
We won't lower a safety standard simply to produce a passing result.
Confidence matters. Competence matters more.
Where can I take a Colorado motorcycle endorsement course in Denver?
Shift Happens Motorcycle Rider Training provides Colorado state-approved motorcycle training in Denver for new and experienced riders.
Our courses use Motorcycle Safety Foundation curriculum and are taught by MSF-certified RiderCoaches.
We provide the motorcycle for our Beginner Rider Course, helmets are available, and motorcycle use is included in the course price.
Our goal is straightforward: provide honest coaching, clear expectations and a fair opportunity to succeed.
Ready to Earn Your Colorado Motorcycle Endorsement?
Choose the course that matches your current riding experience.
Never ridden or still learning?
2-Day Beginner Rider Course — $400
Designed for new riders.
No previous motorcycle experience required.
Motorcycle provided. Helmet available. Training and required course evaluations included.
Already know how to ride?
1-Day Motorcycle Endorsement Course — $275
Designed for experienced riders who already have confident motorcycle operating skills.
Use your own qualifying motorcycle or request one of ours.
Motorcycle use is included in the course price.
About Shift Happens Motorcycle Rider Training
Shift Happens Motorcycle Rider Training is a Colorado MOST-approved motorcycle training provider in Denver, Colorado.
Our Motorcycle Safety Foundation-certified RiderCoaches provide state-approved motorcycle training for beginning and experienced riders seeking the skills and qualifications needed to earn their Colorado motorcycle endorsement.
Our job isn't to sell you a motorcycle. Our job is to teach you how to operate one safely and competently.